This topical antibiotic drug can help address pocket-sized wound , but it ’s not always the better choice for hot dog .

If you get a track or scratch , it ’s normal to get through for a vacuum tube of Neosporin to help you cure . This may lead you to do the same if your dog has a minor wound . But is Neosporin safe for dogs ? And can you use other antibiotic topicals on your pup ? The answer is maybe — it really depends on a few factor . It ’s important to understand what is in Neopsorin and other topical ointment , the endangerment for firedog , and what you could expend instead .

What Is Neosporin?

Neosporin is the brand name of a line of topical antibiotic wound care ware . These products are intended to treat minor , trivial wounds like slash and scrapes . You may be most familiar with the original Neosporin ointment , which contains three topical antibiotics in a petroleum base :

The topical antibiotics in Neosporin work together to forestall infection , while the substructure ointment or pick humidify the lesion to promote healing . Some Neosporin intersection also contain a topical anaesthetic call pramoxine that can reduce bother and itching . Most formulas are also usable as topical creams .

you could usually find generic antibiotic ointments or cream with the same or exchangeable constituent — these may be call " triple antibiotic " ointments or creams . Neosporin and its generic counterparts are useable over - the - counter and labeled for usance in world .

bandaging a dog’s paw; can you put neosporin on a dog

Photo: Getty Images

Can You Put Neosporin on a Dog?

When used properly , it ’s generally considered good to put Neosporin on dogs , and the same go for generic triple antibiotic topicals . But there are a few caveats .

Risk of Ingestion

Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area . So , applying Neosporin mean your dog will likely lick off the medication and ingest it .

Ingesting Neosporin can be problematic . In fact , injectable neomycinhas been linkedto hearing deprivation in dogs . Although licking a small amount of the drug may not be enough to cause any issues , it also might not be deserving the risk . Additionally , ingest antibiotic can upset the instinctive balance of microorganisms in the dog ’s intestine — scream the microbiome — potentially leading todiarrhea , vomiting , and other GI proceeds . The amount of participating component in Neosporin is low , so licking a fiddling bit is unlikely to harm your dog . However , regular utilisation can contribute to GI upset .

Bacterial Infection

lap wound can also cause innervation and enclose bacteria into the injury , which detain healing and can lead to transmission . Licking can be prevented with an Elizabethan neckband , commonly yell acone .

Allergic Reaction

It ’s also possible for your dog to have anallergic reactionto Neosporin and like production . The domestic dog may explicate a rash , hives , or facial intumescence . Anaphylaxisis a uncommon reaction , but it ’s serious and require contiguous veterinary attention .

The general consensus is that dogs do n’t really gain from topicals like Neosporin for pocket-size injuries . Many ex-serviceman find that modest wounds mend fine without topical medications ( as long as the weenie does n’t lick the area ) . It ’s in effect to clean the wound and call your veterinarian for advice , and avoid applying product like Neosporin unless your veterinary surgeon counsel it .

How to Treat Your Dog’s Wounds

If your dog go a humble slash or scrape , softly clean the country with mild soap and water , then pat the area dry with a sporting towel . If the injury is still bleeding , apply pressure for a min or so . get hold of your vet if the bleeding continues , the wound seems deep or severe , or if you notice strange material in the injury .

Watch the country for the next few days , keeping it clean and dry . Be sure to prevent your dog from licking the area . Visit your vet if the wound continues to look swollen , bulge oozing pus or fluid , or seems extremely painful .

What to Do if Your Dog Licks Neosporin

If you utilize a topical like Neosporin and your wiener is clobber it , clean the area and contact your vet . Fortunately , licking Neosporin is unlikely to causetoxicity in dogs . However , your vet ’s office can tell you if the lesion require veterinary attention . They can also advise you on what to do if your dog experiences GI burden from ingesting the Neosporin .

If your frump run through a large amount of Neosporin ( like the whole tube ) right away contact your local vet , apet emergency brake nitty-gritty , or a preferent toxicant control service likeASPCA Animal Poison Controlat(888 ) 426 - 4435orPet Poison Helplineat(855 ) 764 - 7661 . Your dog may take treatment at a veterinary infirmary .