Is Neosporin Safe for Dogs?
Neosporin is a topical antibacterial ointment commonly used by people who have minor scrapes and cuts. It kills surface bacteria and acts as a physical barrier to environmental bacteria, while also soothing the wound. It is often used for minor skin infections as well as surface bacterial infections. Neosporin is comprised of three ingredients:
1. Bacitracin – A polypeptide used for killing surface bacteria, such as cuts, scrapes and burns.
2. Neomycin – This antibiotic drug is often used to treat intestinal infections. It is also used to reduce symptoms associated with hepatic coma. It does carry the possibility of side effects, such as numbness, twitching or hearing problems.
3. Polymyxin B – This powerful antibiotic is normally used to treat urinary tract infections, meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis. It also has a long list of side effects, such as dizziness, blurry vision, hives, and rash among others.
When used together, as an ointment, they are called a Triple Antibiotic Ointment. Neosporin is one of several brand names for this product.
There is a main difference between the usage on humans versus usage on pets:
Humans don’t lick off the ointment. Dogs nearly always lick off anything foreign on their skin, especially from the dog’s wound.
What to Know Before Using Neosporin on Your Dog
Neosporin, along with other triple antibiotic ointments, kill any live bacteria on the skin’s surface, making it an ideal treatment for scrapes, shallow cuts, and mild burns. It can be a physical barrier to environmental bacteria for treating minor cuts.. It is not, however, always the ideal solution for your pet.
Patch Test Your Pet
Considering the potential of Neosporin causing more harm than good, you should begin by patch testing to ensure your dog is not allergic to the triple antibiotic compound. You should choose a spot where your dog cannot lick off the Neosporin ointment, such as at the base of their head.
Separate the fur with your fingers, then place a small dab of Neosporin there. Some dogs can take 6-24 hours before an allergic reaction is apparent, so if you intend to use Neosporin on your pet at some point in the future, do this patch test before your pet might be injured.
Factors to Consider
Not every wound should be handled the same way. Most of the time your veterinarian is the best one to handle your pet’s health care.
Veterinarians are best equipped to know how to recognize when a dog wound may be more severe than you had initially thought. What sometimes appears as a small scratch could actually be a puncture wound, requiring specific treatment protocols.
· Size of the Wound
The type and size of a wound dictate the appropriate treatment. Where Neosporin might work well with minor abrasions, it should not be used for puncture wounds or wounds that are bleeding heavily.
· Location of the Wound
If the wound is in an area where your pet can easily lick it, do not use the Neosporin, unless it can be bandaged. Pets often lick off any topical treatments and ingesting Neosporin can cause an upset stomach as well as diarrhea and vomiting. It can also affect your dog’s hearing as the Neomycin antibiotic carries this side effect.
· Allergic Reactions
Dogs can have allergies just like dog owners. Though rarer, cats can also have reactions. Neosporin has documented side effects, several of which are allergic reactions. Be sure to do the patch test prior to using topical medications on your pet’s minor wounds.
When Should You Use Neosporin on Your Dog?
Neosporin can be used safely on pets who have minor abrasions, such as shallow cuts, scrapes, minor injuries or burns. After cleaning the wound with water and mild soap, place a thin layer of ointment on the wound. Then, cover the wound with a bandage. If your pet can access the bandage, use a neck cone to prevent your pet from removing the bandage and/or licking the wound.
Caring for a Minor Wound
A Triple Antibiotic such as Neosporin is a good antibacterial ointment to use for dog injuries such as minor cuts, burns or shallow wounds. But it should not be the first step in wound treatment. Veterinarians suggest the following protocols when treating minor wounds:
1. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove debris.
2. Pat the wound dry, with a paper towel.
3. Apply an antiseptic such as Chlorhexidine or Povidone Iodine, using a piece of cotton. This will ensure that any existing bacteria is cleared from the wound.
4. Next, apply the topical ointment. This can be Neosporin or another Triple Antibacterial ointment, such as Silver Biotics or Forticept, which is a Neosporin for dogs.
5. The wound should then be bandaged.
Your Pet is Not Always a Willing Patient
Most pets do not accept bandaging. If they can reach it, the bandage will be removed, making all your efforts useless. Make sure the bandage is not too tight causing blood flow restrictions which is also not beneficial to your pet.
As most pets are not the best patients, you will need a means of keeping them still as you administer their treatment. While the best approach is early training, so your pet understands their environment and how to behave within given parameters, it is not often that you have to administer their wounds.
For dogs, giving them something to eat as you administer the wound will keep them fairly steady for long enough to finish what you need to do. While some cats would be satisfied with food to keep them steady, you may have to wrap them in a towel to protect yourself from being scratched or bitten.
Getting someone to help you by keeping your pet occupied is the best means of ensuring you can properly administer your pet’s skin abrasion. Sometimes, your pet will need to be held very still to remain safe during the procedure.
The best means of ensuring your pet will not pull off the bandaging is to use an Elizabethan collar or other type of post-surgical dog head cone. There are many choices available that offer soft sides.
How to Apply Neosporin on a Dog’s Wound
Once cleaned, use a cotton ball for ointment application. Place a small dab of ointment on the cotton ball. Gently, spread the ointment on the wound. Be sure to keep the Triple Antibiotic ointment away from your pet’s nose, ears, mouth and eyes.
If blood wells up after the ointment application, you’ll need to reclean the wound and press a gauze pad or clean piece of paper towel against the wound until the bleeding stops. Then reapply the topical antibiotic.
What to Do if Your Dog Gets a Wound
The first step is to discern the wound’s severity. Is it a puncture? Is it deep enough to see past thick skin layers to muscle below? Is it bleeding heavily? If any of these are the case, wrap the wound and take your pet to the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If the wound is minor, however, such as a scratch or scrape, you can treat it safely at home.
Clean and flush the wound using mild soap
Using a clean, soft cloth that has been moistened with warm water, gently wash the wound, then rinse it to ensure there are no debris left behind. Mild soap can be helpful in removing small particles prior to a final rinse. Then pat it dry with a dry washcloth or paper towel.
Consult your veterinarian
Regardless of whether, or not, you believe the wound to be minor, it is a good idea to consult with your pet’s veterinarian. Be sure to explain how the wound occurred and how you treated it.
Apply a small amount of vet-approved ointment
If you have a vet-approved ointment such as Vetrysin Plus, Aloe Care, Solocite Wound Gel, or the Triple Antibiotic ointment, place some on a cotton ball and dab the wound. Only use wound treatments where the pet cannot access it. Though these products are proven to be safe for dogs they won’t be helpful if your dog removes it.
Try covering the wound with a bandage
If the wound is in an area where your pet cannot access it, covering the wound would be a good idea to reduce the chance of infection or irritation. Should the pet be able to access the bandage you will need to remain observant to redirect their attention should they attempt to remove the bandage.
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