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Just as humans do, pets can get minor cuts or abrasions from time to time. For many, our first instinct is often to clean out the wound and grab the Neosporin, but is this a safe or effective option for dogs? The general answer is yes, but there are several factors to consider when deciding if this is the right course of action for your pup and their wound.
What is Neosporin?
Neosporin is the well-known, brand name for a common triple antibiotic ointment. Neosporin can be conveniently purchased over the counter and used for minor cuts or abrasions in an attempt to prevent infection from developing while a wound heals. It is made up of three active ingredients: Neomycin, Polymyxin and Bacitracin. All three are antibiotics; therefore, Neosporin is only useful to fight bacterial infections and would not work against fungal or viral infections. There are off-brand antibiotic ointments with the same three ingredients as well as antibiotic ointments that contain just single antibiotics, both of which work similarly. Consider creating a dog first aid kit containing a topical antibiotic ointment in addition to bandage material in the event that your pup gets injured.
Just as some humans can be allergic to the antibiotics found in Neosporin, dogs can too. Prior to applying to a large area for the first time, it is recommended to perform a patch test. This can be accomplished by applying a thin layer to a small spot and monitoring for skin irritation such as any redness or a rash. If this occurs wash the area with soap and water to remove the product, consult your vet, and do not reapply. Let your vet know what happened so they can document the allergy in your pet’s medical chart.
Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs?
When it comes to minor superficial injuries in dogs, Neosporin can be a safe and effective option to reduce the risk of infection while a wound heals. If it makes you feel better, consider consulting your vet prior to use. Can dogs take human antibiotics? When it comes to Neosporin, yes, but you should not give any oral antibiotics to your dog that your human doctor prescribed for you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using Neosporin in pets. Dogs may be tempted to lick the ointment off soon after application. While this is unlikely to cause more than a little gastrointestinal upset, if licked right off, Neosporin will not be effective. Try your best to keep your pet from licking after application for best results. Part the fur to allow direct access to the skin and apply a light layer. Avoid excessive application and do not apply to areas near the eyes or mouth.
Can My Dog’s Wound be Treated with Neosporin?
When it comes to wounds, step one is to clean the wound, then evaluate its severity. You can use mild soap and water, a sterile saline wound wash, or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide. If bleeding occurs, hold pressure until it is under control. Clipping fur away from the area can help ease evaluation and treatment especially in dogs with thick or long coats. If bleeding persists past 5 min of pressure, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian.
After cleansing, determine the severity of the wound before deciding if triple antibiotic ointment is an appropriate option. Deep wounds, like punctures from a dog bite, and larger lacerations should not be treated with Neosporin as topical antibiotics will not reach deeper tissues where bacteria may have been introduced. Wounds like these require evaluation and management by a veterinarian and will likely require a systemic antibiotic for dogs for optimal treatment. Your vet can also prescribe pain meds for dogs that can help keep your fur baby comfortable while healing from a more severe wound.
Wound Management in Dogs
Keeping your pet from licking any wound is essential for proper healing and reduces the introduction of bacteria which can delay healing. To keep your pet from licking, an Elizabethan collar, or cone, may be necessary temporarily. Sometimes bandaging can be an option too, either in addition to or instead of a cone. Some dogs may also be inclined to chew a bandage off, therefore it is not always considered a direct alternative to the cone and using both may be necessary.
Bandaging helps create an extra barrier to the outside environment, but improper bandaging technique and management can be detrimental to your pet. A bandage applied too tightly can reduce circulation and lead to swelling below the bandage, especially on the limbs. A reduction in circulation can actually worsen a wound. Bandaging may not be the best option for all pets or all types of wounds. If not changed frequently enough or when soiled, bandages can trap moisture. This dark, damp environment is perfect for bacteria to thrive. If you are not comfortable bandaging or you attempted bandaging and now feel things look worse, consult your veterinarian to ensure things are done correctly.
Alternatives to Neosporin
As mentioned, Neosporin is a brand name product. Using a generic triple antibiotic ointment can be just as effective at creating a barrier to bacteria. For many mild, superficial scrapes or abrasions, antibiotics may not be necessary. Using a topical antimicrobial wipe or wash, such as those containing chlorhexidine can be a good option to keep the wound clean during healing without applying ointment. In some cases, topical antibiotics are warranted. If using Neosporin is not recommended by your vet or you are not comfortable with it, your vet should be able to offer alternatives. This can include sprays containing a steroid and antibiotic combo, stronger topical antibiotic ointments, like Mupirocin, or topical antimicrobials, like silver sulfadiazine. Each medication has different indications and therefore will require a physical exam by your veterinarian to be prescribed appropriately.
Role of Pet Insurance for Canine Health
While vet visits for minor wounds in pets may not be super expensive, in the case of an emergency such as a large laceration or severe dog fight, medicals bills can add up quickly into the hundreds to thousands. Some wounds require surgical debridement and stitches to repair, others require weeks, or even months of weekly to daily bandage changes and antibiotics. Pet insurance gives owners a financial safety net that allows them to choose the best care possible for their pets without having to think twice. Embrace offers competitive, comprehensive health coverage for dogs and cats. Getting your dog insurance from adoption, prior to the development of any pre-existing conditions, is the responsible thing to do as a pet owner.
Neosporin for Dogs
When it comes to minor, superficial wounds, Neosporin can be a good option to prevent infection during the healing process. It is important to keep your pet from licking wounds to avoid the introduction of bacteria from their mouth. Additionally, if Neosporin is applied to the wound and pets lick it, the ointment is not likely to be as effective and can lead to stomach upset. If you feel unsure about whether a wound should be treated with Neosporin, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to have the wound evaluated and get their recommendation on best management strategies. Not all wounds are created equal, so when in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.