Is it safe to put Neosporin on your pet? Here’s the truth people.
People always ask us “My dog has a cut, can I use neosporin?” and we say YES! Neosporin is safe for dogs and you should definitely apply it to any injury they may have and also remember to keep an eye on it over the next 24 hours. This is because if your dog gets an infection or develops tissue damage, this may cause problems too.
It sounds like neosporin is safe, but what about all those other things you see in stores? For example:
Triple antibiotic ointment (Neomycin Sulfate, Bacitin Zinc, and Polymyxin B Sulfate)
This type of ointment (which is normally kept behind the counter) can be dangerous for dogs and cats because it may cause a severe allergic reaction known as Anaphylaxis. This is an emergency condition that requires immediate veterinary care. Even though Neosporin doesn’t contain one of these ingredients, neomycin sulfate, we’d still recommend asking your vet if you’re worried about using this type of product on your dog or cat!
Penicillin G Procaine This type of ointment usually contains penicillin G procaine which is something some vets don’t recommend because it can cause serious side effects such as: seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy… Yikes! So remember not to apply this type of ointment to your dog…
is neosporin safe for dogs?
On the other hand…Neosporin is a great alternative and we recommend putting it on anything from: small cuts, scrapes or burns. We do however, recommend you ask your vet before using it if:
your pet has allergies
your pet has never used Neosporin before (because they may have an allergic reaction)
Discuss with your vet how much to use and when to monitor. Another thing that’s important here is that you know what NOT to put on/near injured tissue such as: hydrogen peroxide or alcohol (which can actually the risk of injuries). That’s why it’s always a good idea to read and follow the directions on your neosporin product.
What happens if a dog licks Neosporin?
Don’t worry, they can lick it right off and won’t have any negative effects! If you think your pet might try licking their injury, put a little bit of cooking oil around the injury before putting on Neosporin. This makes it taste bad for them and they will likely avoid licking that area.
Is Neosporin safe for dog wounds?
Yes! Neosporin is safe for dogs and we definitely recommend it. Remember that if your dog has an allergic reaction to the ingredients in neosporin, they may develop a rash or hives around the area you applied it. So be sure to keep an eye on them and call your vet right away if you see anything that seems concerning.
What can you put on a dog wound?
Honestly, anything you can put on yourself! If your dog has an open wound or bite mark, then it’s safe to use neosporin. Just be sure to ask your vet if you’re worried about putting something else on them and also remember not to apply the ointment where they may lick it off (because this could cause an allergic reaction).
Can you put Neosporin in a dogs mouth?
No, you shouldn’t put neosporin in a dogs mouth. Dogs don’t get allergies to it like humans do, but they can still get infections from the ointment getting into their mouths and throat. If your dog decides to lick that area or if some gets into their mouth accidentally (when applying the product), then they may develop an infection and can get: diarrhea, vomiting or a rash. That’s why we recommend the cooking oil trick and also only apply it in areas they don’t tend to lick!
Is Neosporin safe for dogs with allergies?
Yes, Neosporin is safe for dogs with allergies. Like we mentioned earlier, it is very unlikely for dogs to have an allergic reaction to neosporin because it does not contain the ingredient that commonly causes allergies.
So, what can you put on dog wounds?
Neosporin! Just be sure if your dog has an allergy that you ask their vet before using this product. Also remember that some dogs may lick that area if they have an open wound after you apply the ointment. So only put it on areas where your dog can’t reach with their tongue to reduce the risk of side effects (such as: diarrhea, vomiting and a rash).