Triple antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) can be used on a dog to treat and prevent mild skin infections caused by small wounds, scrapes, or burns. It is available for self-medication without a prescription. However, it is not ideal to use this product on broad wounds on the body.
Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are the three antibiotics that make up Neosporin. They are generally safe and therapeutic when used in small amounts on pets. These antibiotics work together to eliminate bacteria on the skin and prevent infection on the surface of wounds. Neosporin has the advantage of killing any live germs on the surface and preventing them from growing. When applied to the skin, it aids in the creation of a physical barrier against bacteria, preventing them from entering the wound and thereby providing protection against infection.
Recommended: Can I Use Polysporin Eye drops For My Dog?
If your dog has a wound on any part of her body, the most important thing is to maintain cleanliness in that region. You have to wash the area and apply a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide or chlorhexidine to it on a daily basis.
Triple antibiotic ointment is very handy especially if the wound is a small one. The main issue lies in the fact that the dog would want to lick off the triple antibiotic ointment from her boy. To clean a sore, an animal’s inclination is to lick it. Of course, their saliva isn’t ideal for a sore but what do they know?. It’s up to you to find a way to tackle the injury.
Recommended: What Kind Of Eye Drops Can I Use On My Dog?
If the injury is in an area that he can’t lick off, it’s fine to use a small amount of the ointment for the first day or two. Overuse of creams or ointments can stifle healing by making the region excessively moist and preventing air from reaching it. If he can lick it off, don’t do anything; otherwise, use the “cone of shame” to keep him from licking it.
When in doubt, as always, take him to the veterinarian and get him examined.
How To Use Triple Action Ointment On a Dog
Small wounds on a dog can be treated at home with the same items that you use on yourself together with a triple antibiotic cream (Neosporin is currently the best). “Small wounds” are defined as those that have no obvious underlying structure such as fat or other tissues, do not bleed easily, do not penetrate a body cavity, have no embedded objects, are less than half in length, and do not affect muscle mobility or sensorium in a limb.
Recommended: Best Choke Free Harness for Small Dogs: Reviews, Comparison, and Top Picks
Follow the steps below to properly dress the dog’s wound and apply the triple antibiotic ointment:
- Using an iodophor or chlorhexidine antiseptic solution (Betadine or Hexichlor are also popular) and a folded paper towel, clean the wound thoroughly.
- Apply the triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to the affected area. Just apply a little amount. Too much of it is not ideal.
- Apply a clean dressing (a folded paper towel or a fancy-schmancy “surgical gauze pad” from a sterile wrapper) and secure it with an elastic, self-adhesive bandage.
- Replace the dressing on a daily basis or as needed.
Small wounds that aren’t on the bottom of the feet and can’t be quickly bandaged can be left open to the air, but they’ll need extra attention. If the dog can get to the wound and you don’t have a “Cone of Shame,” now is an excellent time to get one.
Recommended: Can I Use Baking Soda On My Dog For Itching?
You might want to put together a Home First Aid kit for both you and your dog that includes antiseptic solution, antibiotic ointment, sterile pads, tape, “Vet Wrap” (which you can use on yourself), and a mini hair trimmer to help clean up the areas around the wounds and give you a better idea of what’s going on…
Conclusion
It is ok to use triple antibiotic ointment on your dog if the wound or infection is small. Neosporin can help take care of a dog’s small injuries or infections at home. Just apply the ointment on the affected area after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or iodophor. Then, properly bandage the wound.
Triple antibiotic ointments like Neosporin are used in small amounts. Overuse can stifle healing of the wound due to lack of air penetration and over moistness. If the wound is on an area the dog can easily lick, make sure to use the “cone of shame” to shield the dog from reaching the wound.
Remember: If the wound becomes more serious than the above-mentioned definition of “Small wound,” it’s time to visit the VET.