Alternatives To Animax: The 5 Best Natural Products For Your Dog’s Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Abrasions

Written by Dr. Candy Akers, DVM in Health,Healthy Happy Dogs Last Updated January 24, 2024

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Brand name medications, like Animax, are brought up frequently in client questions. Particularly, I hear about it in questions about skin issues. Animax is an ointment commonly used by veterinarians that needs a prescription. Additionally, I get a lot of questions akin to “Are there over-the-counter alternatives to Animax?”. 

The simple answer is… no. Unfortunately, there is not an identical medication available over the counter. Luckily, there are other skin products for dogs that you can get over the counter. Products that are safer, cost less, and are more effective than Animax. Natural alternatives to Animax provide a great solution to dry skin, scratches, infections, and more.

Ok, so here we go! Coming up, I will give you the scoop so that you can pick the best remedy for your dog. I always have these products around. Emphatically, I suggest that you toss one of these products into your pet’s first aid kit. Below, check out the important information about Animax and switch to a product that can help your dog live healthier.

animax alternatives
Table of Contents

What is Animax?

According to its manufacturer Dechra, Animax is:

“Animax is a combination antimicrobial and corticosteroid for the management of dermatological disorders characterized by inflammation or dry exudative dermatitis, particularly those caused by bacterial or candidal infections, in cats and dogs.”

Label ingredients – Animax Ointment: 

ANIMAX Ointment combines nystatin, neomycin sulfate, thiostrepton, and triamcinolone acetonide in a non-irritating polyethylene and mineral oil base.

Each mL contains:

  • nystatin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000 units
  • neomycin sulfate equivalent to neomycin base. . . 2.5 mg
  • thiostrepton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500 units
  • triamcinolone acetonide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 mg


What is Animax Ointment Used For?

  • Chronic Ear Infections
  • Cysts Between Toes
  • Anal Gland Infections
  • Acute Ear Infections
  • Superficial Skin Infections
  • Rashes
  • Dry Skin
  • Allergic Hot Spots
  • Itchy Skin
  • Post-op Incision Protection
  • Fungal Infections
  • Eczematous Dermatitis
  • Contact/Allergy Dermatitis
  • Seborrhea
  • Minor Skin Sores
  • Cuts and Scratches
  • Scrapes and Abrasions
Over the counter alternatives to animax

What are the disadvantages of Animax?

First, the biggest disadvantage of Animax ointment is that it is only available by prescription. Your vet may require an exam or other services for you to get the medication. Due to this, you will have to physically travel to the vet clinic. Additionally, Animax is only available from a veterinary licensed pharmacy. This fact makes it less available, as pet specific pharmacies are few and far between.

Animax is a combination of medicines. The pharmaceutical industry plays a big role in it’s availability. In the past 3 years, in both the veterinary and medical communities, I have seen a rapid growth in medication shortages. Due to unknown (and probably shady) reasons, medications can often be out of stock or backordered. Consequently, this drives the cost of the drug through the roof. Medications that typically cost $10.00 can be seen at prices over $100.00. 

Moreover, another disadvantage of Animax is the chemical nature of the product. Animax contains an antifungal, two antibiotics, and a corticosteroid. The product delivers a specific medication to a specific area of skin. However, that doesn’t really address the need for healing and soothing. Also, it is not nourishing and replenishing the skin. The ointment doesn’t provide necessary vitamins and fats for skin cells to regenerate in a stronger, healthier way.

Know Your Ingredients

Also of equal importance is the delivery agents listed in the inactive ingredients of Animax. These include polyethylene and mineral oil. Polyethylene is mainly obtained from petroleum and natural gas. Both petroleum and natural gas are non-renewable fossil fuels. Additionally, mineral oil is also made from heavily refined and processed petroleum.

animax alternative

Fossil fuels are one of the leading causes of global warming and climate change.

Cautions When Using Animax

Unfortunately, there has been mention of dogs going deaf after using Animax ointment in their ears. Due to numerous reports, the drug company has added deafness as a known side effect to all of their inserts and safety materials.

“CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. As with all drugs, side effects may occur. Hearing loss, with varying degrees of recovery, has been reported with the use of ANIMAX Ointment.”

side effects of animax

I don’t know about you, but that is a risky side effect that far outweighs any benefits. We have so many natural products that are alternatives to Animax, and subsequently do a much better job. Below, I have listed some of my favorite alternatives to Animax.

What are the best alternatives to Animax? 

ointment for rashes and abrasions

Dermapaw Dog Skin and Paw Treatment

  • Best for rashes or self-scratches
  • Great for abrasions and other injuries where most of the hair is still present
natural ointment for dogs

RESQ Organics Skin Care with Manuka Honey

  • All Natural, organic product for superficial wounds
pet wound gel

Forticept Blue Butter Pet Wound Filler Antimicrobial Gel

  • Best for deeper wounds like dog bites or barbed wire
pet wound spray

Davis Chlorhexidine Dog and Cat Spray

  • Best for really nasty infections that may have gone unnoticed for a day or two
silver wound spray for dogs

Colloidal Silver Wound and Skin Care for Dogs & Cats  

  • Best for wider wounds with skin layer damage and no hair left
  • Great for wounds under bandages for a few days at a time

As always, monitor your dog’s skin carefully. I recommend checking it at least twice a day. Watch for signs of healing or signs of a worsening condition. Additionally, if your pet has a sore that is large, deep, or dirty, please contact your veterinarian for recommendations. If the wound gets worse, looks infected, or creates yellow, green, or white discharge, or starts to smell, call your veterinarian immediately.

References:

Dr. Candy Akers, DVM

Holistic Veterinarian, Veterinary Clinic Owner, Veterinary Medical Supervisory Board Leader, Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and Author Dr. Candy completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Delaware and graduated veterinary school in 2009 from Oklahoma State University. In high school, she was drawn to wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife rehab gave her unparalleled experience in animal healing in a field that has limited resources and a wide variety of conditions to treat. Before vet school, Dr. Akers spent two years working full time providing oil spill response for wildlife all over the country. Since graduating with her Degree of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2009, Dr. Candy has specialized in companion animal nutrition. Extensive education in nutrition has made her a firm believer in species specific-biologically appropriate diets. One of her passions is educating pet parents about the natural alternatives that actually work. She brings the best of holistic health and conventional medicine together in a unique approach to pet health. This approach is often applied to chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. She started her own veterinary practice 9 years ago in Colorado. Overall, she has dedicated her entire life to improving the health and happiness of animals everywhere.

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