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We never plan on treating a wound or injury on our dog, but sometimes it happens. While I recommend that you keep a stash of emergency first aid materials for your dog, occasionally you will have a small or minor wound on your pup. I get a lot of messages about what pet parents can do to clean up these small scratches, cuts, and abrasions. They often ask, “Is it safe to use Neosporin on my dog?”.
In very small amounts, yes, Neosporin can be used on dogs. This would be about the size of a dime or the tip of your fingertip. I recommend using the original regular strength product. Don’t use products with pain relief medications and make sure that there are no other additives or drugs. Also, ointments are better suited for treating small superficial abrasions than cream-type products. Need a safe product for ear infections?.
Try To Keep Your Pup From Licking
I recommend trying to not let your dog lick up all the ointment. While this antibacterial ointment is not directly “toxic” to your dog, it can still cause an upset stomach or diarrhea if too much is ingested. If your dog has eaten a whole tube by accident, you should definitely go to your vet. If your dog licks the wound area a lot, the antibacterial effects of the Neosporin will be lost. And excessive licking can damage the skin further, leaving moisture and introduce more bacteria to the wound.
To prevent licking of the area, you can get creative with socks, bandages, wraps, distractions, and e-collars. Whichever methods you try, make sure the material is breathable and not too tight. Always supervise your doggie friend so that they don’t eat the bandage or sock.
[ PRO-TIP: There are many “No Lick” magical products out there on the market. In my experience, they do not really work. And it just gives your dog one more flavor to lick off and enjoy. Yuummm Bitter Apple. ]
Monitor your dog’s wound very carefully. Check it at least twice a day and watch for healing or progressing of the sore. Additionally, if the injury is large, deep, or dirty – you should call your veterinarian for recommendations. If the wound gets worse, looks infected, creates yellow, green, or white discharge, or starts to smell, call your veterinarian immediately.