Is Neosporin Safe for Pets?

Is Neosporin safe for pets?

Yes, it is OK to use Neosporin on your dog with veterinarian approval, but we do not recommend using it on cats.

After receiving some veterinarian feedback, we have restricted our recommendation to dogs only, as there have been reports of cats having life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporin (most specifically in ophthalmic preparations that include neomycin and polymyxin B). For that reason, we do not recommend using Neosporin on a cat.

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What, Exactly, is Neosporin?

Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that helps prevent and fight infections, and can be used in a number of situations to help keep your pet happy and healthy. The active ingredients are neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin, which all come together to stop bacteria growth.

Note that Neosporin is a brand name and there are other topical antibiotic ointments that you can also use on your pets. A very close alternative is Polysporin. There are also some natural alternatives to Neosporin that you can use on your dog, including Curoxen and Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment.

Ask your vet if you’re not sure which antibiotic ointment to use on your pet.

How to Apply Neosporin on Dogs

After consulting your vet, you can apply Neosporin to your dog the same way you would on a human. Carefully cleanse the affected area by rinsing it with warm water and a drop of soap, if necessary. After gently patting dry, apply a thin layer of the antibacterial ointment over the affected area and then cover it with a pet-approved bandage. Try the Nurtured Pets Anti-Lick Strip Prevent Bandage ($5), Nutri-Vet Bitter Pet Bandage ($8), or PawFlex MediMitt Disposable Dog Bandage ($10). Apply the bandage securely but not so tightly that it cuts off circulation, which would be very uncomfortable for your dog and may prompt your dog to try to get the bandage off.

The bandage will prevent additional dirt or bacteria from entering the wound. It will also prevent your pet from licking the ointment away, which they’ll be very eager to do! You can also have your pet wear a cone for a few days to prevent any excessive licking. Change the bandage once or twice a day and you should see improvement within 24 to 72 hours.

Potential Side Effects

Neosporin can sometimes cause allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction are itching, redness, and hives at the area where Neosporin is applied. Rarely, Neosporin can cause serious allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing and facial swelling. Serious allergic reactions require immediate veterinary care.

To check if your dog is allergic to Neosporin, apply a small amount of it to a small patch of healthy skin and watch for an allergic reaction. Contact your vet if your dog’s skin reacts to the Neosporin. Your vet can recommend an alternative antibiotic ointment to use.

If there’s no skin reaction, apply the Neosporin as described above.

Dogs that ingest Neosporin may experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite.

Word to the Wise

It’s important to keep in mind that Neosporin — and all antibiotic ointments for that matter — are intended for usage on small cuts, scrapes, and burns. If your pet has a large wound, a very deep cut, or is already showing signs of a serious infection, please see your veterinarian for proper treatment.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.

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