Vets say it's safe to use Neosporin on dogs, but a canine-friendly alternative may be a better choice
- Neosporin is generally safe to use on dogs, but it can make them sick if they ingest too much.
- You can also try wound care ointments and medicated wipes meant for pets to help prevent infection.
If your pup likes to play a bit too rough, you might need to apply a little doggy first aid from time to time.
When caring for your own cuts and scrapes, you might reach for Neosporin, aka triple antibiotic ointment. So, you might assume you can safely use it for your canine friend, too.
And generally speaking, you're right: Neosporin is safe to use on dogs when they get small injuries, according to Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets and North Austin Animal Hospital.
That said, some ingredients in Neosporin could upset your dog's stomach if they decide to take a taste. So, in some cases, a more dog-friendly first aid product may be a better option.
Below, learn how to use Neosporin for canine first aid and get vet-approved recommendations for the best Neosporin alternatives for dogs.
Is it safe?
Neosporin is a brand-name first-aid ointment that contains three different topical antibiotics:
- Polymyxin B
- Neomycin
- Bacitracin
Note: While Neosporin is marketed to humans, you'll find these same three ingredients in some FDA-approved prescription medicines for dogs, like VetOne's ophthalmic ointment.
These antibiotics can help treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by killing bacteria and preventing infections.
There's just one problem with using Neosporin on dogs. They tend to lick their wounds — and applying a topical product may also encourage your dog to lick the area, according to Audrey Wystrach, veterinarian and co-founder and CEO of Petfolk.
Ingesting just a little bit of Neosporin likely won't harm your pup, but too much can be toxic and cause problems like diarrhea and vomiting, according to Wystrach.
Note: Your dog is more likely to have stomach issues if they ingest a large amount of Neosporin instead of simply taking a lick — for instance, if they bite into the tube, Savageau says. Storing Neosporin in a secure location — like a high shelf or a medicine cabinet — can help prevent your dog from using it as a chew toy.
If your dog accidentally ingests a large amount of Neosporin, you can call Animal Poison Control and monitor them for any other signs of a bad reaction, including:
When to use Neosporin
If your dog only has a small cut or scrape, it's generally safe to apply a thin layer of Neosporin on their wound, Savageau says. However, if your dog's wound keeps bleeding or seems deep enough to need a bandage, Savageau recommends scheduling a trip to the vet.
Your vet can spot potential signs of infection and determine if your dog needs additional treatment, like stitches, Wystrach says.
Important: It's best to avoid using Neosporin on sensitive areas, like your dog's eyes or ears. If your dog has an eye or ear injury, it's best to contact your vet for advice.
Alternatives to Neosporin for dogs
If your pup has a sensitive stomach or tends to lick everything that touches their fur, consider keeping other dog-safe first-aid creams or antibacterial supplies on hand instead.
A few recommendations from vets include:
- Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial All Animal Wound and Skin Care: This antimicrobial wound cream is nontoxic and won't bother your dog's stomach, even if they lick it. Wystrach recommends using it instead of Neosporin.
- Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Dog & Cat Shampoo: This shampoo is designed for pets with itchy skin — but its active ingredient, chlorhexidine, has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Savageau suggests using it to clean your dog's wound.
- Mal-a-Ket Wipes for Dogs & Cats: These dog-safe wipes also contain chlorhexidine. Savageau recommends using them to wipe your dog's wound clean.
- Manuka honey: According to Wystrach, you can use manuka honey in place of Neosporin. This type of honey contains methylglyoxal, which research has linked to antibacterial properties. Honey is also safe for dogs in small quantities, so it's perfectly safe if they steal a lick or two.
Important: It's always best to get your vet's approval before you use any new product on your dog, Wystrach says. You can also apply a small amount of the product as a test to check if it irritates your dog's skin.
How to treat minor injuries at home
Before treating any kind of minor wound on your pet, Wystrach suggests calling a vet or video chatting with them to get advice for wound care.
With your vet's approval, follow these steps for dog first aid:
1. Clean the wound: "Use warm water to gently clean the wound and remove any dirt or debris," Wystrach says. Don't use hydrogen peroxide, as it can be toxic to dogs.
2. Stop the bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop it, Wystrach says. If the bleeding doesn't stop within five minutes, you should call your vet or head to an emergency clinic.
3. Apply a protective ointment: At this point, you can apply Neosporin or another first-aid cream meant for dogs. You can also skip this step if you don't have any topical medications on hand.
4. Protect the wound: Wrapping the wound with a non-stick bandage can help keep it clean and prevent your dog from licking off the cream. Just take care not to wrap it too tight, as it could cut off their circulation, Savageau says.
5. Monitor your dog: Watch your dog closely for any signs of pain, such as breathing quickly or crying out, and keep an eye out for any swelling or discharge — which could indicate an infection.
Insider's takeaway
In general, it's all right to use a small amount of Neosporin on your dog's minor cuts or scrapes. However, this medication can be toxic to dogs if they consume large amounts, so take care to store the tube where your dog can't get to it.
If you'd rather not risk your dog licking the Neosporin and getting an upset stomach, you can use a dog-safe first aid cream or clean the area with an antibacterial shampoo or wipe. But if they need a bandage, it's wise to check in with your vet to make sure your pup's wound doesn't need stitches or special care.
If you have any doubts about your dog's injury, it's always best to contact your vet, Savageau says.