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What Antibiotic Ointment Is Safe For Cats

Neosporin On Dogs Precautions

Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment

If your dogs wound is located in a spot thats easily reachable, he might try licking the Neosporin off, which not only defeats the purpose but also might make your pup sick.

The main concern regarding ingestion of Neosporin is the potential impact to the GI flora , resulting in GI upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, explains Dr. Grimmett. A second potential cause of GI upset would be the lubricant base, which could also give them diarrhea, etc.

You can try covering the area with a sterile dressing, but Dr. Grimmett points out that not all dogs tolerate bandaging, and the same desire to lick something off their skin will most likely prompt them to chew, as well. A bandage can act as a tourniquet, reducing adequate blood flow to extremities, if not managed well, he says. Great care must be taken to prevent any constriction.

Other instances when Neosporin would not be beneficial to your dog are if he is bleeding heavily, the wound is deep, or appears to be severe. In these circumstances, its important to call your veterinarian or nearest animal hospital immediately for assistance.

While using Neosporin to treat a minor injury to your dog may be fine at times, there are several products that are designed specifically for canines and completely safe, even if ingested.

Can You Use Neosporin On Cats

Yes, you can use the Neosporin on superficial cuts or scratches, BUT you might not want to, so read on below.

However, you shouldnt use it on something thats already infected, such as irritated feline acne or abscess or other skin conditions. Neosporin is simply not meant to serve as a cure for deeper cuts, scratches, rashes, bites, and similar problems.

When it comes to humans, Neosporin can help prevent further infections and can speed up the wounds healing process. It does the same thing with cats, dogs, and other types of domestic pets.

There are no known side effects in humans or cats. However, as with any topical solution, it could cause an allergic reaction and skin irritation.

What Is Neosporin And What Is It Used For

Before we can answer whether its safe for cats, we need to understand what Neosporin is and what its used for.

If youre like most people, youve at least heard of it, and perhaps you have a tube in your first aid kit or medicine cabinet.

Without getting into medical terms or complex science principles, here are the basic facts: Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment that is used on humans to treat minor scrapes, burns and cuts.

It also treats rashes that may occur from any number of causes, such as poison ivy. Because its an antibiotic, it helps to prevent infection. It is quite effective and is available over-the- counter.

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Neosporin Alternatives For Dogs

Other topical antibacterial treatments available over the counter include silver sulfadiazine ointment, bacitracin ointment, and polysporin ointment. However, there are topical antibacterial products specifically formulated for dogs, such as Silver Honey, Vetricyn, and Sulfodene, that can be purchased over the counter at pet stores or your veterinary clinic.

Silver Honey combines the natural power of medical grade MicroSilver and Manuka honey to soothe and rapidly heal wounds and skin conditions. The pure micro-particle silver has antibacterial properties to fight harmful germs while aiding the skins natural defenses . The carefully refined honey is ultra-potent and kills bacteria, maintains moisture and helps the body shed dead tissue while protecting the skins natural microbiome .

These products should only be used externally on small areas of the skin and should not be used on large or deep wounds. If the scrape or cut you are treating does not improve within 24-48 hours, see your veterinarian for further care.

Over-the-counter topical products should not be used for significant injuries and are not substitutes for appropriate veterinary care. If your pet has a large or deep wound, or a skin infection over a large area of the body, then it is best to see your veterinarian.

Editorial credit for featured image: ZikG / Shutterstock.com

The Ingredients In Neosporin

Triple Antibiotic Ointment For Cats

Neosporin is made up of three different antibiotics: Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. These antibacterial agents work together to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin, preventing an infection from developing when we experience small cuts and scrapes. It also creates a physical barrier on the skin to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

Those antibiotics do the exact same thing for your dog kill off bacteria before they have a chance to grow and create a barrier to block much of the bacteria at the same time. But are the components of Neosporin safe for dogs?

Bacitracin

Bacitracin has been cleared for use on animals its a perfectly safe option for your pup. A 1989 study compared dogs who had been treated with the antibiotic after surgery to those who hadnt received the antibiotic. Those dogs who received Bacitracin had far less infections and fewer positive bacteria cultures. So, this medication worked well for dogs.

Neomycin

Neomycin is also effective for treating infections in dogs, but it comes with possible side effects. Hearing loss has been linked to the antibiotic when it is used intravenously, ranging from muffled hearing to complete deafness. In all cases, those hearing changes were permanent in the dogs who experienced them.

Polymyxin B

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Over The Counter Antibiotics

Over the counter antibiotics for common cat conditions should be purchased from a pet store or in the pet section at drugstores, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Giving your cat certain types of human medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, and Advil can be toxic.If your vet prescribes over the counter medication, it will likely be one of the following depending on the condition:

  • Kaopectate
  • Vaporizers
  • Diphenhydramine

Your veterinarian will recommend a dosage amount based on your cats weight. For example, the typical dosage for kaopectate is one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight and roughly 12.5 milligrams of diphenhydramine is safe for cats.

When it comes to parasites in cats, the number of over the counter medications is endless. The type of medication will depend on the parasite and the severity of the condition. Again, you should never attempt to treat your cats condition on your own. A veterinarian can make a formal diagnosis and recommended the best treatment path for your cat. Prescription medications are usually more effective, but if your veterinarian says its ok to use an over the counter treatment, he might recommend Drontal Feline, HeartgardPlus, Panacur, Revolution or HomeoPet Worm.

These medications may be purchased at pet stores, through online pet stores, or directly through the manufacturers.

Postoperative Management Of Long Bone Fracture Repair Patients

Postoperatively, patients are inspected within 24 hours of surgery most often under isoflurane anesthesia. In uncomplicated cases, bandaging material is removed and the surgical site is cleaned. A thin layer of a triple antibiotic ointment is applied over the suture line and pin tracts and a light absorbent bandage is reapplied. Complicated open fractures require daily wound treatment until granulation is well under way. Bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotics are given perioperatively and patients are maintained on oral enrofloxacin or clavulanated amoxicillin for up to 5 days postoperatively. In patients with open contaminated fractures and infected bones, clindamycin is used instead. Radiographs are taken 10 to 14 and 20 to 24 days postoperatively and at biweekly intervals thereafter, if needed. Up to 10 days postoperatively adjustments in alignment can be made. By 21 days, uncomplicated fractures will be well on their way to complete healing and partial dismantling of the fixator may take place. Some fractures will be healed already. If healing is not progressing well, evidence of sequestra will be seen radiographically at around 3 weeks. Sequestra should be surgically removed when the extent is clear and reassessment of the patient and the repair process should be made accordingly. In uncomplicated cases, all fixations should be removed by 6 weeks. Bone strength is usually substantial at this point, and the patient can be allowed full use of the limb.

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How Should I Manage An Open Wound At Home

Following the specific instructions of your veterinarian, clean the wound two to three times daily with a mild antiseptic solution or warm water to remove any crusted discharge and keep wound edges clean. Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol.

“Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol.”

The wound may be bandaged to protect it from further contamination, or to prevent your cat from excessively licking it. Daily bandage changes, as demonstrated by your veterinarian, may be required if there is a lot of discharge from the wound.

Is Neosporin Safe For Dogs Or Not

How to apply ointment to your pet’s eyes (Vétoquinol Canada)

Neosporin is fine to use on your dog for very minor cuts and scrapes it can help prevent bacterial infections and can keep your dog from scratching, licking, or biting at the wound site while it heals. Make sure he or she doesnt lick off the ointment after youve applied it, and your pup should be fine.

Remember: Its possible for your dog to be allergic to Neosporin or its ingredients. Neosporin is not appropriate to use on other types of skin problems, like hot spots, rashes, or skin infections. And at the end of the day, Neosporin is a product made for humans, not dogs its not necessary to use on your canine friend at all.

If your dog suffers any kind of wound that is more serious than a small scrape or cut, contact your veterinarian for help. Its always best to play it safe.

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When To Use Neosporin On Dogs

So, the ingredients of Neosporin are generally considered safe for dogs. Does that mean you should apply Neosporin every time your dog experiences a minor cut or scrape?

A small amount of Neosporin applied to a very minor cut or scrape wont be harmful. However, its not necessary to apply the ointment to every minor wound that your dog experiences. It probably wont hurt your pup, and can help prevent infection and make your dog a little more comfortable, but its not required.

Keep in mind that many dogs will simply lick the Neosporin off of the wound site after youve applied it. So, applying the ointment may very well be a waste of time. Plus, you dont want your dog ingesting large amounts of Neosporin swallowing a small bit probably wont cause any harm, but you dont want to risk anything more.

Its also important to realize that some dogs might have an allergic reaction to Neosporin or one of its active ingredients. If you plan on applying Neosporin to your dogs skin in the future, its a good idea to dab a small bit on a test area first, then keep an eye on it to see if inflammation, redness, or a rash develops. If it does, youll know that your dog is allergic stop use immediately.

Should You Use Neosporin On Your Cat

Neosporin is easily and widely available as an affordable over-the-counter medication, so most of us have it laying around at home. This makes it tempting to use for any minor wounds or scratches that our cats may have, but there are a few things to consider first.

When applied topically, Neosporin works the same way on your cat as it does on humans, and it is perfectly safe. However, when ingested, it can cause serious issues. Cats love to lick themselves and do it constantly to clean their coats. Theyll likely do it even more over an injured area, and if youve just applied Neosporin, theres a good chance that they will lick most of it off. Its almost impossible to keep a constant watch on any cat, let alone an injured one, as cats are expert escape artists. Even if your cat is locked up in your home, they can find somewhere to hide and lick all the ointment off of their wound.

If you do decide to use Neosporin on your cat, we recommend using a tight-fitting bandage to cover the area up or even a cone collar to prevent them from ingesting the ointment. Additionally, use a smaller amount to be safe, in case they do manage to get to the ointment. Still, this is no guarantee that they will not ingest some Neosporin.

Neosporin should only be used for surface wounds and cuts and is not suitable for deeper wounds or abscesses.

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What Should I Do If A Wound Is Bleeding

Initially attempt to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage material or a clean dry cloth. This will protect the wound during transport to the veterinary clinic and prevent any further contamination of the injury.

If possible, try to raise the affected area above the level of the heart. This will help reduce the flow of blood to the bleeding area.

Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound , as they can interfere with its eventual healing.

Is Neosporin Safe For Cats What You Need To Know

Triple Antibiotic Ointment For Cats Eyes

Neosporin is one of the go-to medications in most of our homes medicine cabinets. For surface cuts and scratches, this antibiotic ointment can work wonders to help them heal. It is also great for other skin conditions, like eczema, mild skin infections, or even mild burns and abrasions. We all know that our feline friends can suffer from the pain the same way we do, and its natural to wonder whether we can use the medication for our pets. Cats are especially prone to minor skin abrasion from scratches and bites from other cats, as well as the sometimes-dangerous places that their adventurous nature takes them. But is Neosporin safe to use on cats?

The answer is yes, you can use Neosporin on your cat. However, the real question is whether you want to. This is because Neosporin is not tailored toward feline use, and there are concerns around its safety when used for cats.

In this article, well explore what exactly Neosporin is, what its used for, the potential harms and benefits of using it on your cat, and better alternatives to choose.

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What To Know Before Using Neosporin On Your Dog

With abrasions , you should first clean and flush the wound with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Your veterinarian should see all puncture or penetrating wounds, including dog bites, as soon as possible.

Neosporin is comprised of three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Together, they work to kill bacteria on the skin and prevent topical infection. Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian, certified in both veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbology with Animal Acupuncture in New York City, points out that Neosporin has been formulated for people and is not necessarily safe for use on dogs.

Bacitracin has been deemed safe for use on animals, as has polymyxin B. However, neomycin has been linked to loss of hearing, she says. This was primarily shown with intravenous use, but it is recommended that you do not administer neomycin topically to your dog without first consulting your vet.

Because Neosporin is topical and applied directly onto the skin, theres always a chance that your dog could have an allergic reaction. Its a good idea to administer a small patch test first. The best way to do this is by picking a small area of skin and applying a tiny dab of Neosporin, then monitor the area to see if your dog develops a mild rash, redness, or hives.

Neosporin On Cats Is It Safe Facts And Guidelines

Approved By: Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

Certified Content. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.

Someone recommended the use of Neosporin on cats? Is your cat constantly testing that nine lives myth? Does she overestimate her parkour skills? Do you have a tomcat who tries a little too hard to impress his lady friends by picking fights with toms bigger and meaner than him?

Does your cat get a little too curious about what local wild life is up to? Did he mistakenly believe a cactus would be tasty?

Some cats think it’s funny to trespass in a dog’s territory and then teasingly jump up on a fence where the dog can’t reach. Unfortunately, some cats aren’t quite nimble enough to pull this trick off effectively. Chances are good your kitty has come home looking like, well, like something she dragged in.

You might’ve turned to your medicine cabinet for something to treat her wounds with. Chances are you have that big, familiar yellow tube of Neosporin. If you’re a mom, you may even have a sprayer on your keychain. It’s good for when you or your kids get scraped, but is it good for your cat?

Quick Navigation

  • How do you use Neosporin?
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    Can You Put Neosporin On A Cat Bite

    A surface wound such as a scratch can generally be treated at home by rinsing the area with water and applying an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. But any puncture wound should be seen by a doctor. Cat bites are less frequent than dog bites, but cat teeth are sharper and carry a higher risk of infection.

    What Can I Put On My Cats Wound To Help It Heal

    Cat Care – Giving Eye Drops and Eye Ointments

    How should I manage an open wound at home? Following the specific instructions of your veterinarian, clean the wound two to three times daily with a mild antiseptic solution or warm water to remove any crusted discharge and keep wound edges clean. Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol.

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