Vets say it's safe to use Neosporin on dogs, but a canine-friendly alternative may be a better choice (2024)

• 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 dog's wound keeps bleeding and is deep enough to need a bandage, it's best to call a vet.

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

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.

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:

• Appetite loss
• Skin lesions
• Tremors or seizures
• Excessive drooling

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.

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.
• : 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.
• s: 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.

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.