Is Neosporin Safe to Use on Dogs?

When our fur babies are hurt, we want to do everything we can for them. Sometimes, that can lead to home remedies that do little more than make us feel better or even some that can hurt our dogs!

You might wonder, is Neosporin safe for dogs, and does it help to apply it to cuts and injuries?

Neosporin contains three antibiotics. Bacitracin and Polymyxin B, which are safe to use on dogs, but neomycin has been linked to hearing loss. While Neosporin likely won’t hurt your dog, keeping mild wounds clean and dry is better. See a veterinarian if your dog has a serious injury, such as a bite wound or deep laceration.

This article will discuss whether Neosporin is safe for dogs, whether they can ingest it, and more.

Neosporin is Unlikely to Hurt Your Dog

The good news is the little bit of Neosporin you put on a dog’s wound is unlikely to hurt them–especially if they don’t ingest it.

Some dogs are allergic to Neosporin, so this is a risk when applying it. Start with very small amounts and wash it off if you notice any irritation.

Neosporin on small wounds your dog can’t reach will likely aid in healing. It does kill bacteria and will seal your dog’s wound to prevent new debris from entering.

If you put the Neosporin on a wound your dog can reach, they’re likely to lick it off.

Covering the wound with a bandage to prevent this is not recommended because you may wrap it too tightly and cut off your dog’s blood flow–turning a small wound into a much bigger problem.

Dogs are also likely to tear off bandages, making them ineffective at blocking them from licking.

What to do if Your Dog Eats Neosporin

Consuming Neosporin can cause stomach upset, with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

When administered intravenously or through a vein, neomycin (an antibiotic found in Neosporin) has been found to cause hearing loss, so I would be most cautious about this. However, there isn’t evidence that this will happen if a dog consumes neomycin orally.

If your dog does eat Neosporin, clean the remainder of the wound using soap and water. This will prevent them from eating anymore.

Then, monitor your dog for signs of GI upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. This will likely pass quickly, but if it’s severe or persists for multiple days, please see a veterinarian.

If your dog somehow eats a large amount of Neosporin, such as if they get into the packaging, please call your veterinarian for help.

How to Treat Dog Wounds

What should you do if your dog has been injured and you’ve decided not to apply Neosporin?

First, clean the wound with soap and water. Dry it with a clean towel and assess the damage. Mild wounds typically heal well on their own so long as they’re kept clean and dry.

If your dog is bleeding, apply pressure with the towel. This should stop the bleeding on superficial wounds quickly.

Wounds that bleed profusely or continue to bleed for more than ten minutes require veterinary attention.

If there is anything inside of the wound, like shattered glass, gravel, or other foreign material, see a vet rather than try to remove it yourself.

Larger materials should not be removed by anyone other than a veterinary professional. They sometimes stop the wound from bleeding excessively; removing them can cause a dog to bleed out.

When to See a Veterinarian

When in doubt, always see a veterinarian. I always say that I’d rather overreact and spend the money than fail to provide vet care when my dog needs it!

That said, a lot of wounds will heal just fine at home. Shallow cuts, for instance, can likely be cleaned and monitored.

Definitely see a vet if the injury is severe. This includes any bite wounds and deep lacerations. 

Remember that animal bite wounds have a high risk of infection because they tend to create puncture wounds with a small surface area that penetrates deeply. As the wound closes at the surface, it’s easy for bacteria to get trapped inside.

As we discussed above, burn injuries and wounds with foreign material inside of them should also be seen by a vet.

Lastly, see a veterinarian if you notice signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, slow healing, and the wound being hot to the touch.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has been helpful! Remember, Neosporin is mostly safe but not the best way to treat a dog’s wound. It’s better to keep the injury clean and dry or to see a veterinarian for more serious injuries.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Hryshchyshen Serhii/Shutterstock.com