Mupirocin for Dogs: An Antibiotic Cream for Tricky Skin Infections

Mupirocin (Muricin, Bactroban) for dogs is a topical antibiotic for resistant skin infections. It’s typically applied twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Mupirocin rarely causes side effects. It’s considered a safe option for dogs with antibiotic-resistant skin infections.

Below we’ll cover how mupirocin works, how it’s used in dogs, and its potential side effects.

Mupirocin for dogs at a glance

What is mupirocin for dogs, and how does it work?

Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic ointment that treats antibiotic-resistant skin infections. It’s FDA-approved for use in dogs and humans. 

Mupirocin kills bacteria on the skin’s surface. It does this by blocking the bacteria’s ability to produce the proteins they need for survival. Mupirocin works without significantly affecting the body’s internal systems.

What is mupirocin used for in dogs?

Mupirocin treats skin infections in dogs caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

This is the most common cause of dog skin infections. This organism lives on the skin of all dogs. But infection occurs when the dog’s immune defenses are compromised. 

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Staphylococcus aureus

This bacteria is also known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It’s not common in dogs. But it can cause serious problems for pets and their owners. MRSA can spread from humans to dogs, and vice versa. 

What is the dosage of mupirocin for dogs, and how is it given?

Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic ointment. It comes in a tube with 2% of the active ingredient in the medication. It is usually applied every 12 hours or twice daily. Your veterinarian will determine how long your dog needs treatment. But typically, it’s 2 to 4 weeks.

Apply a thin layer of mupirocin to affected areas of your dog's skin as directed by your veterinarian. They may tell you to clean your dog’s skin before applying the medication. If so, follow their cleaning directions closely. 

After applying mupirocin, keep your dog from licking the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. Some people distract their dog with a walk or game of fetch. Others apply an e-collar (cone) to block their dog’s access to the treated area. Licking the ointment shouldn’t make your dog sick. But it will keep the medicine from working.

Wash your hands after handling mupirocin, and avoid getting it in your eyes.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of mupirocin?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of mupirocin, apply the medication as soon as you remember to do so. Then wait the prescribed amount of time before reapplying.

If it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your dog’s normal dosing schedule. 

What are the common side effects of mupirocin in dogs?

The most common side effect associated with mupirocin is local skin irritation. You may notice some itching or redness where you apply the medication. But this can be hard to distinguish, because your dog’s skin is probably already inflamed — and red — due to the infection. If your dog’s skin inflammation appears to be worse after you’ve applied mupirocin, contact your veterinarian. 

Besides skin irritation, side effects with mupirocin are relatively rare. Most of the ointment remains on the skin. Very little medication is absorbed into the body, which helps reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the most serious risks of mupirocin for dogs?

Mupirocin can have serious risks for dogs. A very small number of dogs may have an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to mupirocin. Signs of anaphylaxis include a sudden onset of: 

• Hives

• Swelling, especially around the face

• Severe vomiting

• Severe diarrhea

• Breathing problems

• Increased heart rate

If your dog experiences signs of anaphylaxis, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Avoid future use of the medication. 

Each tube of medication contains 2% of mupirocin. It also contains other ingredients. One of these — polyethylene glycol — can cause kidney damage in dogs if too much is absorbed. So if your dog has large or deep skin wounds, your veterinarian might not prescribe mupirocin, to avoid this serious side effect.

Does mupirocin interact with any other dog medications?

There are no known interactions between mupirocin and other dog medications. But it’s important that your veterinarian knows of any medications your dog takes. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and nutritional supplements. Your veterinarian will be able to double-check that there aren’t any potential interactions.

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Written by:

Catherine Barnette, DVM

Catherine Barnette, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with 14 years of experience providing preventive care, medical workups, and surgical services in a number of general veterinary practices. She also served on her county's board of health for several years and taught biology laboratories for college students.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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