Neosporin for Dogs: It Can Be Safe for Minor Cuts, but Talk to a Vet First
Key takeaways:
Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that is available over the counter. It contains three antibiotics: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin.
Although Neosporin is a human medication, it is commonly prescribed off-label by veterinarians to treat minor skin injuries and burns in dogs.
Although Neosporin is generally safe to use on dogs, it isn’t right for all dogs. It should only be used under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
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Dogs can be clumsy creatures, and they are as susceptible to scrapes and cuts just like the rest of us. If your dog has a skin-related injury, you’re probably wondering how you can help.
Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B) is a topical medication that can be used to treat minor skin injuries and burns in dogs. But while Neosporin is generally safe for dogs, you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian first.
In this article, learn about Neosporin for dogs, how it works, and what it is used for — as well as the recommended dosage, side effects, and more.
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Neosporin for dogs at a glance
Common names | Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B) |
What it treats | Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns |
How it comes (forms) | Topical ointment, lotion |
Common side effects | Itching, redness, and digestive upset if ingested |
Average cost |
What is Neosporin for dogs, and how does it work?
Neosporin is a brand-name, over-the-counter medication used on the skin to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and burns. It’s designed to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
Neosporin contains three antibiotics:
Bacitracin
Neomycin
Polymyxin B
These antibiotics work together to kill disease-causing bacteria on the skin and prevent bacterial infections. When Neosporin is applied to the skin, it also creates a physical barrier that prevents bacteria from entering wounds.
What is Neosporin used for in dogs?
In dogs, Neosporin is used to treat or prevent skin infections in small cuts, scrapes, and burns. Neosporin should not be used on wounds that are close to a dog’s eyes, lips, nostrils, or genitalia.
Using Neosporin to treat dogs is considered extra-label or off-label, meaning that the medication is not FDA approved for use in dogs. Extra-label use of medications is common practice in veterinary medicine. But any medication, including Neosporin, prescribed extra-label to a dog should only be used under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
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What is the recommended dosage of Neosporin for dogs, and how is it given?
Neosporin comes as a gel or lotion that can be applied to your dog’s skin. There isn’t a standard dosage of Neosporin for dogs. Ask your veterinarian about directions for using this medication on your pet.
Generally speaking, you want to use the smallest amount needed to spread a thin layer of Neosporin over the surface of your dog’s cut, scrape, or minor burn. Neosporin is typically applied to wounds 1 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days or until the condition resolves.
Some bacterial infections are resistant to the antibiotics in Neosporin. If your dog’s condition does not improve within 2 to 3 days or seems to be getting worse, call your veterinarian. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering the medication closely. Finish out treatment, even if your dog’s condition appears to be resolved. Stopping antibiotic therapy early can lead to bacteria that are resistant to medication.
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Neosporin is for topical application on the skin only. Do not give this medication to your dog by mouth or put it in their ears. And be sure to wash your hands before and after applying it.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Neosporin?
If you forget to give your dog a dose of Neosporin, apply the medication to the affected area as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time that you’re supposed to apply the next dose, skip the missed one. Then, apply the medication at the regularly scheduled time. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.
What are the common side effects of Neosporin in dogs?
Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to Neosporin, which can result in itching and redness. If this occurs, stop using the medication, gently clean your dog’s wound with mild soap and water, and call your veterinarian for advice.
If a dog swallows Neosporin, it can cause digestive upset and imbalances to the gut microbiome. This can result in stool changes, changes in appetite, and vomiting.
To prevent accidental ingestion, monitor your dog to make sure they don’t lick off Neosporin after you apply it. You can also cover the wound with a bandage, put a T-shirt on your dog, or fit them with an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.
What are the most serious risks of Neosporin for dogs?
Most dogs don’t experience serious side effects when Neosporin is applied directly to the skin for a short amount of time.
But some dogs should not be treated with Neosporin. Talk to your veterinarian about alternative treatments if your dog has:
Active bleeding
Skin wounds from skin allergies, pyoderma, or a fungal skin infection
Bite wounds from other animals
Deep or severe wounds
Puncture wounds
Burns more severe than first-degree burns
Myasthenia gravis (a type of autoimmune condition)
Neomycin, one of the key ingredients in Neosporin, is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. This type of antibiotic can cause hearing loss if it’s absorbed into a dog’s circulatory system. This is very unlikely to happen when Neosporin is used on the skin as directed. But if you have concerns, talk to your veterinarian.
Does Neosporin interact with any other dog medications?
Medication interactions are unlikely to occur if you use Neosporin on your dog as directed.
Do not use any other topical products, prescription or otherwise, on the affected area without consulting your veterinarian. Always be sure to tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog takes before using Neosporin.
The bottom line
Neosporin (bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin B) can help treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns in dogs. But it’s not appropriate for every dog, and it should only be used as directed by a veterinarian.
Serious side effects rarely occur in dogs when Neosporin is used as directed. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the medication that can result in itchy, red skin. Don’t let your dog lick off Neosporin after you’ve applied it, as it is not intended to be ingested.
If your dog’s injury does not improve within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment with Neosporin or gets worse, consult with your veterinarian.
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References
Cohen, A. (n.d.). Myasthenia gravis. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.
Gfeller, R., et al. (2023). Bandaging: First aid. Veterinary Information Network.
Gomes, P. (2019). Burns. Clinician’s Brief.
Mercer, M. A. (2024). Aminoglycosides use in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Moriello, K. A. (2024). Pyoderma in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Neosporin. (n.d.). What is Neosporin and what is it used for?
Oishi, N., et al. (2012). Ototoxicity in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
Pilla, R., et al. (2020). The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Whelan, N. (2024). Antimicrobial use in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
