You can use hydrocortisone cream on your dog in most cases. Like in people, it helps treat mild rashes, itchy skin, and bug bites in canines, too. But there are a few things you should know before using it, including how to safely apply it, why it's not a long-term solution, and when to avoid using it.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for dry, itchy skin. Let your dog soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and forms a protective barrier. It also helps hold moisture in and ease inflammation.
Hydrocortisone cream for dogs is often used to treat the following problems: Calm irritations such as rashes and bug bites. Skin allergies. Inflammatory skin diseases.
Sudocrem. This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.
Savlon Antiseptic Cream is not meant to be used on animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits etc. Sometimes vets will be able to supply a suitable antiseptic cream or ointment, however in many cases minor cuts will heal on their own.
Antibiotic ointment
Commonly used by humans for minor cuts or scrapes, this would be a personal care product that may be shared with our furkids with similar types of injuries. Some examples of this ointment would be Bepanthen First Aid Cream, Neosporin Original Ointment or Dermacyn WoundCare Hydrogel.
Note: This should only be done in small applications as it is not meant for dogs. Ingesting large amounts of Savlon can be dangerous for dogs, so it's best to opt for a dog-specific antiseptic when possible. Apply carefully and sparingly if you decide to use it on your pet.
While Vaseline is technically non-toxic for dogs, it does not mean it is 100% safe. If over-ingested (and they will lick) it can cause an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhoea. Vaseline forms a barrier over your dog's skin trapping in toxins, dirt and bacteria.
Don't use Vaseline as a way to treat hot spots or other skin irritations on your dog. If your pet has any kind of skin disorder, always consult with your veterinarian first. Never put Vaseline on a dog's face if he is showing any signs of respiratory distress, such as heavy panting or difficulty breathing.
Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care. Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites) are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs.
For many dogs, the answer is yes. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the fatty acids in coconut oil can be beneficial for dogs, whether you feed it to your pet or apply it topically.
Aloe Vera is not safe for dogs to ingest, but it is safe to put on their skin. It is important to practice caution when using Aloe Vera. Do not use it internally on your dog or allow your pet to ingest it. If your dog accidentally licks or ingests Aloe Vera, carefully monitor his behavior for potential side effects.
Is vaseline is toxic for dogs? Technically no, vaseline is not toxic to your dog. It is also usually not the best choice as your dog can lick it off their skin or paws. If your pup ingests enough they might get an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea if they ingest enough.
Supplementing with extra virgin olive oil can also help heal dry and damaged skin and hair. It's important to remember that you should not apply olive oil directly to your pet's hair or skin, as this will not only create a messy situation, but can also exacerbate existing skin conditions.
Ingested, vaseline can cause an upset stomach. It is also not a good choice for constipation, swallowing a foreign objects, killing ear mites, or any of the other DIY remedies we often use it for. So when it comes to vaseline on dogs, it's best to avoid it and choose products and remedies with a proven track record.
There are several home remedies that people use to help with hot spots. Neosporin, hydrocortisone, and Vaseline should not be used as dogs will lick the area. Here is the best way to treat and heal a hot spot: Trim the area around the hot spot with dog clippers.
How do you moisturize a dog's skin? You can try using a small amount of coconut oil, olive oil, or vitamin E oil to moisturize a dry patch of skin on your dog. Never use human moisturizers on your pet as these can be too harsh on their skin and may even be toxic if they are licked off.
To apply betadine on your dog, gently wipe the wound with a washcloth saturated with the betadine solution. You can do this up to twice a day for minor sores or skin infections. One great thing about Betadine is that it is completely harmless if it's ingested.
What should I clean the wound with? Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Warm saline (salt solution) may also be used. This may be made by adding approximately one level teaspoonful (5 mL) of salt (or Epsom salts) to two cups (500 mL) of water.
Apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment and cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or other bandage. Use the elastic tape to hold the bandage in place. Consider an E-collar. Pets can't understand not to bite or lick at a bandage.
Neosporin can be used topically to treat minor cuts and scrapes in dogs, just like in humans.
Many dogs benefit from either a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and help with pain, or an antihistamine to reduce the inflammatory reaction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories work well for dogs who need to avoid steroids.
If your dog is getting scabs often without explanation, talk to your veterinarian about possible allergies. Skin allergies and food allergies can cause dry, itchy skin and scabs. Avoid wiping off crusty scabs. Soften them with water or coconut oil and allow them to flake off on their own time.
When used properly, it's generally considered safe to put Neosporin on dogs, and the same goes for generic triple antibiotic topicals. But there are a few caveats. Any topical applied to a dog will encourage that dog to lick the area.
If you find that your pup's paws are dry or cracked, you can use coconut oil to help soothe and heal them. Make sure to rub the coconut oil thoroughly into your dog's paws, or your dog will mistake this treatment for a snack and lick off all of the oil!