Can I use Neosporin on my dog's hot spot and cover it with gauze?

Hi there. Generally speaking, Neosporin is okay to use in dogs - but if you want to be extra safe, you could always get an antibiotic spray labeled for use in dogs, like Nutri-Vet or Vetericyn. Your local pet store should have some options like this, if you want to pick something up.

I am sorry to hear about Pepper! A photo of the area may help us to better address her issue. It is possible she could have a hot spot https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952981 or something else entirely. If the area is small and she isn't bothered by it you can try washing with a product called Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and applying a topical antibiotic to the area, but if it isn't improving within a day or two, I would bring her into her vet. Sometimes we need to shave around these areas and sometimes they require stronger medications than are available over the counter.

Do not cover the area this can create an environment that can make the infection worse. I would recommend an ecollar until you can get him into your regular veterinarian. Without seeing the lesions it is hard to say if it is something that should be seen sooner then later. If he is that uncomfortable then I would see if you can find another veterinarian that has an opening sooner. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I actually do think that it looks like a hot spot but honestly, I have never seen one in that location. A hot spot is really just a skin infection so it is certainly possible especially if he was scraped in that general location. I would not be overly concerned about it as it looks superficial. You can continue with the Neosporin but I think this would be better: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/3-oz-3-fl-oz-hot-spot-antimicr-2877113 ) Also, if he is licking that area you need to get him a cone collar to wear. Licking can cause more infection and will delay healing. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/contech-procone-soft-recovery-collar-1558315 ) If you do this treatment and it is not looking better in about 5 days or so then you should have him to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I actually would not recommend putting anything topical on it if he can potentially lick it off. Neosporin is not particularly toxic if a small amount is ingested but it won't have a chance to work if your dog is licking. I'd recommend putting an e-collar on him to keep him from licking. If there is a raw spot or other skin lesion it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look - he might need oral medications for it to resolve. I doubt he would need anesthesia unless there is a skin growth that is there.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This wound is certainly very small and will most likely heal up on its own if you leave it alone and maintain it clean. I would not advise the use of neosporin or any other topical ointment as it is a bit deep and those are not indicated in internal tissue. I would just ensure that it remains clean and that he does not lick at it or traumatize it any other way. If it does not resolve, then have him evaluated. Good luck and have a good evening!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At least based on these pictures, this looks superficial enough that it should be ok with topical therapy. I think applying a triple antibiotic like Neosporin twice daily for 7-10 days would be a good idea. This may make Zelda to be itchy. For this reason, if you notice her scratching at her head, use an e-collar to prevent self-trauma as that may delay healing. Otherwise, this should heal well shortly. Good luck and have a great day!