My dog licks his paw. Is Neosporin safe or what else can I use?

Licking off a small amount of neosporin should not harm Theo. If he continues to lick/chew his paws you may want to take him to the vet to be assessed for allergies. Licking/chewing the feet is a common sign of a dog having an environmental allergy (like to dust, grasses and pollens). I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Small cuts can certainly heal without additional measures. Preventing licking is the first step! I would change the bandage daily. You want to make sure that the wound stays dry. This will also allow you to reapply the Neosporin and check for signs of infection. Signs of infection include swelling, reddness around the cut, or a creamy white or yellow discharge. If you see any of these things or if Kadi develops a limp, then she needs to see a vet for additional medications.

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.

Yes, this product is quite safe even if she will ingest a small amount. Regarding the wound, in this case a picture of the problem is essential to be able to give you specific answers. Please repost your question on the forum (it is free of charge) and attach a pic to it.

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!

I don't recommend it. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, dogs lick and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed.

Dodger sounds like he is quite uncomfortable! Neosporin may help but ultimately you are going to want to try and identify why he is so itchy. You also want to put a stop to the itchiness in order to prevent any more damage. Depending on the extent of the damage he has done, he may require a systemic antibiotic to treat a skin infection. Scratching at the face is usually caused by an allergic reaction to something, typically environmental, contact, or even food. A food allergy just starting at the age of eight would be uncommon but not impossible. You should look into an e-collar for Dodger (or make a home made one) in order to prevent him from itching until the problem is resolved. Medications are also available to address the itchiness Dodger is experiencing including both steroidal and non-steroidal options. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss these options with you in some detail once seeing how your dog actually looks.