What Is Panalog Ointment Used for in Dogs?

Panalog ointment is a topical treatment that contains a combination of ingredients which fight off yeast (anti-fungal), decrease inflammation (corticosteroid) and treat infections (antibiotics). It is available in two forms: ointment and cream. While Panalog cream is only used to treat inflammation and infections of the skin, the ointment is more versatile and is used to treat both skin and ear disorders.

  1. Uses

    • Panalog is intended for use in dogs and cats only; it is not made for humans or for animals that are raised as food. In addition to fighting off bacterial and yeast infections of the skin or ear, Panalog is also designed to relieve skin and ear allergy symptoms such as itchiness, inflammation and pain. If your dog has an anal gland infection, itchy skin due to a parasite infestation or if cysts have developed between your dog's toes, your vet may use Panalog ointment to treat these disorders.

    Instructions for Use

    • Before your dog can begin using Panalog for ear disorders, your vet will perform an ear exam to make sure that it does not have a perforated eardrum. Clean the affected area before applying the ointment. To clean the skin, use a gentle skin cleanser to the lesion and surrounding areas. Remove debris from your dog's ear with a gentle ear cleansing solution. It may also be helpful to trim any excess hairs in the affected area before treating it, suggests veterinarians Doctors Foster and Smith. Once the area is clean, apply Panalog ointment as instructed by your veterinarian. If you forget to give your dog a dose, apply it upon remembering. You should not "double up" on applying the ointment if you forget as this may result in overdose.

    Benefits

    • Panalog ointment is odorless and it applies easily and evenly onto your dog's skin or in its ear. In addition, Panalog ointment is water-resistant so if your dog gets caught in the rain or goes for a swim, the medication remains in contact with the skin or ears. As a bonus, the ointment helps soften your dog's skin especially if it suffers from dry, itchy skin due to allergies or infections.

    Adverse Effects

    • All medications may produce adverse effects in the patient; Panalog ointment is no exception. Very rarely, your dog may exhibit redness or sensitivity in the area to which the ointment was applied. Dogs that receive Panalog ointment treatment in the ear may experience loss of hearing or balance if the eardrum is perforated. Additionally, you might notice an increase in water intake and urination, increased appetite, weight gain, panting, digestive distress and changes in your dog's behavior. Contact your vet immediately if you observe any of these side effects.

    Risks and Warnings

    • Prevent your dog from ingesting the Panalog ointment. In pregnant dogs, ingesting the medication may cause birth defects and premature birth. In addition, if your dog takes certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ingests the ointment, it is at a higher risk of developing stomach ulcers. If your dog is being treated with the ointment over an extended period of time, it is at an increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections due to a delay in wound healing and suppression of the immune system.