Neosporin as a Treatment for a Rash in a Dog

Dogs are prone to many of the same skin conditions that humans suffer from, such as insect bites, sunburns, dermatitis and allergic skin reactions. However these conditions can sometimes escalate in a dog as the animal digs and scratches at the affected area, sometimes causing infection to set in. Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment which is commonly used in humans to treat infected areas of the skin, but the ointment can also be used to treat infections and skin rashes on your pet.

  1. Insect stings

    • Stings from insects such as bees or hornets will cause itching for your dog, which will in turn make the animal scratch and dig at the affected area. This can often cause a rash which may become infected if not treated. Before applying a topical treatment, make sure the stinger is not still in the bite area. If the stinger is still present, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Wash the area with a solution of baking soda and water to reduce the itching and apply a thin layer of Neosporin to treat any possible topical skin infection which may have occurred.

    Sunburns

    • Dogs can become sunburned just as easily as humans can, especially dogs with thin or light-colored fur. Burns from the sun will cause a red, sometimes scaly or blistery rash to appear on your pet. To treat this type of condition, bathe your dog with in an oatmeal-type bath first to soothe the skin. Once your dog is dry, apply a thin layer of Neosporin to the affected area to prevent and treat any possible skin infection.

    Fleas and Ticks

    • Infestation from fleas and ticks will cause your dog to scratch and dig at its skin, often causing a red, scabby rash which can become infected. If your pet develops this type of rash, you should first treat the infestation to prevent any further rashes from occuring. There are a variety of products on the market to get rid of fleas and ticks such as dog dips, special shampoos, flea collars, topical medications and dusting powders. After your pet has been treated to get rid of the pests, the infected rash should be carefully washed with a solution of water and baking soda to help soothe the itch. After drying the skin, apply a thin layer of Neosporin to help fight any skin infection which may be present.

    Other skin conditions

    • Dogs can develop skin rashes such as dermatitis or eczema the same way humans can. They can also develop allergies to a variety of objects, such as food and pollen. These types of skin conditions will cause red eruptions to appear on the skin and will also cause excessive itching. Dogs, however, do not know when to stop scratching, and as a result, the rash can turn into a bacterial infection. It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian to find out the cause of the rash. Conditions such as dermatitis and eczema can be treated with medications such as antihistamines and steroids. If the rash has become infected, applying a thin layer of Neosporin to the affected area will help to soothe and treat the infection.