Superb Dog EditorBactine is an over-the-counter medication used to treat skin issues such as sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes, poison ivy, poison oak, and other skin conditions. It helps to lessen any itching, pain, soreness, or tenderness.
But is it safe to use Bactine on dogs?
Yes, Bactine is safe for dogs. While you can rub Bactine ointment directly on your dog’s skin, Bactine spray is much easier to apply, especially if you have an active breed.
What Ingredients Are in Bactine?
Bactine spray has two active ingredients: benzalkonium chloride and lidocaine. Benzalkonium chloride disinfects and acts as an antiseptic, and lidocaine reduces the pain response to cuts and wounds.
Both components contribute to Bactine’s antiseptic properties and make it effective at cleansing and healing your dog’s lesions.
Is Bactine Safe for Dogs?
Bactine is safe to use on dogs’ skin. Canine atopic dermatitis, also known as “hot spots”, is a common skin condition in dogs and other animals sensitive to environmental allergens.
Whether your dog inhales pollen outside or dust in your household, sensitivity to these allergens can cause itchy patches to develop on their skin. Your dog may want to lick, bite, or scratch the affected area. However, the constant irritation can encourage infection. You can use Bactine spray to reduce your dog’s urge to lick, bite, or scratch their hot spots.
If your dog has any of the following skin conditions, Bactine can be used to reduce the side effects:
- Staph infections
- Yeast infections
- Poison ivy
- Skin rashes
- Insect bite.
- Worn paw pads
Bactine for Dogs: Potential Risks
Even though Bactine is generally safe to use on dogs, you’ll need to follow some precautions. When you apply Bactine spray to your dog, it’s best to place an Elizabethan collar (also know as a “cone”) around their neck to prevent them from licking the affected area.
If you don’t put a cone on your dog and they attempt to lick the Bactine ointment or spray, the following symptoms may occur:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Trembling
- Sores or ulcers in your dog’s mouth
- Unexpected vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- More drooling than average for your dog
For the best results, first, place a cone around your dog’s neck. Then, relax them with a favorite low-key activity, such as sitting with you as you read a book or watch television.
Finally, give your dog a comforting pet and talk to them with reassurance as you apply the Bactine spray. The lidocaine and benzalkonium chloride in the Bactine will cause stinging, and the temporary discomfort can upset your canine companion.
Can I Use Benzalkonium Chloride on My Dog?
Since benzalkonium chloride is one of the ingredients in Bactine, you can safely use this solution on your dog. It is the ingredient responsible for disinfecting your dog’s skin and removing bacteria that could cause infection. Benzalkonium chloride also acts as an antiseptic to lessen the likelihood of infection.
Is Bactine Safe for a Dog’s Ears?
While Bactine works well for minor cuts and scrapes, you should not apply ointment or spray inside of your dog’s ears. If they have an injury outside their ear canal, spray a small amount and wipe the excess away before the Bactine absorbs into their skin.
However, if you notice that your dog is constantly scratching their ear or whining incessantly, take them to the vet as soon as possible to determine if they have an inner ear infection. Do not apply Bactine spray inside of your dog’s ear as it will only worsen their condition.
Should I Worry If My Dog Licks Bactine Spray?
Minor ingestion of Bactine spray from your dog licking their wound or cut won’t hurt. As long as your dog isn’t constantly ingesting the Bactine spray, there should not be any ulcers that form in their mouth.
Too much lidocaine in a dog’s system can be fatal. If your dog has heart abnormalities or a heart blockage, you should not use Bactine because of lidocaine. If your dog is already on medication, you’ll need to consult your veterinarian to make sure Bactine is a viable option. Lidocaine interacts poorly with certain medications and can be detrimental to your pet’s health.
Just to be on the safe side, do not apply a large amount of spray or ointment at one time. A little goes a long way.
Can Dogs Use Bactine Max?
Yes, dogs can have Bactine Max. If you don’t have access to saline solutions, Bactine Max will work just as well as standard Bactine. While Bactine Max is made with maximum strength lidocaine instead of the lesser dose in standard Bactine, it is still safe enough for your dog to use.
Bactine Max is considered the most popular Bactine spray in America. It contains 4% lidocaine and Benzalkonium chloride, which acts as a first-aid antiseptic. Plus, your dog won’t have to endure the usual sting from Bactine spray or ointment applied to a cut or wound. This sensitivity makes it easier for you to use the treatment on your dog without facing too much resistance.
How Much Bactine Should I Give to My Dog?
You won’t need a lot of Bactine ointment or spray to help your dog heal from their cut, scrape, or skin condition. If you have ointment, apply a tiny dot to the affected area, rub it in, and wipe away the excess.
Wiping away the leftover Bactine will ensure your dog isn’t too exposed to the lidocaine. Too much lidocaine in a dog’s system can cause fatigue, seizures, wobbly walking, or shaking.
If you are using Bactine spray, apply one to two sprays. Be careful not to saturate the wound or cut with the solution. Let the solution seep into your dog’s skin for at least one minute, then wipe away the excess spray.
How Often Can You Use Bactine on Dogs?
Apply the Bactine spray or ointment on your dog’s wound or cut once a day for the first two to three days the lesion remains open. Follow the process of applying only a tiny amount and removing the excess after rubbing in the ointment or letting the spray soak into your dog’s skin for a minute.
If the injury is more severe, such as a gaping wound, Bactine alone will not do the trick, and you’ll need to transport your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Apply a few sprays of Bactine over the wound before the appointment to stop the infection from spreading in the short term. Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet for a complete check-up, too.
Alternatives to Bactine for Dog Wounds
Bactine isn’t the only solution for treating dog wounds, cuts, and scrapes. You can also use other types of antiseptics on your dog, such as Neosporin. However, you should always speak to your vet before trying a new product on your dog’s sensitive skin.
Bactine vs. Neosporin
Neosporin is an antibiotic that can help with your dog’s cuts and wounds. Bactine is an antiseptic that cleans the skin well after an accident. While Neosporin fights infections due to its antimicrobial properties, Bactine’s antiseptic qualities reduce the likelihood of infection from occurring.
If you apply Neosporin to your dog’s skin, you’ll immediately clean their skin of infection-causing bacteria. Applying Bactine does the same thing, but with a slightly more aggressive approach, making it more effective than Neosporin.
What Antiseptic Can I Use on My Dog?
You should not use harsh antiseptics that will sting your dog’s open cut and cause unnecessary discomfort, such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. These can be extremely painful for your dog.
Over-the-counter saline solutions work best. After applying warm water and patting the wound dry to remove excess blood, apply a small amount of the saline solution.
Not everyone has a ready-made saline solution in their medicine cabinet. In this case, you can mix a teaspoon of salt with a couple of cups of water and dab it on the affected area with a clean cloth.
With your veterinarian’s permission, you can also dilute chlorhexidine with some water to remove any dirt trapped inside your dog’s wounds. They may also prescribe you a specific antiseptic to apply to your dog’s wound, depending on how bad their injury is.
Can I Use Soap and Water on My Dog?
The above methods are the most effective and safe for cleaning your dog’s wounds, but you can also use warm water without soap. The harsh chemicals in most soaps can hinder the wound from healing properly and irritate your dog’s skin more, causing more damage than healing.
If you’re bathing your dog with an open wound, wash around the affected area, making sure that the wound or cut doesn’t come into contact with the soapy water. You can also soak a washcloth in clean, warm water without soap and lay it over the wound to remove any dirt or debris.
Make sure to use a soap that is veterinarian approved for use on dogs. There are specialty dog shampoos available at most pet stores, as well.
