Does your dog continuously lick his face and ears? This could be because he is suffering from skin infections. Let’s say you are sure about the problem of your dog. Now you may wonder, can you use mupirocin on dogs?
Well, mupirocin is an effective microbial ointment used to treat bacterial problems in the skin. It not only does magic for human skin but also for animal skin. So yeah, you can use mupirocin on your dog if he has bacterial growth in the skin.
There are many merits and drawbacks to using this ointment. Also, it is important to know the correct way of using it. Let’s figure it all out.
Table of Contents
What Is Mupirocin?
Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic by Bactroban. People use it to treat skin problems and infections caused by bacteria, such as hot pyoderma, rashes, irritations, etc.
Mupirocin is indeed an antibacterial cream, but not antifungal. Also, it can’t treat your viral skin problems. Any doctor will guide you to use mupirocin if they spot any bacterial problem in your skin.
How Does Mupirocin Work?
The working procedure of Mupirocin depends on its ingredients. It has polyethylene glycol 3350 and 400, which makes this ointment water-washable.
Mupirocin works by binding the bacterial protein synthesis and converting it to bacterial isoleucyl. Then it transfers the RNA synthetase. This mode of action does not lead to mupirocin to a cross-resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, penicillin, novobiocin, and so on.
The primary job of mupirocin is to inhibit the spread of bacteria of both gram-positive and gram-negative.
Can You Use Mupirocin On Dogs?
It is now inevitable that mupirocin has a dominant hand in controlling bacterial growth on the skin. For humans, it is like a boon for treating skin problems, such as hot spots.
Like humans, dogs also face strains of bacteria, and we know nothing can be better than mupirocin for this problem. If you see any susceptible signs of bacterial skin infections on your dog, you can use the mupirocin ointment on it. This cream is completely safe for dogs, cats, and other animals.
Your veterinarian may recommend you use mupirocin when you talk about the bacterial problem of your dog. Make sure you only use it if he suggests it to you.
Benefits Of Using Mupirocin On Dogs
Mupirocin mainly targets the bacterial growth caused by skin infection. However, it can offer more merits than you think.
- Restricts the growth of bacteria in the skin.
- Heals skin that is dry, itchy, scaly, etc.
- Cures skin problems, like impetigo, pyoderma, etc
Side Effects Of Using Mupirocin On Dogs
Although mupirocin serves uncountable benefits for dogs, it can have some side effects. Such as:
- Irritation, crusting, and blistering on the skin.
- Cracker sores occur.
- Ulcers and sores on the lips.
- Burning and striking in the affected area.
- Fever and cough.
- Feeling weak and tired.
- Hives on skin rashes.
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Can block the production of protein
Note: If you see any of these signs after using mupirocin on your dog, stop applying it. Don’t forget to tell your dog’s vet about the issue. Also, don’t do any treatment after noticing these symptoms in your dog. Do everything under your vet’s guidance.
How To Use Mupirocin On Dogs?
Follow some tips to apply mupirocin on your dog safely.
- Start with washing your hands, as your dog already has an infection, and dirty hands can worsen his condition.
- Then take a generous amount of this ointment as prescribed by your doctor and apply it to the affected area. (Avoid the areas in the eyes and ears).
- Cover the medication on the skin with a sterile gauze and fasten it with a micropore. Don’t use any plastic-covered or air-tight bandage.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Mupirocin?
Dogs like to lick their body out of curiosity. When you apply any product to dogs, they become excited about it and try to lick the affected part. By any chance, if your dog licks mupirocin, the consequences can be awful.
The symptoms that you will get to see when your dog ingests mupirocin are neurological problems. The dog may have disorientation, tremors, seizures, etc. Also, it can damage the kidney and liver, followed by jaundice, increased urination, etc.
Consuming this ointment can upset your dog’s gastrointestinal, too. It may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Don’t worry if your dog ingests mupirocin accidentally. You can treat it. Just induce him to vomit to flush out the medicine. You can apply activated charcoal too as it takes away all medications.
When Can You Use Mupirocin On Dogs
Mupirocin is a powerful and effective medication to heal skin infections. Misusing it can cause more problems for your dog than he has now. That’s why you must know when you can use it.
No dog lovers would like to take the risk of applying any product to their dogs without vets’ suggestions. In fact, we would advise you the same.
Anyway, the general rule of applying mupirocin is three times a day. You must apply it like a thin film, not too much. Keep continuing the dosage for one to two weeks or up to the duration that your vet recommends.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can You Use Mupirocin On Dogs?
Can mupirocin ointment be toxic to dogs?
Mupirocin ointment does not have any ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. It can treat skin infections in both humans and animals.
Where should you not use mupirocin on your dog?
Avoid areas that have burns, acrales, and cuts while applying mupirocin on your dog. If you apply there mistakenly, rinse the ointment then.
Is mupirocin good for open wounds?
Open wounds are prone to bacterial growth. Meanwhile, mupirocin works to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin. Hence, using mupirocin can be an excellent solution for open wounds.
Can mupirocin damage your dog’s skin?
Yes, mupirocin can lead to certain damages to dogs’ skin, if not used properly. The side effects include tenderness, dryness, redness, itchiness, etc. on the skin.
Wrapping Up
According to most veterinarians, mupirocin is a fine antibiotic for dogs that are suffering from skin infections. Before opting for this ointment for your dog, read the instructions properly. Sometimes incorrect dosage of mupirocin can worsen the skin infection.
Don’t forget to apply gauze and micropore after applying mupirocin on your dog. As dogs try to lick products on their body, gauze and bandage can stop them from doing so.
Lastly, don’t worry about the side effects if you use this ointment accurately. Just try it out, as your vet says.
