Scratch, scratch, scratch…. Is your dog scratching constantly driving you crazy? You can tell they’ve been scratching a lot. Their skin is looking pretty irritated, and it may be red or even bleeding. Time to treat them for allergies, dermatitis, or whatever leads to itching and scratching. Poor thing, I bet they’re miserable! However, there is good news: Sudocrem on dogs is a great solution.
There are a lot of treatments for dogs when it comes to itchiness, like Sudocrem. With so many potential treatments, you want to ensure that whatever you use will be safe for your dog and not worsen its itchy situation. Some pet owners use Sudocrem under the advisement of many veterinarians and other recommendations.
What is Sudocrem? Basically, Sudocrem is a human healing cream for treating dermatitis, eczema, pressure sores, abrasions, and even rashes. You can read more about it in our article below.
Can you use Sudocrem on dogs? The answer here is yes, but there are some things you should know and be aware of. Overall it is safe to use for your dog’s irritated skin. It’s one of the more popular skincare options for dogs.
What is Sudocrem?
Sudocrem is an over-the-counter cream that is produced in the United Kingdom. It’s a medicated cream that is primarily used for a diaper (nappy) rash but has several other functional uses, including acne, dermatitis, etc.
Sudocrem cream contains antibacterial and antifungal agents as well as a mild anesthetic to soothe the irritated skin. Additionally, it also is made with a water-repellent base and emollient agents.
This cream went on the market in 1931 and has been in high demand ever since. In fact, in some markets, it is quite challenging to find in stock because of demand. It’s sold worldwide because of its popularity.
Although this cream was specially designed to soothe skin irritation and diaper rashes, it is versatile. It can be used for any skin irritant – cuts, acne, eczema, sunburns, minor burns, and more. It is also not limited to human use! Sudocrem can be used to treat a dog’s irritated skin.
What Are the Ingredients in Sudocrem?
If you plan to use Sudocrem on dogs, you should read and understand the information on the label. This will help you use it appropriately and understand any potential safeguards you should practice when applying this cream on your dogs.
One interesting fact about Sudocrem is that its formula has never changed. This formula remains exactly the same as it was the day they started selling the product in 1931. The formula was designed to be both soothing and healing.
The primary ingredients in Sudocrem are:
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Anhydrous Hypoallergenic Lanolin
- Zinc Oxide
Let’s break these down further to understand how these ingredients may affect your dog.
Benzyl Alcohol
In Sudocrem, Benzyl alcohol is used as a local anesthetic as well as an antiseptic. The idea is to cleanse any wound and reduce discomfort related to the irritation. Sudocrem not only does this for humans but also dogs.
Benzyl alcohol is mild. It has very low toxicity and a low vapor pressure measurement. In fact, Benzyl alcohol can be found naturally in plants and is commonly found in various fruits and teas as well. You see Benzyl alcohol used in health care on a routine basis for IVs, cosmetics, and topical drugs.
Benzyl alcohol is commonly used in topical creams, soaps, cleansers, shampoos, and more because of its antibacterial and antifungal benefits. It is considered a relatively safe ingredient for dogs. However, dogs should not be ingesting high amounts of Benzyl Alcohol.
Anhydrous Hypoallergenic Lanolin
Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin is used in the Sudocrem formula as an emollient. An emollient is something that soothes and softens irritated skin. Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin helps form an oily layer on the top of the skin to retain moisture. This both soothes and softens your dog’s skin while reducing any itching or flaking caused by the irritation.
Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin is often included in medications and is used to moisturize, treat, and even prevent itchy skin and other irritations. For dogs, the lanolin in Sudocrem helps to reduce the amount of itchy skin. The lanolin in Sudocrem is considered safe for dogs.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is another topical ingredient. It’s commonly used in topical treatments for treating diaper rash and skin irritations like burns and cuts. This ingredient works to form a barrier on the skin. This barrier protects the skin from whatever might be irritating, as well as moisture.
Zinc oxide is perhaps the ingredient that brings the most pause and concern for using Sudocrem on dogs. There is a concern for zinc toxicosis if a dog consumes it in large quantities. However, if used appropriately, a dog should be perfectly fine. We have some tips for the administration below.
It is very important that this is used only on the skin for dogs. It’s not meant for ingestion, which is perhaps where the concern comes for dogs since they lick themselves often. You also may not want to use it if the irritated area is infected.
Zinc Toxicosis
We mentioned earlier that the ingredient to be most concerned about is Zinc oxide. It’s common knowledge that dogs should not lick zinc as it can have detrimental effects. This is true of Sudocrem for dogs. This is why we caution you to be very careful with the application.
Zinc toxicosis is a toxicity caused by the over-consumption of zinc. Dogs are not supposed to lick zinc, which can lead to this side effect. This is the only known side effect of using Sudocrem on dogs.
Here are some of the signs of zinc toxicosis:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)
These are a few of the most prominent signs you can watch for if you suspect your dog has ingested too much zinc due to using Sudocrem.
Losing your dog from zinc toxins sickness is possible if it is not caught and treated. However, treatment is available, and most dogs will fully recover. Ultimately, zinc toxicosis is considered to have relatively good prognosis results if it is caught and treated promptly. This is the only worry for using Sudocrem on dogs.
Using Sudocrem on Dogs
Sudocrem is considered non-toxic. Of course, that label is designed for humans. Humans don’t commonly lick themselves to bathe or clean. This is the primary difference between using Sudocrem for dogs and humans.
As discussed above, if your dog licks and ingests a large amount of Sudocrem, it could come down with zinc toxicosis. This could have dangerous results and worsen the situation.
Sudocrem is considered safe for dogs, but you should be careful how you use it. Many veterinarians recommend this product for use. We would assume that they also provide instructions on how to use it safely for dogs. If they don’t, ask.
Tips and Tricks for Application
You want to ensure that your dog will not be able to lick large amounts of Sudocrem off when you apply it. How you accomplish this may vary. Whether you apply it very lightly and cover it, only apply it to areas they don’t often lick, or make them wear a cone could depend on your preferences.
An Elizabethan collar (a.k.a., the cone of shame) is the most surefire way to prevent your dog from licking off the Sudocrem. You may try putting the cone on your dog for the first 15-20 minutes after you apply the Sudocrem to allow it time to absorb into the skin.
When you rub Sudocrem on dogs, rub it in well. This will also make a difference in your dog’s ability to lick it off in large amounts.
Never put Sudocrem on sensitive areas of your dog. These include: near or in the eyes, near or in the mouth, on the nose, or in the ears.
Ultimately, be cautious of how much you apply, where you apply, and how well you rub it in to ensure that your dog is safe. Make sure you are home and available to monitor your dog after Sudocrem is applied.
So, Can I Put Sudocrem on My Dog? The Final Verdict
Overall, using Sudocrem for dogs is perfectly acceptable and safe if you are very careful with your application. You will find that it is commonly recommended by veterinarians to treat skin irritations because it truly works.
There are risks with any topical treatment or medication. You must be aware of those risks and know how to work around them to protect your dog. Sudocrem is considered primarily safe for use on dogs. Keep in mind the tips for application to prevent negative side effects.
Sudocrem is extremely effective and reliable in treating skin irritations for both humans and dogs. So, in answer to our question, “Is Sudocrem on Dogs Safe?” We say yes, it is typically safe. Just be mindful and cautious when applying, and watch your dog be sure they are not licking it off after you apply it.
Put Sudocrem to the test on your dog’s skin irritation, and we think you will see the skin clear up in no time. At the very least, your dog’s irritation will be soothed and comforted rather than them staying miserable. And finally, remember that Sudocrem is for short-term use only.
Other articles to read:
FAQs for “Can you use Sudocrem on Dogs?”
What other itching treatments, like Sudocrem, are ok for dogs?
In the long term, you may want to try something like Welactin. Welactin for Dogs is a nutritional supplement for a dog’s skin and coat health. It significantly reduces dry and itchy skin. If your dog is itching their ear, you can also try Zymox. Ultimately, your vet will be the best source of information for treatments specific to your dog’s condition.
Can I put Sudocrem on my dog’s cut?
Yes, Sudocrem is safe to use on minor scrapes and scratches. However, if the scape or cut is anything more than minor, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Can I use Sudocrem for my dog’s yeast infection?
Hypothetically yes, you could put Sudocrem on your dog’s yeast infection. However, it is not recommended. Sudocrem would not be the most effective medication nor treat the root cause.
To diagnose a yeast infection, you must take your dog to the veterinarian. They will take a small sample of your dog’s skin, either by swap or scrape, and look at it under a microscope. Depending on the severity of the infection, your veterinarian will recommend topical treatments or oral medications.
Is Sudocrem safe for cats?
Yes, Sudocrem is safe for cats in small amounts. However, just as for dogs, cats can get zinc toxicosis if too much is ingested. You will want to talk to your veterinarian before using Sudocrem for cats. Because cats groom themselves often, they may recommend using an Elizabethan collar. Your vet may also recommend a more suitable ointment or treatment specific to your cat’s condition.
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.