Iodine ointment is the all-rounder for small and large injuries.
Experienced dog owners therefore always have a tube of iodine ointment for the dog in the emergency pharmacy.
The application is uncomplicated, and the iodine ointment can prevent infections of wounds.
We took a closer look at the iodine ointment.
Iodine ointment for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
The active ingredient most commonly found in iodine ointment for dogs is povidone iodine. It kills germs and bacteria on damaged skin and wounds.
As a rule, everyone who has ever had an operation knows Jod. The red, strongly staining liquid used to be used in operations disinfection around open wounds.
For weeks afterwards, the skin was discolored orange. But that was secondary, because the strong disinfecting effect was important.
Iodine also has a preventive effect against infections.
Iodine ointment for your dog can be used for:
- cuts and abrasions
- burns and scalds
- Infected skin diseases
- eczema
The correct application and dosage of iodine ointment in dogs
Apply the iodine ointment thinly once or twice a day for several days. So the dosage is quite simple.
Small wounds can usually heal within a few days.
Make sure that your four-legged friend uses the iodine ointment not licking.
While it’s not toxic or intolerable for your dog, its effectiveness will be lost if the ointment isn’t left on the wound long enough.
It is better not to use iodine ointment near the mucous membranes and eyes. It irritates the sensitive regions.
For larger and deeper injuries, an ointment bandage can be made with the iodine ointment. However, this should be clarified with the veterinarian.
Danger
For larger injuries and deep cuts, the veterinarian should be consulted. The wound may need stitches or staples.
How quickly does the iodine ointment work in dogs?
The great advantage of iodine ointment is that its effect is immediate. From the very first application, the iodine starts fighting fungi, bacteria, spores and viruses.
Another advantage over an antibiotic ointment is that there are no known resistances to iodine. The ointment can therefore be used again at any time.
What side effects can iodine ointment cause in dogs?
If your furry friend has an allergy to iodine, there may be side effects. These manifest themselves as an allergic skin reaction.
In the worst case, an iodine ointment for your dog can cause one anaphylactic shock come.
If your fur nose shows any abnormalities after treatment with an iodine ointment, consult a veterinarian immediately or take your dog to a veterinary clinic.
No other serious side effects are known.
When should I not use iodine ointment on my dog?
Contraindications that speak against the use of iodine ointments in dogs are the following:
- Known hypersensitivity to the active substance or other ingredients
- Hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders
- kidney diseases
- Intraoperative application
Even with one pregnancy When applied to the skin, the active ingredient enters the puppies’ circulation via the placenta – and also via the bitch’s milk.
Therefore, drugs or ointments containing iodine should not be used during pregnancy. The same applies as long as the puppies drink from their mother.
Where is iodine ointment available?
Iodine ointment for your dog is freely available. So you don’t need a prescription from the vet.
However, iodine ointments are usually pharmacy only.
So you can only get them in pharmacies and online pharmacies, but not in supermarkets.
Various companies offer iodine ointment. The best-known iodine ointment is Betaisodona.
What alternatives are there to iodine ointment?
As for us humans, there are also wound and healing ointments with different active ingredients for dogs. The experiences with it are generally very good.
The ointments include:
- zinc ointments
- cod liver ointment
- bepanthen
Zinc ointment is anti-inflammatory. In addition, it supports cell renewal and cell growth.
Due to its firm consistency, it can be applied thickly and closes the wound. This prevents the ingress of dirt and germs.
Bepathen ointment contains the active ingredient panthenol. It is one of the most popular wound and healing ointments for people. You can also use them for your four-legged friend.
Bepanthen ointment has a thick consistency. It closes the wound and accelerates the healing process.
Vitamins A, D and E are contained in cod liver oil. They support the regeneration of the skin. Cod liver oil is usually used in combination with zinc as an ointment.
Many of the active ingredients listed are also available in the form of sprays.
Experience has shown that the application with a spray especially easier with long-haired dogs. The effect is just as efficient.
Antibiotic ointments
To keep wounds germ-free, you can also access ointments that contain a antibiotic contain.
However, they must be prescribed by the veterinarian, so they cannot be sold over the counter.
For smaller, superficial wounds, however, antibiotics are not absolutely necessary.
If your vet deems it necessary, he will prescribe such an ointment for your furry friend.
Which ointment do you use for your fur nose when it is injured? Do you also use an iodine ointment for your dog? Or do you have one insider tip for us? Tell us in a comment!