Can You Use Sudocrem On Dogs? [This Is What You Must Know]

I am always reaching for the Sudocrem. It’s fantastic stuff and has a range of uses in supporting healing and recovery. But what about our dogs? Can we use this ointment safely on them or can it be dangerous to do so? Here is what you need to know.

So, can you use Sudocrem on dogs? You can use Sudocrem on dogs, and it is generally safe and beneficial to do so. Although, you should only use small amounts at a time and refrain from applying it to sensitive areas, such as inside the ears and around the eyes. It’s also essential your dog does not ingest it. The zinc-oxide present can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Chances are you have some Sudocrem at home.

Besides its cheap, versatile and tends to last a long time!

And despite its claim to fame being a healing cream for nappy rash and eczema, scientific evidence has shown it is terrific for surface wounds and dry skin too.

This is where your dog fits in.

But using this cream on a dog does come with some conditions.

This article will explore these precautions, along with how should (and should not be) using it on your dog if you did decide to do so.

Moreover, we will be talking about a a safer alternative that can be used a lot more liberally and is a much more practical long-term solution.

So stick around.

Your dog will thank you for it. At least indirectly.

Besides, we owe it to our dogs to get them the help and support they need to heal their wounds and relieve their itching.

Is Sudocrem Safe For Dogs?

Sudocrem is considered safe for dogs, assuming it is used sparingly, appropriately and dogs are not actively licking or ingesting it in large amounts.

The primary ingredients of Sudocrem are: Zinc Oxide, Benztyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate and Lanolin.

Considering these ingredients, the primary concern is ingestion.

Dogs have a tendency to lick their wounds or any foreign substance applied to their skin.

If a dog licks and ingests a significant amount of Sudocrem, there’s potential for gastrointestinal upset or more severe reactions due to the active ingredients.

Hence if you are going to use it, you need to use it mindfully.

Let’s continue to explore how to do so.

The Case For Sudocrem For Dogs

Sudocrem is an anti-septic cream that can soothe, protect and support the regeneration process of a localized trauma; whether that be a wound, cut or source of irritation.

It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties too; making it great for preventing infection.

This is why it has so many uses.

In fact, just looking at the packaging displays a whole host or ailments it can treat.

And while a dog may not suffer from nappy rash or acne, they can benefit immensely from its active ingredients in certain contexts.

Here is why.

• Hypoallergenic lanolin – helps to soothe irritated and inflamed skin,
• Zinc oxide is an astringent – which helps to prevent excess bleeding from an open cut or wound.
• Benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate which can facilitate faster recovery and healing.
• Benzyl alcohol is an anesthetic that can reduce pain and irritation. This also has antibacterial properties to lower the risk of infection.

As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to applying this cream to a dog.

Especially one that is excessively scratching or biting themselves.

Or one that has an open wound that is bleeding and you want to stop.

The Case Against Sudocrem For Dogs

If you stopped reading here you may think that Sudocrem is an entirely safe and immensely beneficial cream that can be used in various contexts.

Not so fast.

There is one particular ingredient to be concerned with.

And that’s the Zinc Oxide.

Now, when zinc is applied topically (that is to skin), it has a range of beneficial actions.

But if it is is swallowed, or ingested, it can be very dangeorus.

In fact, if enough is consumed, it can even lead to something known as Zinc Toxicosis or Zinc Poisoning.

How toxic zinc is to a dog will depend on how much is ingested, along with the dog’s size, weight, and age.

But, consuming too much zinc can cause vomiting and lethargy (low energy).

It can also cause diarrhea, depression, pale or yellow gums (jaundice), dehydration, orange-tinged feces or urine, and/or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

And at very toxic levels – zinc poisoning can result in life-threatening anemia, seizures, kidney and liver damage, heart problems, and even death.

Besides, a dog will naturally want to lick and bite at an open wound, cut, or source of irritation.

So, it is critical to use this product appropriately and in small amounts. Do not apply it too regularly either.

Its also key to monitor your dog and only apply it at specific times. But more on that in the next section.

Thankfully, this is at toxic levels. They’ll need to consume quite a lot of it to get to this point.

If you are worried about using Sudocrem, consider the following quote from the aforementioned vets:

“If your pet ingests a topical cream containing zinc, you may not need to worry unless it was ingested multiple times or in large amounts”

In fact, this study concluded that over 108 g of zinc oxide is a lethal dose in your average dog.

And when you consider Sudocrem is 15.25% Zinc oxide; and a tub is 125 grams, the lethal dose is just over 6 tubs!

But still, this not something that should be put to the test! Besides there will be other sources of zinc in the diet too!

When And Where To Use Sudocrem On A Dog

Applying Sudocrem on a dog should be done so mindfully and with care. This involves when and where you apply it.

Besides, there are both appropriate and inappropriate areas to apply this cream.

Here are the general recommendations:

Where You Can Apply	Where You Should Not Apply
Tail (including the base)	Nose
Legs	Mouth
Bottom	Eyes (in or around)
Neck	Ears (in or around)
Head
Back
Belly
Paws

In those areas documented above on where it can be used, it comes strongly recommended to only apply a very thin layer.

This will enable the Sudocrem to naturally absorb into the affected area.

Sometimes, you may be able to massage or rub it in. Although, this can cause further irritation depending on the extent of the injury or trauma so be careful here.

You’ll also only want to apply Sudocrem to your dog when you are around.

This way, you can keep an eye on them and stop them from trying to lick or bite at the area that has been treated.

This is perhaps the main reason why you may want to consider a safer, all-natural antiseptic healing cream designed for dogs.

This will allow you to apply it at night, or other times you are not around.

And the risk of ingestion diminishes.

Keep on reading to find the recommended products!

How Much Sudocrem To Use On A Dog

When applying Sudocrem on your dog, you want to use the minimal amount possible.

Having a water-repellent base, it does not tend to soak in very quickly and this is why it is so essential to apply a thin layer.

As previously mentioned, try to massage the cream into the area (if possible), without causing further irritation to your dog where they might want to scratch, lick or bite more.

And remember, if your dog is in pain, while the Sudocrem will provide some relief – it may be a little painful for them at first.

So you need to be careful.

Its also important to clean out any wounds beforehand.

And considering the potential toxicology, one of the best things you can do is get an Elizabethan Collar for your dog to wear just before you apply it.

These are the cones you often see dogs wear when unwell or following surgery.

Their sole purpose is to prevent a dog from licking or biting at an area that has been treated.

So, do consider them. They’re very effective.

This particular collar from Amazon is perhaps the best one you can get. It’s a lot more comfortable and less restrictive to a dog.

At the same time, also consider that it takes a while for Sudocrem to fully absorb.

In the meantime it will be somewhat wet.

Your dog could therefore stain your furniture (sofa/bed) if it has recently been applied.

So, you may want to prevent your dogs access in the immediate realm of time following application.

After 15-20 minutes and once it has soaked in, you can then let them roam more freely again.

And take off the Elizabethan collar, if you did decide to use one.

But if they start to lick and bite, you may need to put it back on again!

Is There A Better Alternative To Sudocrem?

Sudocrem is a great immediate and practical solution for a dog wound or source of irritation. Assuming it is not in a sensitive area.

You’ll likely have some stocked up already in the house.

That being said, there are definitely better alternatives.

Ones that do not contain any potentially toxic ingredients and chemicals; such as the Zinc-Oxide.

The best products currently on the market can be found over at Amazon.

These formulations are designed with dogs in mind; that do not contain any potentially harmful ingredients and are much more suitable for their skin.

Finally

Sudocrem applied to the skin is entirely safe and immensely effective for both dogs and humans.

Problem is, dogs instinctively want to scratch, lick and bite at a source of pain and irritation.

And this is when it can be dangerous.

So, you certainly can use Sudocrem on dogs. But you need to do so carefully.

Not only with where, but how you apply it too.

Most importantly; it should never be ingested.

This is why getting your dog to wear an Elizabethan Collar is especially recommended if you do intend on applying Sudocrem, or any other antiseptic cream designed for humans, like Germolene.

Otherwise, you may want to consider a cream designed specifically for dogs.

In fact, that is generally the best way to go.