It’s Saturday afternoon, the veterinary clinic is closed, and your dog is scratching at a spot on his belly. The dog is just acting itchy, so you wonder, “Can I put hydrocortisone on my dog?”
Before I even answer that question, STOP! You need to take some good-quality photos of the area pre-treatment so that if the problem doesn’t get better (or gets worse after the application), your veterinarian can see what the area looked like originally. This can help your veterinarian select appropriate treatment and/or diagnostic tests for your dog.
There are two classes of steroids: glucocorticoids and anabolic steroids. In the body, glucocorticoids are steroids that are produced by the adrenal gland and are involved in responses to inflammation and stress. Stress can include so much more than what we humans typically think of as “stress.” It can include good things like excitement and bad things like the stress an illness puts on the body. Anabolic steroids are typically the sex hormones and what people are generally thinking of when they hear stories of people trying to build muscle through steroid use. Glucocorticoids, however, can cause muscle atrophy when used long term.
Side effects of glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone can include:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Increased drinking and urination
- Increased appetite
- Muscle wasting
- Thinning of the skin
- Slow hair regrowth
Yes, You Can Put Hydrocortisone On Your Dog
Hydrocortisone can be used topically in dogs, but its use should be limited to certain situations unless you have consulted your veterinarian. It should be used only on intact skin, not open wounds, or infected skin. It is best used in cases where there is mild inflammation from allergies or insect bites. In addition, hydrocortisone cream should be applied with just a thin film to the affected area not slathered on as if you were icing a cake.
Extreme caution should be used if applying anywhere on the face. Avoid getting any product in the dog’s eyes. The same goes for applying products in ear canals. If the affected area is on the mouth or nose where the dog will almost certainly be able to easily lick the product, then avoid its use unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Note: Avoid prescription-strength products unless under the direction of your veterinarian.
My Dog Licked Hydrocortisone Cream
It’s preferable that your dog doesn’t ingest the hydrocortisone. Ingestion of hydrocortisone in any form, whether cream, spray, or other formula, can be a problem if too much of the medication is ingested. In some cases, ingredients in a product other than the medication itself can cause an adverse reaction or toxicity. For this reason, products labeled for use in dogs are preferable.
It’s important to understand that topical steroids like hydrocortisone can be absorbed systemically (even if the dog isn’t licking them). This is yet another reason the product should only be used short-term unless directed by your veterinarian.
Poison control: If your dog gets hold of a tube of hydrocortisone cream and ingests it, consult your veterinarian or animal poison control right away (ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Dog Poison Helpline (855)764-7661). Remember, too, that a 10-lb. dog that licks hydrocortisone cream has ingested more drug per pound of body weight than a 100-lb dog that ingested the same volume.
Stop Dog From Licking Cream
Use of an Elizabethan collar or body/surgical suit made of breathable material can help you’re your dog from licking topicals. You can also redirect your dog’s attention with a walk, play session, or a meal may be enough to get him to leave the area alone.
While the first half hour or so after application may be most critical to avoid licking, licking the affected area should be avoided in general because it may lead to self-trauma or increased risk of infection. A light breathable bandage may help but sometimes bandages end up trapping moisture and causing other skin issues.
In general, use hydrocortisone cream only in appropriate cases and use it sparingly, meaning short term and in small amounts. Take steps to prevent ingestion.
If the area in question is not improving within a few days, consult your veterinarian. If the area looks worse, stop the product and consult your veterinarian. Finally, if your dog displays any systemic signs of glucocorticoid use from the topical hydrocortisone, stop the product immediately, unless you have been using it long term. If that’s the case, consult your veterinarian on how best to discontinue the medication.
