Hydrocortisone Cream for Dogs

Hydrocortisone cream is a common type of topical corticosteroid that is used frequently in human medicine. Not surprisingly, it also has a wide range of potential benefits when used for veterinary medicine as well. However, there are a few elements to this type of medicine that you should be aware of before you give it to your dog. As with any other type of medicine and medical issue, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian first for the best sense of how to deal with the problem most quickly and most effectively.

Hydrocortisone Cream Overview

Hydrocortisone creame is a topical ointment that contains hydrocortisone, a potent corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are known for their anti inflammatory powers and are oftentimes used in human medicine as a way of reducing inflammation due to infection, allergic reaction and other causes. The same benefits can be applied for use with your dog as well. By rubbing a small amount of hydrocortisone cream directly on the affected area of your dog's skin, you can help to reduce the amount of swelling, itching and pain that he experiences as a result of his allergic reaction or other type of negative skin reaction.

Using Hydrocortisone Cream For Your Dog

Because hydrocortisone cream is developed and used primarily for humans, it is not approved by the FDA for use with pets. Unfortunately, it is not always a safe bet to give your pet this cream, and so it's even more important that you work closely with a veterinarian in order to be sure that you're dealing with your pet's health issue in the best way possible.

Hydrocortisone cream should be applied in small quantities to your pet's skin where he has signs of irritation. It should not generally be placed directly on an open sore or wound. One of the most important things to be sure of when you use hydrocortisone cream for your pet is that your dog will be unable to lick at or eat the cream. This is very important, because ingesting hydrocortisone cream can cause your pet a range of negative side effects, including bad stomach upset and more. This is one of the main reasons to consider avoiding the use of hydrocortisone cream for your pet.

Other Hydrocortisone Cream Information

Like other corticosteroids, hydrocortisone cream is a powerful medicine. Used improperly, it can cause a number of side effects and other problems for your pet. While the side effects for this medicine are limited when used in small doses and for short periods of time, it can nonetheless cause mood and behavior changes, nausea, weakness and other more serious symptoms when used too often or in a high quantity.

If your pet is suffering from an allergic reaction, hydrocortisone cream will not deal with that reaction itself. It will merely help to reduce the symptoms of the reaction. For more information on how to treat the condition itself, speak with a vet.

 

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