Does your dog have skin allergies? Are they allergic to flea or insect bites? Do they incessantly lick their paws or other areas until they are raw? If this sounds like your dog, hydrocortisone spray for dogs may help to ease your dog’s pain and discomfort.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
Related: Antibacterial Wipes For Dogs, The Best Dog First Aid Kit For Hiking
What Is Hydrocortisone Spray?
Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid. It is used for its anti-inflammatory and anti itching properties. It comes in various forms, like creams, pills, ointments, and sprays. We will be focusing on hydrocortisone spray.
Sprays come in various strengths over the counter, ranging from 0.5-1.0% hydrocortisone.
Some sprays are just hydrocortisone, while others have added ingredients, like Aloe Vera or lidocaine to help soothe the skin and decrease pain. Other sprays may include antibiotic or antifungal ingredients as well.
What Is Hydrocortisone Spray Used For?
Hydrocortisone spray has many uses and benefits including:
- Treats itchiness.
- Relieves redness and itchiness caused by allergies.
- Can treat skin sores.
- Helps reduce licking on hot spots.
- Decreases skin irritation.
- Relieves discomfort caused by skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
Can You Put Hydrocortisone On Dog Hot Spots?
Yes. Hydrocortisone spray can be used on dog hot spots. It is meant to stop the cycle of itching and give your dog some relief.
Is Hydrocortisone Spray Safe For Dogs?
Hydrocortisone spray is safe for dogs when used properly as directed from the manufacturer or by your veterinarian.
Can I Use Human Hydrocortisone Spray On My Dog?
It is not advisable to use human hydrocortisone spray on dogs.
It is best to use a spray that is specifically made for use on dogs.
What Happens If My Dog Licks Hydrocortisone Spray?
If possible, try to allow the area you spray to dry before allowing your dog access to it.
Once the area is dry, your dog is safe to lick that spot.
If your dog does lick it while it is still wet, they should still be fine.
It is possible they may get an upset stomach if they ingest too much.
If you are concerned about how much your dog has ingested or they are exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction (increased redness, itchiness, swelling of the face, eyes, ears, lips, diarrhea, vomiting), call your veterinarian or poison control center right away.
How Do I Use Hydrocortisone Spray On Dogs?
To use hydrocortisone spray on your dog, it is best to follow the instructions by the manufacturer or your veterinarian.
Generally speaking, you need to hold the bottle 4-6 inches from the area you wish to spray. Let it dry. Reapply several times a day for best results. The amount per day varies depending on what brand/strength of hydrocortisone you are using.
Pros Of Using Hydrocortisone Spray
- Easy to use/apply.
- Not messy, like creams or ointments.
- Provides relief from itching, redness, and skin conditions.
- Relieves discomfort from hot spots.
- Helps combat itching from flea or bug bites.
- Does not cause clumping or knotting of hair like creams and ointments can.
- Allows you to easily apply it to hard to reach areas.
- Provides quick relief.
- Stops the itching cycle to allow the area to heal.
- Can be used between baths.
Cons Of Using Hydrocortisone Spray
- Relief is only temporary.
- It does not treat the cause of your dog’s condition.
- Dogs may be afraid of the sound the spray bottle makes when using it.
- Does not work for all dogs.
- Some dogs may experience a reaction to it.
Best Hydrocortisone Spray For Dogs
Here are our top 5 hydrocortisone sprays. We have included some sprays that contain other ingredients in case that better suits your dog’s needs. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Zymox 1.0%
This spray includes a combination of enzymes in addition to hydrocortisone to help fight staphylococcus, MRSA, and ringworm.
- Contains a combination of 3 enzymes with Hydrocortisone 1.0%.
- Includes other ingredients with antimicrobial properties to work against staphylococcus, MRSA and ringworm.
- Has enzymes that create a protective barrier against bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Curaseb Hydrocortisone Spray
If you are partial to having a scent, this spray has a cucumber melon fragrance. It also contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to help soothe skin.
- Contains hydrocortisone 1.0%.
- Includes Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to soothe skin.
- Itch relief.
- Soothes and cools.
- Cucumber melon scent.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Amazon
Well & Good Hydrocortisone Spray
This spray contains 0.50% Hydrocortisone, is non-stinging, and has Aloe Vera to soothe skin.
- Provides temporary relief from itching.
- Soothes skin irritation.
- Non-stinging.
- Includes Aloe Vera to soothe skin.
- Contains hydrocortisone 0.50%.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
Check Price At: Petco
PetMD Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Spray
This spray is non-stinging and is fragrance free.
- Contains hydrocortisone 1.0%.
- Soothes skin irritation.
- Reduces inflammation, redness, and itching.
- Helps stop itching and biting.
- Non-stinging.
- Fragrance free.
- Dye free.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Made in the USA.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot And Itch Relief Spray
This hydrocortisone spray has a low dose of hydrocortisone (0.20%) and also contains ingredients to help relieve pain and stimulate wound healing.
- Relieves skin conditions and hot spots.
- Contains:
- Hydrocortisone 0.2%.
- Lidocaine 0.5% to relieve itching, burning, and pain.
- Allantoin to stimulate wound healing.
- Paraben free.
- Dye free.
- Safe to use with flea and tick treatments.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Made in the USA.
Check Price At: Chewy, Walmart
No one wants to see their dogs suffering from allergies, skin conditions , or wounds. A hydrocortisone spray for dogs helps to relieve itching, redness, and inflammation related to allergies and skin conditions that may be bothering your dog.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.