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how to apply skin ointment
Tips on applying cream or topical medication for your cat or dog’s itchy skin.
Has your pet been prescribed a topical medication for itchiness or other skin issues? It needs to stay on to work, so here’s how to get it — and keep it — on their skin.
What are topical treatments?
- Non-oral treatments (not for eating!)
- Creams, ointments, and lotions
- Applied directly to skin
- Shouldn’t be washed off
Five steps for skin medication success
- Set up safely
- Use gloves or a clean cotton applicator
- Gently rub meds on skin with a circular motion
- Let meds dry
- Use an Elizabethan collar afterwards
What to know about ointments, creams, and lotions for pets
Topical medications like ointments, creams, and lotions are designed to be smoothed directly onto the skin under their hair (or in less-hairy areas). Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinary team if you have questions or need help.
Antifungal creams and anti-itch ointments are topical medications
Depending on your pet’s issue, they may be prescribed an ointment, cream, or lotion that needs to be regularly applied to their skin. Unlike medical shampoos, all of these treatments need to stay on the skin — that is, not rinsed off — to work properly. Different medications come in different forms to help treat your pet.- Creams have a thick, rich consistency to help keep them in place.
- Ointments have an oily base that can make them easy to spread.
- Lotions are water based to help them absorb quickly.
Be extra gentle when applying topical medication
Skin conditions can be delicate and sore! If your pet tries to resist the treatment, here are a few things to try:- Recruit a friend to help hold and soothe your pet
- Reward good behavior with small treats
- Ask your vet about pheromone treatments or safe restraints
How to apply topical medication to pet skin
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Pick a safe and comfortable place to sit with your pet to apply their medication. Have their meds and all of your supplies nearby — some medications need cotton balls, a clean cloth, or gloves to apply properly.
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Moisten your applicator with the prescribed amount of medication. Different kinds of topical medications are measured differently, so carefully check product instructions on the label.
- Speak lovingly to your pet while you apply the medication. Topical treatments are rubbed gently in a circular motion on the skin to help them absorb. Make sure to follow the directions on your pet’s prescription.
- Let the medication dry. If your pet insists on licking their medication, you may need to equip them with an Elizabethan collar (“the cone of shame”) to block that eager tongue and help give the meds time to soak in and do their work.
- Carefully take off your gloves or wash your hands. Throw away or wash the applicator as directed.
Follow your pet’s medication schedule
Like all medications, skin medications need to be applied according to a specific schedule to be effective. Follow all directions and watch your pet’s progress.Unfortunately, some skin issues can be stubborn. Reach out to your veterinary team if you’re not seeing improvement. We’ll work with you to help find an effective way to treat your pet.
Mentioned in this article
Home skin and coat care
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How to treat your pet’s skin and coat problems
Sometimes pet symptoms are more than skin deep.
Vet recommended supplements
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How Banfield can help with pet skin and coat care
We’re here to help your pet’s skin and coat be happy and healthy. From external parasites to skin problems to skin allergies and bumps or wounds, our vets can help with informed diagnoses and action plans to help your pet.
Get veterinary care for external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. From flea infestations to tick bites to ear mites and more, our vets can check out skin and coat cooties and recommend appropriate treatment. We’re happy to walk you through your options for year-round parasite control to help your pet!
Is your pet always itchy? Do you think your pet has a skin allergy? Causes for cat or dog itching and scratching can go more than skin deep. We can help figure out what’s causing your pet’s discomfort and suggest medications and treatments that can help your pet be more comfortable in their own skin.
See us for help with bald spots, shedding, greasy skin, and dandruff. Many pet health issues can affect your pet’s beautiful skin and coat. Whether it’s a flea allergy, dermatitis, seborrhea, allergies, anxiety-based issues, or other health concerns, our vets here to help with diagnosis and treatment.
Does your best furry friend have a cut or wound? Do you think they may have a tumor? Give us a call! Our vets can evaluate strange lumps and bumps and let you know if you can stop worrying. We can also help with wounds or direct you to the best resource to immediately help your pet.
