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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

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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.

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.

Download more about dermatitis

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

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.
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.

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Home skin and coat care

Hands-on tips for bath time, tackling fleas, and more.

Take care of your pet

Symptoms of skin and coat problems

Does your pet have unusual skin issues?

Spot the symptoms

Need advice on flea control? Ping Pet Chat^™!

Whether it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., connect with a real veterinary professional for immediate petcare advice. It's included in all Optimum Wellness Plans^®!

How Banfield can help with your pet’s dental care and oral health

Banfield can help prevent and treat dental disease in dogs and cats. Ask us about tips and tricks for brushing, guidance on dental health, and, if your pet could use a professional dental cleaning, to help eliminate tartar that regular brushing just can’t reach.

Regular physical and oral exams. We can help evaluate the overall health of your pet, including their mouth and teeth.

Regular professional dental cleanings. Professional pet dental cleanings can help tackle the buildup of smelly, sticky tartar on your pet’s teeth, helping your pet avoid painful periodontal disease, tooth loss, and truly stinky pet breath.

Does your pet absolutely refuse to have their teeth brushed? Reach out to your veterinary team. We can help suggest additional ways to help reduce plaque and tartar.

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