Lots of people have skin issues that can need medicine to be treated. This is not any different for dogs especially French Bulldogs. Our furry little friends can have a number of skin issues that cause them discomfort, irritation or even pain. One of the questions lots of dog owners ask is if it is safe to use Hydrocortisone cream on their Frenchies. Let’s dive in and find out.
Can I Put hydrocortisone on My French bulldog?
Yes, hydrocortisone cream can be used on your French Bulldog as long as you are careful. It is definitely best to take your Veternarian’s guidance on how to apply it safely to your Frenchie. Over the counter hydrocortisone creams can be used carefully on your French Bulldog.
One thing that is important to keep in mind is that steroids in any form do carry some risk so use them wisely.
These types of over-the-counter cortisone creams and ointments are usually applied to French Bulldog hot spots, rashes, and other itchiness caused by allergy issues.
Once again, it is recommended to consult your Vet as they may recommend a hydrocortisone cream or some other different type of ointment.
Is There Any History Of Hydrocortisone Cream For Dogs?
Hydrocortisone is found in topical products used by people. People who use this medical substance are trying to treat allergic reactions, skin rash flare ups, or to treat inflammation on the skin. Research in the cream started back in the 70’s and in recent years veterinarians started to use hydrocortisone cream to treat dogs with skin issues.
Although lots of research has been done on the use of Hydrocortisone Cream for dogs it is important to remember that Hydrocortisone Cream is only used to deal with the symptoms that come from a skin issue and that it will not heal the actual issue behind the irritation. Since researchers have been studying Hydrocortisone Cream they have been able to create a range of canine medications that are helpful in treating different skin issues for your dog.
This research has also found that the cream is only safe to be used topically. If the cream is ingested through licking or swallowing there can be side effects including upset stomach and vomiting. Because Hydrocortisone Cream can only be used topically and will only help in the relief of symptoms it is important that you always bring your Frenchie to your vet if the skin irritation doesn’t clear up quickly.
How Do I Know If My French Bulldog Has Skin Irritations That Hydrocortisone Cream Can Help?
You will not always need to look too hard to see signs that your French Bulldog is having some skin issues. Excessive scratching and licking in a particular area all the time is an obvious symptom. Other symptoms can be that your Frenchie doesn’t have much of an appetite, or that they are not interested in going for walks or even playing. This kind of no energy usually is because your pup is in pain when they move. Sometimes your pup may be more subdued, having their tail between their legs or looking sad and unhappy. If you notice any of these symptoms you should take a look under your Frenchies coat and look for signs of redness, rawness, or inflammation.
5 Common Skin Issues That Hydrocortisone Cream Is Used On
Pruritus – Hot Spots
Pruritus, or Hot Spots are usually caused by dogs exacerbating common dog ailments. Usually some time of bite from a mite, tick or fleas, or minor cuts and scratches that cause your Frenchie to lick, itch or bite their own skin. This unfortunately compounds the issue.
Poison Ivy, Sumac, or Oak
Poison Ivy, Sumac, or Oak causes rashes on your dogs skin. The toxins from the plant makes your pup extremely itchy and even though the itch should subside within a month the excessive itching can lengthen the healing process but it also causes the areas to become even more inflamed and if not controlled can cause more serious infections for the dog.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is a term used by veterinarians used to explain chronic skin issues that seem to be linked to a dog’s allergic reaction. In this case Hydrocortisone Cream can be used to help ease the symptoms but will not cure the allergy.
Other Dog Allergies
Your French Bulldog can have any number of allergic reactions to things in their environment. You can tell if your Frenchie is suffering from any allergies if they have excessive sneezing, runny nose, rashes, itchy skin, biting and licking of their paws, and if they seem lethargic. These allergic reactions should only take a few days to a week to settle down and non threatening allergies can be treated with Hydrocortisone Cream but if they become chronic you will want to make sure to have your pup checked by your vet.
Safely Applying Hydrocortisone Cream To Your Pup.
French Bulldogs can easily have skin infections and issues caused by seasonal allergies, infections and any number of things in their environment. Here are a few tips to help you when using Hydrocortisone Cream.
Before Application Wash Your Hands
- You are trying to help your Frenchie by applying the Hydrocortisone Cream so you will want to make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly before touching or inspection your pup’s inflamed skin. You will of course want to wash them again after you apply treatment as well.
Check The Skin
- Make sure to check the irritated area on your French Bulldog by parting the fur and finding the spot on the skin that is causing the irritation. You will want to make sure that the skin is not broken or that it is an open wound. If there is an open wound you will not want to use Hydrocortisone Cream as this is a topical cream only.
Keeping The Skin Clean
- Because dogs lick, itch, and even bite their irritated skin in an attempt to heal the area themselves they are keeping the area moist and can actually cause the area to worsen. You should make sure to wash the area thoroughly before applying Hydrocortisone Cream.
Cotton Tip Applicators
- Sometimes it is easier to apply the cream to the end of a cotton swab. This can help you gently spread the Hydrocortisone Cream around the irritated area. This can also help safeguard from the potential of infection and to be honest is the easiest way to apply the ointment.
Ask For Help If Needed
- If you are needing to put Hydrocortisone Cream on your French Bulldog then I am sure that your dog is uncomfortable. If you feel like it may be hard to get to the area that needs treatment without causing your pup distress you may want to ask for some help to make sure your dog is at ease and comfortable. Having an extra person to help pet and speak to your Frenchie while you apply the cream can be extremely helpful.
Recovery Cone/Collar
- Your Frenchie is not going to love this but it is important that they are not able to bite or lick the spot that you applied the Hydrocortisone Cream because it is only to be used topically as this can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, or other side effects. Make sure to purchase a recovery cone or collar to help your pup be able to heal properly. They do have lots of different styles and sizes so make sure to do some research and get the best possible match for your French Bulldog.
Some Recommended Options For Hydrocortisone Creams And Sprays.
Hydrocortisone products are specially designed for people and can be used on dogs. The Food and Drug Administration has released some guidelines for usage and doses for using Hydrocortisone Sprays for our furry friends. You can check those recommendations out here.
These Hydrocortisone products have been approved by the FDA as safe to use when treating skin issues that are not serious. If you are not sure about the skin issue your French Bulldog has you will definitely want to make sure you get guidance from your veterinarian.
Remedy And Recovery Hydrocortisone Lotion
Remedy & Recovery is a low dose Hydrocortisone Cream that helps reduce redness and inflammation. This lotion can hydrate the skin and help ease the irritation of your pups skin. Remedy & Recovery should be applied directly to the skin after thorough cleaning of your Frenchies skin.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Itch Relief Spray
A popular Hydrocortisone Spray is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Itch Relief Spray. This is a dye free anti inflammatory spray. This spray can be used to relief hot spots and is also used to help reduce swelling and redness due to bites from insects.
Zymox Topical Spray With Hydrocortisone
Zymox Topical Spray With Hydrocortisone is one of the best known brands by dog owners and veterinarians alike. This company makes several products all designed to ease skin itchiness and inflammation. They have dog shampoos, skin infection, and ear infection treatments that all include Hydrocortisone.
Zymox Topical Spray also happens to be a disinfectant. Being a disinfectant makes it easier to use as there is no need to wash and dry the area before applying to your French Bulldog. The best part about this spray is that it fights infection by protecting your Frenchies immune system from any bacterial infection. It is actually safe if your dog licks the medicated area.
Conclusion Of Hydrocortisone Cream For French Bulldog.
Hydrocortisone Cream is great to use when you know that your Frenchie just has a skin irritation. I have been able to use Hydrocortisone Cream successfully with Augie and have been thankful to have the option to help alleviate some of his discomfort from environmental allergies.
It is still important to remember that Hydrocortisone will not sort out all of your pups skin issues and if you do not see that the problem is resolving in a few days you will want to contact your vet to make sure the issue is not more serious.
Want to learn more about French Bulldog health topics? Here is an article on French Bulldog heat diapers if you have a Female Frenchie.
