Is it save to rub alcohol on Dog's back?

Question

Hi! my dog is scratching his back lately. Last night we couldn't sleep because of it. We rubbed some alcohol on his back and it seemed like the perfect remedy... he didn't scratch anymore. I was wondering if rubbing alcohol is save for dogs?

Answer 1

yeah its safe...they use it at the vets office before, during, and after surgeries to clean wounds along with hydrogen peroxide and iodine. But I would still take him to the vet as the rubbing alcohol could only be a temporary thing. Your dog could have skin problems, and it needs to be checked out before it gets worse.

Answer 2

Ok first you should never and I mean never put alcohol on a hot spot. It will burn the skin and dry it out making the hot spot even more irritating to the dog. Besides it stings and hurts your dog.
Alcohol is very dangerious to put anywhere on your dog. If your dog has an irritation anywhere alcohol will only dry it out more and make the itching worse.

If your dog was scratching first try some Gold Bond medicated powder, But if the skin is inflamed and looks raw then get it to the vets!

What is it with some of you and using human medicine and human remidies on your pets. Whats ok for us is usually toxic for our pets!

Answer 3

rubbing alcohol is alright to use as long as the wounds are not deep and as long as you don't over use it. Alcohol can dry skin out so don't apply it all the time. And if the dog continues to scratch you should take it to the vet.

Answer 4

As long as he has no open wounds, cracked skin, or otherwise damaged skin, you should be ok. It is very drying though, and could cause even more itchiness in the long run. I would find out why he's scratching so much. He may have a dermatitis (skin infection) that could be resolved with antibiotics or antifungals. Always best to know why something is happening before trying to fix it.

Answer 5

It is but it drys out the skin so bad. The alcohol evaporates. Mens after shave lotion is used for on itchy skin.
It will mess up your dogs coat too. There is a reason the dog is itchy, maybe fleas? or like ours I have to wash them when it is wet and yucky outside so they can come inside. Not only for the mess (with four dogs and the biggest one by a small bit is a saint Bernard), they will itch from the dirty coat.

Answer 6

save rub alcohol dog

Answer 7

well, putting rubbing alcohol anywhere on a dog, that they can reach with their tongue, can certainly pose a health risk to the dog. I'm not sure about skin allergies though. I do know that pet stores usually carry a range of products specially made for itchy puppies:)

Answer 8

I would suggest taking him to the vet and asking if he might have what they call hot spots. It's a spot on the skin where they cann't evaporate any moisture and the constant moisture irritates the skin. Kinda like when you've been in the pool or bath too long and your skin starts to itch. One of the dogs that I take care of for my neighbor has hot spots and I've found the best thing to put on them to take care of this is silver sulfadiazine (sp?). You will need a prescription for this so seeing a vet would be your best bet in this one!!

Answer 9

I think it's relatively safe but you might try Neosporin. Alcohol is very drying and could cause more itch. Alcohol does kill bacterial infections so it might be what the dog needed. Just make sure he can't lick the area.

Answer 10

rubbing alcohol drys out their skin and coat. rubbing alcohol is good for getting rid of fleas but I would just suggest giving him a bath with doggie shampoo God bless you!