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My dog licks Betadine on hot spots. Is it safe or dangerous?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 28 days old

vet prescribed BETADINE POWDER i.e. Povidone Iodine Powder 5% w/w & the composition are Povidone Iodine IP 5% w/w ( Available Iodine 0.50% w/w) & base.....q.s. it is basically a Microbicidal Sprinkling Powder that vet has prescribed to put on his hot spots or boils or wherever i see & red spot made by his teeth on skin by excessive scratching & he licks this powder so does licking this powder has any side affect on any part or body of dog can it cause seizure or has any threat to dogs life?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2016

I am not sure if ingesting the powder has any side effects but it certainly is not going to help the wounds heal if he just licks it off. I think the best thing is to treat the main problem of itching and prevent him from scratching and licking. He could have allergies, bacterial skin infection, fleas, mites, etc. If he has allergies than your vet can prescribe an oral antihistamine or corticosteroid to control the itching so he doesn't get hot spots. If he has fleas they should be treated and you should use a monthly flea prevention, like NexGard, Frontline, or Advantage. If mites could be a possibility than your vet can do a skin scrape to look for mites and treat. He may also need an oral antibiotic to treat a secondary bacterial infection on his skin. You can give him a bath with a medicated shampoo and see if that helps. I like Betagen Spray for local treatment of wounds because it dries fast and has an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory in the spray. If your vet is not able to control his itching you could get a second opinion or take him to a dermatologist. Hope his problem resolves soon!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 24th, 2020

    First, confirm he has no fleas. Flea bites are a common cause of hot spots (moist dermatitis) to to an allergy to the bite. In sensitive pets, just one flea bite is enought to set off a reaction. Treat Mayham and the environment for fleas. Next, place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking. Ideally, the spot should be shaved and gently cleaned. A course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are typically prescribed to treat infection and prevent itching. If this is not possible now, gently clean the area with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution daily. Dry thoroughly afterwards. If the spot does not begin to dry up and heal in several days, he will need to see your veterinarian.

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