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Dog licking post-op ointment: Is it toxic? How to stop without E-collar?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered

Im using a bezociane, chloramphenicol and prednisolone ointment on my dogs skin after sutures removel and my dog licks it. There is a chance it can be dangerous? He hates the Elizabethen collar what can i do? Can i cause iatrogenic caushing because of the steroids?

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on June 5th, 2018

The amount of steroid shouldn't be harmful to Sky. Use caution with the chloramphenicol though. It can cause bone marrow suppression in some dogs and aplastic anemia in some people. A safer option would be to use a shirt or recovery wear for pets. A bitter agent, such as Bitter Apple Spray or Fooey!, can be used around the site to deter licking.

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