Topical skin and coat care products can be used to treat a range of conditions affecting the skin or coat, or occasionally to easily deliver medications that have the ability to pass through the skin. One advantage of topical medications is that they tend to cause few side effects. However there are exceptions - for example, steroids applied to the skin can cause signs of a condition called Cushing's disease if they are used frequently or for a long time. On the other hand, some topical medications do not cross the skin barrier and have no systemic effect.
There is a risk that dogs and cats will lick the medication application area if they can reach it. It is important to try and prevent this using bandages or Elizabethan collars for example. Sometimes applying the medicine just before meal times or just before a walk helps to distract the animal's attention.
Topical treatments
Treatment of the skin: To be effective, there must be good contact between a topical medication and the skin, so it is sometimes necessary to shave the affected area. The surface of the skin should be cleaned before applying the medicine to remove dirt and secretions. Topical medications may be formulated with oil or water to produce gels, creams or ointments. Creams and ointments are gently massaged onto the surface of the skin until absorbed. Some topical treatments come in the form of washes or shampoos. The area to be treated may be painful, so act gently and ensure that the animal is properly restrained. In most skin diseases, a combination of topical and systemic treatment will be recommended, such as shampoo combined with antibiotic tablets.
Topical treatment with systemic effect (for the whole body): The advantage of these treatments is that they do not have to go through the digestive tract. Some medications are destroyed in the stomach because of its acidic pH. For these substances, this method of administration may be useful. However in veterinary medicine, medications are not often administered in this way.
Flea treatment: Some flea products are applied topically to the skin. These "spot-ons" are placed somewhere that the animal cannot lick such as the nape of the neck. Some topical flea products are absorbed through the skin and enter the blood stream. Fleas and other pests receive a dose of the insecticide when they bite the dog and are then killed. Other topical flea products have minimal or no absorption through the skin and kill fleas on contact.
Painkiller treatment: Now, there are "patches" with powerful painkillers that can be prescribed by a vet. These patches are applied to a previously shaved area of skin. They deliver the active ingredient for several hours or days. They are used exclusively in veterinary clinics.
Remember that many topical products can also be absorbed through your skin, so it is essential to wear gloves when handling these treatments.
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