Derma-vet Ointment for Dogs
Vet-reviewed guide to Derma-Vet Ointment for dogs: what its four active ingredients do, uses for ears, hot spots and anal glands, how to apply it safely, side effects, and generic equivalents like Animax and Dermalone.
BVMS MRCVS
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS · Last reviewed
Drug facts
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Derma-vet Ointment
Derma-Vet is a prescription combination topical ointment for dogs and cats that pairs two antibiotics, an antifungal, and a corticosteroid to treat skin and ear conditions caused or complicated by bacteria, yeast, fungus, and inflammation.
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Derma-Vet Ointment for dogs is a prescription topical medication that combines two antibiotics, an antifungal, and a corticosteroid in one tube. According to its FDA-approved label, each mL contains nystatin 100,000 units, neomycin sulfate 2.5 mg, thiostrepton 2,500 units, and triamcinolone acetonide 1.0 mg. Veterinarians prescribe it for infected ears, hot spots, dermatitis, and anal gland infections.
Because it contains a potent steroid and antibiotics, Derma-Vet Ointment for dogs is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription. It cannot be bought over the counter, and it should only be used on the condition your vet examined. This guide covers what each ingredient does, how to apply it (including in the ears), side effects, and how it compares to generics like Dermalone, Entederm, and Animax.
- 1Derma-Vet is a four-in-one prescription ointment: two antibiotics (neomycin, thiostrepton), an antifungal (nystatin), and a steroid (triamcinolone).
- 2It is most often prescribed for ear infections, hot spots, dermatitis, and anal gland infections in dogs.
- 3Never apply it in the ears unless your veterinarian has confirmed the eardrum is intact.
- 4Prevent licking after application, and do not use it near the eyes.
- 5Dermalone, Entederm, Animax, and Panolog are equivalent products with the same four active ingredients.
What Is Derma-Vet Ointment for Dogs?
Derma-Vet is a combination topical ointment for dogs and cats made in a mineral oil and polyethylene gel base. Under its FDA-approved label, each mL supplies nystatin 100,000 units, neomycin sulfate 2.5 mg, thiostrepton 2,500 units, and triamcinolone acetonide 1.0 mg. Many owners and pharmacies write the name as Dermavet ointment or DermaVet; it is the same prescription product. Instead of treating just one problem, its four active ingredients attack bacterial infection, yeast, inflammation, and itching at the same time, which is why it suits the mixed skin and ear problems dogs actually get.
For longer-term skin support alongside any prescription, ask your vet whether a daily omega-3 supplement such as Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 fits your dog. It supports the skin barrier and does not replace treatment for an active infection.
Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Softgels Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs, 240 count: alternative worth comparing.
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The Four Active Ingredients and What Each Does
| Ingredient | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Nystatin (100,000 units/mL) | Antifungal | Treats yeast infections, especially Candida albicans (thrush-type yeast). |
| Neomycin sulfate (2.5 mg/mL) | Antibiotic | Kills a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. |
| Thiostrepton (2,500 units/mL) | Antibiotic | Targets gram-positive bacteria, including some resistant to other antibiotics. |
| Triamcinolone acetonide (1.0 mg/mL) | Corticosteroid | Reduces inflammation, swelling, redness, and itching. |
The drugs.com veterinary monograph describes these four effects as anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (anti-itch), antifungal, and antibacterial. Triamcinolone provides rapid symptom relief while nystatin, neomycin, and thiostrepton clear the underlying yeast and bacterial infection, so lesions can heal instead of being repeatedly scratched open.
Drug Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common brands | Derma-Vet, Animax, Panolog, Dermalone, Entederm |
| Drug class | Topical antibiotic / antifungal / corticosteroid combination |
| Availability | Prescription only (not a controlled substance) |
| Generic status | Generic versions widely available |
| Species | Dogs and cats |
What Is Derma-Vet Ointment Used For?
Veterinarians reach for Derma-Vet, often searched as Dermavet cream, when a skin or ear condition is caused, complicated, or threatened by bacteria and yeast together. Per the product label, its main uses in dogs are acute and chronic otitis (ear infections), interdigital cysts, and anal gland infections, and it is also used for inflamed, dry, or oozing dermatitis that needs infection control and itch relief at the same time.
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ear infections (otitis) | Helps treat acute and chronic ear infections in dogs and cats. |
| Interdigital cysts | Reduces swelling and infection between the toes. |
| Anal gland infections (dogs) | Used after cleaning and draining infected anal glands. |
| Skin infections | Helpful for infected or inflamed skin areas. |
| Dermatitis (eczema, contact dermatitis, seborrhea) | Reduces redness, itching, and irritation. |
| Mixed infections | Useful when both bacteria and yeast are involved. |
Ear Infections (Otitis)
Ear infections are the most common reason dogs get this ointment. Many canine ear infections involve both bacteria and Malassezia or Candida yeast, so a combination product treats the whole picture while the steroid calms the painful, swollen canal. Your vet must look in the ear first: the label warns against use if the eardrum is ruptured.
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For dogs prone to recurring ear trouble, some veterinarians also recommend an enzymatic ear product such as Zymox Plus Otic Solution for maintenance between flare-ups. It is a different product with a different job, and it never replaces the prescription your vet ordered.
Hot Spots and Dermatitis
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) are self-inflicted sores that get infected fast. If you are wondering what ointment you can use on your dog’s skin to relieve irritation, this is the role Derma-Vet fills: the steroid relieves the itch and irritation that drive licking and chewing, while the antibiotics and antifungal treat the infection underneath. It is also labeled for eczematous, contact, and seborrheic dermatitis, and as an adjunct for dermatitis caused by parasites. Use it only on the condition your veterinarian diagnosed, not on every new irritated spot.
For routine skin hygiene between rechecks, some vets suggest a gentle cleansing spray such as Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hot Spot Spray. Ask before using it on an area that is already being treated.
A hypochlorous hot-spot spray for cleansing when appropriate to your vet’s care plan.
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Anal Gland Infections
For infected anal glands in dogs, the ointment is typically instilled directly after your veterinarian expresses and cleans the gland. The elongated tube tip is designed for this. This is a vet-performed or vet-demonstrated procedure, not something to attempt without instruction.
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How to Apply Derma-Vet Ointment
Per the label, frequency depends on severity: for mild inflammation, application may range from once daily to once a week, while severe conditions may need application two to three times daily, tapering as the condition improves. Follow the step-by-step guidance below, but let the exact schedule on your prescription label override any generic range.
On the Skin
- Clip or part the hair so the ointment reaches the skin, if your vet advises.
- Gently clean the area and pat it dry.
- Apply a thin film to the affected area only. More is not better with a steroid ointment.
- Wear gloves or wash your hands immediately afterward, as the label directs.
- Keep your dog from licking the area until it dries (a cone helps).
If your dog keeps reaching the treated spot, a soft recovery collar such as the ZenPet ZenCollar keeps the ointment in place while it absorbs.
ZenPet ZenCollar Inflatable Recovery Dog & Cat Collar, Large: alternative worth comparing.
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In the Ears
Using Derma-Vet ointment in a dog’s ears is only safe when the eardrum is intact. The drugs.com monograph is explicit: before instilling any medication, the external ear canal must be examined to be certain the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is not ruptured. Applying it over a damaged eardrum risks pushing infection into the middle ear and damaging hearing and balance structures in dogs.
The label also directs cleaning the ear canal of impacted wax and debris before treatment. Your vet may have you use a veterinary ear cleaner such as Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced first, then instill 3 to 5 drops of ointment, or apply a thin film in the external ear, 2 to 3 times daily as prescribed.
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| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs & Cats | Apply a thin film in the external ear 2–3 times daily | Only use if the eardrum is intact. |
| Alternative method | 3–5 drops in the ear canal | Must clean ear before use. |
Between doses, Veterinary Formula ear wipes can help keep the outer ear flap free of discharge so you can see whether the ear is actually improving. Stop and call your vet if the ear looks worse, smells worse, or your dog tilts its head or seems off balance.
Alcohol-free ear wipes that gently clean and deodorize ears between deep cleanings, an easy maintenance step for itchy or smelly ears. 100 wipes, for dogs and cats.
Webvet may earn a commission when you click through to Chewy, at no extra cost to you.
Is Derma-Vet Safe if My Dog Licks It?
No. Do not let your dog lick the ointment. Swallowed ointment can cause stomach upset, and repeated ingestion of triamcinolone adds to the steroid dose the body absorbs, raising the risk of increased thirst, urination, and other systemic steroid effects. The label says plainly: avoid ingestion.
Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent licking after application, or distract your dog with a walk or meal for 10 to 15 minutes so the ointment has time to absorb. If your dog licks a large amount or seems unwell afterward, call your veterinarian.
Available forms
Dosage Forms and Typical Dosing
Derma-Vet is supplied as a topical ointment in 7.5 mL, 15 mL, and 30 mL tubes with an elongated applicator tip, and in 240 mL dispensing bottles for clinic use. Because it is applied to the affected area, dosing depends on frequency and severity rather than your dog’s weight.
| Qty/Size | List price | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 mL | $9.99 | $1.33 |
| 15 mL | $13.99 | $0.93 |
| 30 mL | $21.99 | $0.73 |
Skin, Cysts, and Anal Glands
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs & Cats (all sizes) | Apply a thin layer 2–3 times daily | Use sparingly; reduce as healing occurs. |
| Mild conditions | Once daily to once weekly | Vet may adjust depending on severity. |
| Anal gland infections (dogs) | Apply after cleaning and draining the gland | Follow vet instructions carefully. |
Supporting Skin Care at Home
Alongside the prescription, your vet may recommend over-the-counter supportive care for yeasty, smelly skin: bathing with a medicated product such as Veterinary Formula Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo can reduce surface yeast and bacteria between recheck visits. Ask your vet before combining products on broken or freshly medicated skin.
A budget-friendly medicated shampoo with ketoconazole and benzethonium chloride that helps control the fungal and bacterial skin infections behind ringworm, with aloe to soothe irritated skin.
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Side Effects of Derma-Vet Ointment
Topical use is generally well tolerated, and the label describes skin reactions as extremely rare. Most reported side effects trace back to the corticosteroid, especially with long-term use, large treated areas, or licking.
Steroid-Related Side Effects
Some corticosteroid can absorb through the skin. The label advises watching any treated pet for polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (increased urination), and weight gain. Reported effects with corticosteroid products include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Behavior changes
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/SAP)
- Cushing’s-like signs with prolonged or repeated use
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Hearing and Balance Problems
Per the drugs.com monograph, temporary hearing loss has been reported when treating otitis with corticosteroid-containing products, usually resolving after the drug is withdrawn. If you notice hearing loss, head tilt, circling, or wobbliness during treatment, stop the ointment and call your veterinarian.
Allergic Reactions and Other Warnings
- Some dogs are sensitive to neomycin. Stop use if redness, swelling, or irritation persists or worsens.
- Do not use on deep abscesses, puncture wounds, serious burns, or where pus is present; these need systemic antibiotics from your vet.
- Use caution in pregnant or nursing dogs. Corticosteroids can cause premature labor and birth defects, per the label warning.
- Avoid long-term use and large treated areas unless your vet specifically directs it.
Generic Equivalents: Dermalone, Entederm, and Animax
If your pharmacy hands you a tube labeled Dermalone, Entederm, Animax, Remicin, or the mouthful "nystatin-neomycin sulfate-thiostrepton-triamcinolone acetonide ointment," you have the same medication. These are all brand names for the identical four-ingredient formula, standardized under FDA regulation 21 CFR 524.1600a, and vets and pharmacies substitute them freely.
| Brand | Same active ingredients? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Derma-Vet (Med-Pharmex) | Yes | The brand this article covers. |
| Animax (Dechra) | Yes | Long-established brand; often the name vets use generically. |
| Dermalone (Vedco) | Yes | Common pharmacy substitution. |
| Entederm (various) | Yes | Common pharmacy substitution. |
| Panolog / Remicin | Yes | Older brand names for the same formula. |
As the comparison above shows, the products differ only in manufacturer, tube sizes, and price, so it is normal for a refill to arrive under a different name.
Why Derma-Vet Requires a Prescription
Derma-Vet is Rx-only for good reasons. Neomycin applied over a ruptured eardrum can permanently damage hearing, a steroid can make certain infections (like demodex mange or ringworm misdiagnosed as dermatitis) dramatically worse, and antibiotics used without a diagnosis fuel resistance. A veterinarian needs to examine the ear canal and skin first so the right condition gets the right drug.
That means no legitimate US pharmacy will sell Derma-Vet, Animax, or Dermalone without a prescription. Websites offering it over the counter are shipping it outside FDA oversight. Get an exam, get the diagnosis, and have the prescription filled by your vet or a licensed pet pharmacy.
Owners comparing the price of Derma Vet ointment, or asking where to buy Derma-Vet ointment, should start with their veterinary clinic. Online pet pharmacy list prices currently run from about $10 for a 7.5 mL tube to about $22 for a 30 mL tube, though stock is often limited, and licensed pet pharmacies can fill the same prescription, often at a lower price per mL. What no legitimate seller can do is skip the prescription requirement.
Dog Wound Care Basics
Derma-Vet questions often start with a wound, so here is where it fits, and does not fit, in wound care.
The Best Ointment to Put on a Dog’s Wound
There is no single best ointment to put on a dog’s wound, because the right choice depends on what the wound is. For infected, inflamed skin your veterinarian may prescribe Derma-Vet or an equivalent, while a minor scrape usually needs only saline cleaning and drying. Deep, punctured, or pus-filled wounds should never get Derma-Vet; the label directs systemic antibiotics from a vet for those.
The Fastest Way to Heal an Open Wound on a Dog
The fastest way to heal an open wound on a dog is early veterinary care, not a stronger cream. Fast healing comes from proper cleaning, removing infected tissue when needed, the right medication for what is actually growing in the wound, and preventing licking with a cone. Delaying an exam while rotating home remedies is the most common way a small wound becomes a big one.
What Human Cream Can I Put on a Dog’s Wound?
Ask your veterinarian before putting any human cream on a dog’s wound. Small amounts of plain triple-antibiotic ointment are sometimes used short term, but dogs lick treated areas, some human ingredients are risky if swallowed, and human hydrocortisone creams can mask a worsening infection. A wound that seems to need daily human cream is a wound that needs a vet exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy Derma-Vet Ointment over the counter?
No, you cannot buy Derma-Vet Ointment over the counter. Derma-Vet and its equivalents (Animax, Dermalone, Entederm) are prescription-only medications in the United States. Your veterinarian must examine your dog and issue a prescription, which can then be filled at the clinic or through a licensed pet pharmacy. A website selling it without a prescription is operating outside FDA oversight.
Can I use Derma-Vet long term?
Long-term use of Derma-Vet is not recommended without close veterinary supervision. The triamcinolone it contains can absorb through the skin, and prolonged or repeated steroid exposure has been associated with Cushing’s-like signs, increased thirst and urination, and elevated liver enzymes in dogs. If the condition is not resolving on the expected schedule, go back to your vet instead of extending treatment.
Is Derma-Vet the same as Animax and Dermalone?
Yes. Derma-Vet, Animax, Dermalone, Entederm, Panolog, and Remicin are different brand names for the same four-ingredient prescription formula: nystatin, neomycin sulfate, thiostrepton, and triamcinolone acetonide. Pharmacies substitute them freely, so a refill arriving under a different name is normal. If the ingredient list on the tube matches those four actives, you have the same medication.
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is the in-house group of pet-care editors and writers behind Webvet, operated by Smart Pet Collective. The team researches, writes, and maintains Webvet's pet health, behavior, and medication content. Every article follows a defined editorial process: research from reputable veterinary and scientific sources, careful drafting, mandatory review of medical content by a credentialed veterinarian, and dated publication. Health and medication articles are medically reviewed by a licensed veterinary professional before they go live and are kept current over time.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
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