All About Vetericyn Products for Pets

Vetericyn Animal Wellness is a line of animal care products. Vetericyn makes a variety of products to safely clean and treat wounds. They also offer products that care for animals' skin, ears, and eyes.

The key ingredient in Vetericyn products is hypochlorous acid, an antimicrobial agent that is safe for use on many tissues. It is even safe if small amounts are ingested by an animal.

Vetericyn products are available as Vetericyn VF (Veterinary Formula) and Vetericyn Plus, the over-the-counter formulation. The veterinary formulas are stronger than the over-the-counter versions. The parent company, Innovacyn Inc. also makes Puracyn, a similar product that is formulated for human use.

Vetericyn makes both veterinary and over-the-counter products to care for wounds, skin, eyes, and ears. All products are completely safe if licked or ingested in small quantities by an animal.

Wound and Skin Care Liquid

Vetericyn's Wound and Skin Care Liquid is available in the veterinary formula (Vetericyn Plus VF Wound and Skin Care Liquid) and over-the-counter (Vetericyn Plus All Animal Wound and Skin Care). The products are similar, but the veterinary formula has a higher concentration of hypochlorous acid than the over-the-counter version.

The wound and skin care liquid can be used to clean and flush wounds without causing damage to healthy tissues. Veterinarians can use the veterinary formula for lacerations, abscesses, scrapes, hot spots, and other skin irritations in dogs, cats, horses, and other species.

The over-the-counter formula is a great product for pet owners to use on their pet's minor wounds and skin irritation. It's also a great item to keep in the pets' first aid kit. It can be used to clean minor skin problems that can be expected to heal without veterinary attention. Be aware that wounds treated at home should get veterinary attention if no improvement is seen within a day or two and any bite wounds, puncture wounds or other deep wounds should always be checked by a vet right away.

Antimicrobial Hydrogel

Vetericyn's Hydrogel is also available in a veterinary formula and an over-the-counter formula. The hydrogel is designed to cling to the skin and protect and moisten the wound, promoting healing. Veterinarians often use hydrogels on wounds in their early stages of healing to keep them clean but to also allow the wound to stay moist so that cells can migrate in to repair it. The over-the-counter formula, while less concentrated, is effective at protecting and soothing minor scrapes, sores, burns, or rashes.

The product works best on clean skin or wounds where the hair has been clipped away. The hydrogel clings to the skin and slowly evaporates, so it does not need to be wiped or rinsed away. It can also be applied as part of a wound dressing. Your vet may send you home with this product to use on your pet's wound depending on the conditions.

Otic Cleansers

Vetericyn Plus VF Otic Cleanser can be used to properly clean the outer ear and external ear canal of dirt and debris. This product can help prevent ear issues including ear infections. Do not use Vetericyn in your pet's ears if the eardrum is ruptured and contact your vet if you are not sure if this could be the case.

The over-the-counter formula, Vetericyn Plus All Animal Ear Rinse, is less concentrated but similarly effective for routine ear care. Otic cleansers work best if excess hair is removed from the ear canal.

Ophthalmic Wash

Vetericyn Plus VF Ophthalmic Wash can be used in and around the eye to remove debris, reduce eye irritation and tear-staining.

Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash is the similar but less concentrated over-the-counter version. It can be used to rinse away debris from the eyes and reduce irritation. Pet owners may like this solution for pets that get "goopy" eye discharge occasionally.

Note that eye issues in pets can become very serious very quickly if left untreated. You should see your veterinarian first whenever an eye problem arises, and use these products only after consulting with your vet.

FoamCare Shampoo

Vetericyn makes a line of foaming shampoos for pets. The shampoo is easy to evenly spray on the pet using the foaming applicator. The formula is conditioning, non-irritating, pH optimized, and helps retain the pet's natural skin oils. It is also very easy to rinse off.

FoamCare comes in several varieties, each developed for a specific coat type:

• Low-density coats (fine hair)
• Medium density coats (regular to medium hair)
• High-density coats (thick hair or undercoats)

FoamCare's formula is nourishing and conditioning to the skin, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic. It is designed to help the animal’s natural skin barriers resist skin problems.

As with all animal care products, follow the instructions printed on Vetericyn's label or those provided by your veterinarian, and talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.