ingesting hydrocortisone cream

[RoxyinLa]

A vet (not mine) told me to put 2% hydrocortisone cream around my dog's itchy mouth and it works to stop the itching, but I'm worried about her ingesting it. I don't use alot but she is still getting some when she licks around her mouth. I was only picking up my dog at the groomer and not paying for a vet appointment, so this vet didn't elaborate much. (I don't think the fact that my poodle tried to bite her helped much either!) I've seen hydrocortisone in a spray form in the pet dept. at Wal Mart, so I'm assuming it's safe but I was wondering if anyone else had ever used it. Thanks!

[Mordy]

Cortisone is a steroid, it increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels and suppresses the immune system, so you shouldn't use it unless you absolutely have to, and definitely not long-term. It's basically a bandaid fix to deal with a symptom, but not the underlying problem that causes it.

It would be a better idea to find out just what exactly is causing the itchy mouth - investigate food and water dishes, everything your dog eats, and possible contact allergies.