Attention Dog Lovers: Neomec tablets can’t treat every dog with skin infections

Hyderabad: A post requesting people to give Neomec 10 mg tablet to any dog, especially stray dogs, with skin issues, to help them get better, is being widely shared on social media.

A stray dog may struggle with a number of skin conditions as they live on streets along with various microorganisms like fleas, bacteria, ticks, worms etc. Stray animals can quickly pick up skin infections.

When you see a stray struggling with a severe skin allergy you might feel like helping the poor dog. But is it right to give Neomec tablets to every dog without consulting a doctor first?

Let’s find out.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.

Neomec Vet Tablet is an anti-worm medicine. It is used for the treatment of worm infections. It contains ivermectin as its active ingredient. It is used in the treatment of worm infections in the intestines.

According to its description, “Neomec tablets should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed. It should be taken before food. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it or you are suffering from any heart, liver or kidney diseases.”

Through our investigation, we found multiple social media users urging people not to give stray dogs or cats Neomec tablets without fully understanding the animal’s condition.

A Facebook post reads, “Neomec (Ivermectin) is poisonous and dangerous in the wrong dosage… Neomac is just like everyone using blindly nowadays. Have some study on it before using any drug or consult a vet to know the dose, there is absolutely no need to give Neomac for a small scratch.”

The same could be found on an X post as well.

We also contacted Dr V Kadambari, a veterinarian at Olive’s Pet Clinic to debunk the claim.

She said, “The skin in dogs has limited ways to react to different diseases. So, the diseases are plenty but the way in which the skin reacts is limited. There will be redness which will eventually turn black. There will be itching or crust formations, which can last up to 10-12 days.”

“It is difficult to understand the combination of these issues that to multiple skin problems. That’s how we recognise what is causing skin problems. The dog in the viral image could be suffering from a flea problem or mange, which can cause severe itching. Neomec can kill mites which cause scabies which cause mange but it does not kill fleas. So, Neomec alone is not the answer,” she added,

“One should ideally consult the veterinary about the solution. Neomec can easily overdose a dog and kill it. You have to be a little careful going around giving Neomec to all dogs. It’s not a very good idea,” she said.

Hence, the claim that Neomec tablets will cure any type of skin condition in animals is false.