Can I use hydrocortisone cream on my dog?

According to VetInfo, when used properly, hyrdocortisone cream is safe for dogs. However, it should only be used in small quantities and never applied directly to open wounds or sores.

Hydrocortisone cream is used to treat a number of topical skin conditions on dogs, such as inflammation from infection and itching or other symptoms of allergies. However, hydrocortisone only helps alleviate the symptoms caused by allergies and does not get rid of the allergy itself. When hydrocortisone is used on a dog, it needs to be covered with a bandage so that the dog does not lick it off. According to Pet Poison Helpline, hydrocortisone ingestion sometimes causes gastric distress in dogs.