Can You use Hydrogen Peroxide on Dogs? Some pet owners use Hydrogen Peroxide to help cure their dog’s ear infections, but there are mixed opinions about whether this method actually works. Some vets advise against the practice, while others think it may be worth trying.
Let’s take a look at what the science says, and then make an informed decision on whether you should use Hydrogen Peroxide on dogs with ear infections.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that can be used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is usually sold in 3% and 6% concentrations, but any attention can be used. In the simplest terms, hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria by oxidizing them. It does this by releasing oxygen molecules that then combine with the bacteria’s cells to kill them.
This process releases free radicals which are known to cause damage to healthy tissue, so it should only be used sparingly. But for many years vets have been using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds because of its ability to kill germs without damaging healthy tissue.
This substance has also been applied to skin infections and open sores with good results. Its mild germicidal properties make it helpful in cleaning up small messes around the house or bathroom where pets often play. In some cases, hydrogen peroxide has also been mixed into pet food or water dishes to help control bacterial growth in areas where pets eat and drink frequently.
Hydrogen peroxide works best when combined with soap since soap will remove dirt from the wound while also providing protection against infection-causing germs while they are being killed by hydrogen peroxide.
If you’re going to clean a wound at home, follow these steps:
1) Clean the area with soap and water. Use hydrogen peroxide only if there are still traces of blood or other material that may become infected. If there is no visible contamination, skip ahead to step three.
2) Rinse away any remaining soap residue with more water. Be sure to wash off the affected area thoroughly before proceeding! Any remaining residue could irritate your pet’s sensitive skin and lead to problems like redness, itching, swelling, and hair loss at the site of application. If you want to avoid such side effects, try one of these natural methods instead.
The Vet’s Opinion
One of the most popular misconceptions about hydrogen peroxide is that it can be used as a substitute for water to help clean wounds. This is not true. When applied to an open wound, hydrogen peroxide can actually produce bubbles and foam that could cause more damage and delay healing.
In these cases, it should be rinsed off as quickly as possible with water or saline solution. And because of its bleaching properties, hydrogen peroxide should never come in contact with colored fabrics or hair.
It also has a mild antiseptic effect. You might find this useful when cleaning surfaces that are contaminated by blood from wounded animals who may lick at their own injuries (e.g., in dogfights).
Although there are different types of hydrogen peroxide available for purchase, we only recommend using 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted 50:50 with water on your pet if it has been wounded and you want to reduce swelling while keeping out dirt and bacteria. If they have cut around their eyes or other sensitive areas, do not let them get wet until they have healed because this could lead to blindness.
Here are ideas for using hydrogen peroxide on your dog:
1) Place hydrogen peroxide onto cotton balls and put them over the affected area. Make sure not to place too much pressure on it or rub it in because rubbing will activate the ingredients causing irritation! Let sit for 15 minutes before removing (be careful not to touch!).
2) Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz onto afflicted areas twice daily until signs of inflammation clear up. Spritzing won’t irritate the skin like rubbing would, plus dogs don’t mind having their fur wetted down during bath time either!
How can Hydrogen Peroxide be used on dogs?
Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant and can be used to clean wounds or for other medical purposes. It can also be used as an oral rinse, which means you could give your dog 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide once every 24 hours.
It’s also possible to put hydrogen peroxide directly in your dog’s ear to help with any infections they may have. Just apply a few drops and then tilt the ear down so that it drains out the bottom of the canal.
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting because it could cause chemical burns inside your pet’s mouth and throat.
Are there any risks associated with using Hydrogen Peroxide on dogs?
Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that can be applied to wounds to clean them. It can also be used as a mouth rinse for pets. However, hydrogen peroxide is not appropriate for all animals and should only be used if prescribed by your veterinarian.
If your pet has an injury or open wound, it may need additional medical treatment that hydrogen peroxide will not provide. It can also cause irritation or burns if the animal licks the affected area while it’s still wet with hydrogen peroxide.
When applying hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse, there are some things you should keep in mind:
-It must be diluted with water before giving it to your pet
-Don’t use this type of rinse too often because it could weaken the gums
-Avoid using any toothpaste when using this type of solution
Conclusion
So, for a final answer, yes, it is safe to use hydrogen peroxide on your dog. However, it is not recommended to do this very often because it can dry out their skin. Suppose your dog has an open sore or a wound that needs cleaning and debriding (i.e., removal of dead tissue). In that case, hydrogen peroxide should be used liberally to help clean the wound and remove any infected tissues.
It will also help keep wounds from getting infected in the future by killing bacteria that enter through the open wound. Just make sure that if your dog has light-colored fur, don’t put hydrogen peroxide near their face since it can bleach their fur.
