Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe For Dogs?

Hydrogen Peroxide is considered safe if used in a limited quantity and in certain situations like flushing and cleaning wound drains, inducing vomit, de-skunking, etc. However, it is always best to take your pet to the vet, and they will identify if there is a need to use Hydrogen Peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide is widely used and is considered one of the most important and basic medicines seen in every household. But as a pet owner, you must understand that human medicines are sometimes not suitable for our pets.

If talking about using Hydrogen Peroxide on dogs, there are many situations where it is considered safe to use. If using at home, you must know the exact amount to be used and where to use it.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

If we are talking from the scientific angle, it is a chemical compound of oxygen and hydrogen, which is also called by other names like peroxide, hydrogen superoxide, hydrogen, superoxide, and hydrogen dioxide. It is also a weak dibasic acid. ^[1]

It is commonly used as a disinfectant for cleaning wounds, injuries, scratches; however, you must know that it can also eliminate microorganisms around the affected area. Although it is considered safe, it should be used in a limited amount only as it may irritate the skin.

Hydrogen peroxide is a great household disinfecting agent and is mostly available at a concentration of 3%. It is used in several ways like first aid, bleaching tool, removing stains, mold, cleaning tools.

Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Used On Dogs?

• Inducing Vomit
• De-skunking

Inducing Vomit

In case of emergency, when there is toxicity or poisoning, hydrogen peroxide can treat if used correctly and safely. ^[2] Your dog could eat unexpected non-food item which they are not supposed to. In case your dog bloat, you will need to prepare a precise dose, but it can not cure every kind of poison effectively.

Hydrogen Peroxide can not hurt your dog as it induces vomit in just 15 minutes if the toxic is curable with it. Feeding a small soggy meal before this procedure might help. Some vet also advises to mix hydrogen peroxide with some water. ^[3]

Caution: With some substances, inducing vomit could burn again on the way up or could get into the lungs. ^[4]

De-skunking

If you are living in a city/country where you can see skunks very often, then there is a higher risk that they may appear in your garden or backyard. They release a certain liquid that has an awful smell. If a skunk release that liquid on your dog, it is difficult to get rid of that smell. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, and baking soda can help eliminate that foul smell.

When To Not Use Hydrogen Peroxide On Dogs?

Many people believe that hydrogen peroxide heals a dog wound fast as it kills the microbes, cleans the dirt if applied to an open wound. ^[6] But the truth is, it slows down the healing and could harm the tissue. If your dog has a deep wound, contact your vet immediately.

Hydrogen peroxide, if used on wounds, should not be applied as it could be too strong for dogs. You can either dilute it with saline or water.

If your dog is in discomfort or extreme pain, ask your vet to prescribe some pet medications.

Note: You must never use shampoo, hydrogen peroxide, soap, tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol, herbal preparation to clean an open dog wound.

Conclusion

In the end, you should always think twice before using hydrogen on your pet. Our furry friends require a different type of treatment, and you can not use hydrogen peroxide for treating their ear infections. You must also try to keep it away from their eyes, as it may cause irritation, pain, and redness.