Some Vets Say Hydrogen Peroxide Is Okay To Use
Many veterinarians say yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears, but they advise to do so under medical supervision.
That is, if you suspect your dog has some sort of yeast build-up or other infection in their ear, you should not wipe down the inside of their ears with hydrogen peroxide unless your vet tells you to do so, first.
A solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water can be used to wipe out the canals of the ear with a cotton ball for a dog with a mild infection, post-veterinarian approval. Never use a q-tip or pointed object, as that can lead to damage in the ear.
Hydrogen peroxide can kill forms of bacteria that can cause ear infections, which may leave your dog earache free.
Using the cotton balls or gauze squares, absorb the excess solution and debris from the ear. You may wipe as deep as you can reach, with your finger, into the ear canal. This will not injure the ear.
If you have questions about cleaning your dog’s ears at home, want a recommended product or prefer to have a professional handle it? Contact us or schedule an appointment – we are happy to help!
Regular ear cleanings are essential for managing chronic, allergic-based inflammation and decreasing repeated infections. If your dog’s ears have odor, discharge, pain, redness or these signs reappear shortly after cleaning contact us for an appointment.
We recommend cleaning your dog’s ears at least once monthly. For more chronic inflammation more frequent cleanings may be necessary and you should consult with your veterinarian.
You will need a gentle ear cleaning solution and gauze squares or cotton balls. We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection. We can help provide you with recommendations on the best products to use.
Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Dog Ears?
No, you should not use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog ears. There are many other inexpensive, safe, and effective dog ear cleaners available online or at your veterinary clinic. Hydrogen peroxide is not safe for use deep in the ears, and I do not recommend using it in dog’s ears.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my dog’s ears?
A dog with big, floppy ears is the epitome of adorable. What many dog owners do not realize, however, is that a dog’s ears need a certain degree of care and attention, especially ears that are large and floppy. Because moisture can get trapped in the ears, dogs with ears that hang down are more prone to ear infections. Keep reading to learn more about keeping your dog’s ears clean and infection-free with common remedies like hydrogen peroxide.
Whether it’s an ear infection or a health issue that requires you to induce vomiting in your dog, sometimes hydrogen peroxide won’t do the trick – and you’ll still have to go to the vet’s office for your pet to be thoroughly examined. Vet bills can be a big expense for the family budget, which is why it pays off to have a pet insurance plan – precisely for situations such as this, that happen out of nowhere and require quick action to be resolved to the benefit of your four-legged best friend. If you are looking for an affordable but reliable plan, Lemonade Pet Insurance offers a basic accident & illness plan that covers 70%, 80%, or 90% of medical expenses for diagnostics, procedures, and medication, depending on the plan you pick, reducing the cost of vet care substantially. And not only that, but you can opt for an optional add-on that covers preventative health care such as wellness exams and vaccines if you want to make sure you stay ahead of any potential health issues down the road. The math is as follows – for instance, you’ll pay $29.50 each month for a 3-year-old Labrador in Texas, with 80% co-insurance, an annual limit of $20,000, and an annual deductible of $250. If you want to add the Preventative package, you’ll pay $45.50 each month. It really adds up – peace of mind is priceless, but it sure doesn’t hurt when you don’t have to pay big bucks to get it.
When it comes to cleaning your own ears, you may have tried a home remedy using hydrogen peroxide or a store-bought solution made with peroxide. Before you do the same for your dog, however, you should take a moment to consider whether it is safe. If you ask three different veterinarians about the safety of using hydrogen peroxide on dogs, you might get three different answers. So, how do you decide whether to try it or not?
Before you do anything, you need to determine whether your dog’s ears are just dirty or whether he has an ear infection. It is not recommended that you use hydrogen peroxide in your dog’s ears if he is suffering from a serious infection or yeast build-up. If, however, your veterinarian confirms that your dog’s ears are simply dirty or that he has a mild bacterial infection, hydrogen peroxide might be a good option. Just be sure to check with your vet before you do anything.
Once you determine that it is safe to use hydrogen peroxide in your dog’s ears, you need to learn how to do it.
Now that you know how to clean your dog’s ears, it should be fairly easy to keep them clean. When you bathe your dog, be sure to keep his face and ears dry – if you need to clean his face, just use a damp washcloth. After your dog goes for a swim, check his ears and dry them with a cotton ball or a clean cloth as needed. Just remember not to use anything that could puncture your dog’s ear drum or cause him any pain.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is fairly easy – just check them once a week and clean them as needed! If your dog does develop an ear infection, wait for your veterinarian to make a diagnosis before you do anything – depending what kind of infection it is, special treatment may be needed.
According to the American Kennel Club, and a multitude of other resources, you can use hydrogen peroxide for your dog to induce vomiting if you need to. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN FIRST AND FOREMOST, though.
Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).