Is hydrogen peroxide good for dogs skin? Essential Tips

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Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter.

In 2007 she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. Another meaningful role, while running her clinic, was serving as her countys shelter veterinarian. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. She sold her practice in 2019 to move across the country.

Other uses of hydrogen peroxide for dogs

Beyond cleaning a wound, Jennifer offers two other important uses of hydrogen peroxide for dogs —

  • Skunk Bath: Hydrogen peroxide for dogs is useful for de-skunking a dog. “Hydrogen peroxide is an essential part of a ‘skunk bath’ recipe: Mix 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid together,” Jennifer says. “Pour the mixture on a dry dog and then rub in. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Repeat if necessary and follow up with a normal bath with regular doggy shampoo.”
  • Inducing Vomiting: Hydrogen peroxide for dogs can also help induce vomiting. “If your dog ate something naughty, your vet may recommend a dose for you to induce vomiting,” Jennifer advises.

    • Safer options to clean minor cuts and wounds on dogs and cats include:

    * Saline solution (in first aid packs or lens cleaning solutions)

    Can you use hydrogen peroxide on dogs?

    Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic found in most home medicine cabinets. It is used to clean and prevent infection for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. And can also be used as a mouth rinse to relieve irritation from cold sores and gingivitis. Due to its mild properties, many people believe it can be used to treat dog injuries. But is it really safe? What do the experts say? Discover when you can and can’t use hydrogen peroxide on dogs and what, if any, safe alternatives exist.