Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe For Dogs?

In short, hydrogen peroxide is generally safe to use on dogs.  It has the same effect as when used on human beings, it disinfects bacteria but also kills healthy skin cells.  There are several common use cases for hydrogen peroxide on dogs such as cleaning wounds, inducing vomiting, and cleaning out a dog’s ear.  However, there are several caveats that you should be aware of when using hydrogen peroxide on your dog.  Check out our recommendations below if hydrogen peroxide safe for your dog.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut?

Conclusion: Veterinarians recommend using hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut that is minor. These are wounds where you can easily control the bleeding.

Running around with your dog always has potential risks.  Your dog may be punctured by various thorns or could suffer a laceration from another dog.  Every cut that your dog endures causes bacteria to enter into the bloodstream.  Since the 1920s, hydrogen peroxide has been used as an antiseptic to treat cuts for humans and pets.  Putting hydrogen peroxide on your dog’s cut, wound, or laceration helps to kill the unwanted bacteria.

However, putting hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut also kills healthy cells around it. Using hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut induces a process called oxidation which causes the white fizzling foam when hydrogen peroxide touches blood.  This kills the bacteria from the cut, but it also destroys the healthy skin cells around your dog’s wound which slows the healthy process and could potentially worsen the scarring from the wound.

What to watch out for when putting hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut

• Never put hydrogen peroxide on a large dog cut where you cannot control the bleeding.  Apply pressure to the wound and seek immediate veterinarian advice.
• Never apply hydrogen peroxide that is more than 3%.  Typically, food-grade hydrogen peroxide will contain over 3%.  Dilute full-strength hydrogen peroxide with water or saline before applying it to your dog’s cut.
• Always flush the wound out with sterile water prior to putting hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s cut.  This provides a thorough cleaning to remove dirt and other debris.

Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my dogs ear?

Dogs are prone to ear infections and yeast buildup, especially dogs that don’t have ears that stick up.  Hydrogen peroxide is a way to kill the bacteria in a dog’s ear without causing other bacteria growth.  This is because hydrogen peroxide dries extremely fast.  Many veterinarians will authorize the use of hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ear as long as you make sure the hydrogen peroxide is able to dry.  If you don’t allow the hydrogen peroxide to dry, this can cause additional bacteria buildup.

To put hydrogen peroxide in your dogs ears, simply use cotton balls or gauze.

What to watch out for when putting hydrogen peroxide in my dogs ear

• Do not use Q-Tips to clean your dogs ear.  The same risk applies to humans as you may penetrate the eardrum or ear canal.  Furthermore, Q-Tips push debris further into your dogs ear.
• Monitor your dog’s ears for any type of irritation in the ear canal.  In certain cases, hydrogen peroxide may further irritation to your dog’s ear canal or eardrum.  Discontinue the use of hydrogen peroxide if your notice any irritation or discomfort in your dog.
• Do not use hydrogen peroxide if your dog’s ears are red or inflamed.  There may be cuts, a ruptured eardrum, or other types of infections that your vet may want to examine.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Dog Vomiting

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to induce vomiting in dogs by creating bubbles in your dogs gastrointestinal tract.  Creating a significant amount of bubbles causes vomiting within dogs.  This is often necessary when a dog ingests either food or poison that they should not be eating.  Such instances include substances like human medication, insecticides, fertilizer, chocolate, grapes, or other poisonous things.

How to induce vomiting in dog with hydrogen peroxide?

1. Try feeding your dog if they have not eaten recently.  This makes it more likely to inducing vomiting with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Measure out 1 milliliter per pound of your dog.  For instance, a 15-pound dog would take 15 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide.  Approximately 15 milliliters is equal to 1 tablespoon.
3. If vomiting doesn’t occur with 15-20 minutes, give your dog another dose of hydrogen peroxide.  Call your veterinarian if your dog doesn’t vomit after 2 doses.

What to watch out for when using hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting

• The maximum amount of hydrogen peroxide a dog can ingest is 45 milliliters.  This is approximately 3 tablespoons. 
• Only induce vomiting in your dog when absolutely necessary.  Vomiting can actually be more dangerous for your dog because it will burn the esophagus and other areas of the throat.
• Consult a veterinarian for poison control.  There may be alternative methods for poison control than inducing vomiting.  Often times veterinarians may want to seek alternative solutions.  If your local veterinarian is not available call ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).  This hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are available to owners at a small charge.
• Do not induce vomiting if your pet has already vomited, is choking, unconscious, or maybe having a seizure.

Conclusion: Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe For Dogs?

Hydrogen peroxide is a common remedy for minor dog cuts, to clean dog ears, and induce vomiting within dogs.  Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether or not hydrogen peroxide is safe for your dog.

Lastly, never give hydrogen peroxide to cats as it is toxic.  Cats are extremely sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and can develop bleeding of their stomach from indigestion.  Many cats have died from hydrogen peroxide.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Bad for Dogs?

No, but you need to use hydrogen peroxide with precaution.  I would only use hydrogen peroxide for minor dog wounds, to clean dog ears, and induce dog vomiting.

I gave my dog hydrogen peroxide but he won’t vomit.  What should I do?

Try giving your dog another dose of hydrogen peroxide, but do not exceed 45 milliliters (or 3 tablespoons).  Not all dogs will vomit when they eat hydrogen peroxide.  A stronger dose of vomiting medication may be necessary which can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Is dog hydrogen peroxide overdose real?

If your dog eats too much hydrogen peroxide than stomach ulcers may appear.  Monitor your dog for black stools, lethargic attitude, or lack or eating.  I would also consult a veterinarian if your dog digested over 45ml of hydrogen peroxide.