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Best Hydrogen Peroxide for Dogs

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  February 25th, 2022

Hydrogen peroxide for dogs is a topical antiseptic that has multiple uses, from disinfecting wounds to being an efficient way to make your dog throw up in case of poisoning. It is a great thing to have on hand for all kinds of emergencies – these are the best hydrogen peroxide options for dogs.

Doggos can be quite the mischievous little devils. They are full of energy, and if you leave them without attention for even a moment, they can end up in all sorts of trouble. This means that unexpected cuts, bruises, abrasions, and scrapes can occur all of a sudden. And you will need an efficient way to treat them at once. If you fail to do so, an infection might quickly arise. Your standard 3% hydrogen peroxide for dogs is a great and affordable solution. Ideal as a first aid antiseptic and disinfectant, it is ideal for use on dogs, but anywhere else as well. Did your pooch roll into something smelly or had an unfortunate “date” with a skunk? Hydrogen peroxide will make it a thing of the past. Surface scrapes and minor cuts? Sanitize them at once. Need to quickly induce vomiting? Hydrogen peroxide to the rescue. As you can see, it is a great and reliable solution to have in the house. Here are the ten best 3% hydrogen peroxides for dogs on the market – read on and make your pick.

1. Editor’s Choice: Essential Oxygen Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is great to have around the house, especially if you’re a dog owner. Not only is it good as a disinfectant, but can also help with cuts and wounds, and with the removal of smells. This Essential Oxygen hydrogen peroxide comes in one 32 fl. oz. bottle, leaving you with solid stock for general use. Being 3% strong, it won’t burn or cause a reaction like the stronger ones that have 12% or even 35% hydrogen. That makes it ideal for dogs and general home use. What’s even better, this hydrogen peroxide is super clean and safe: it contains no toxic stabilizers, and it’s non-GMO. This makes it safe for homes with gray water systems. And to top it all off, it is eco-friendly and safe for the planet. As the brand puts it: “It’s good for the environment making grass greener and oceans cleaner.”

Pros

  • Generous amount in one bottle
  • Non-toxic
  • Great for a variety of uses
  • Non-GMO

Cons

  • Can have issues with broken seals

2. Runner Up: Solimo Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP

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Solimo is one of Amazon’s flagship brands that deal with a variety of item categories. This topical solution hydrogen peroxide is just one of their reliable and efficient products. A great disinfectant and first aid antiseptic, this hydrogen comes in a 32 fluid-ounce bottle. For general purposes, this can last quite a while. Of course, the active ingredient here is 3% stabilized hydrogen peroxide. Any scrapes, burns, cuts, or pokes can be quickly made safe with this disinfectant. Once opened, this bottle can be effective for up to six months, with the best period being up to 45 days.

Pros

  • Great for first aid
  • Easy to store square bottle
  • Great for general use
  • Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons

  • Can be somewhat mild

3. Customer’s Choice: McKesson Antiseptic Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Strength

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McKesson is one of the reputable brands that have a long and impressive history. This 3% strong hydrogen peroxide is fantastic for everyday use around the house, whether you need to disinfect your kitchen or bathroom, to remedy a cut or a scrape, or to clean your dog’s cut or a scrape. When applying this hydrogen peroxide, you will notice the unmistakable foaming. This is due to the release of oxygen – and that’s the thing that really kills the bacteria. McKesson offers this rather small bottle with just 4 fluid ounces, but that makes it great for small first aid kits, and ideal to carry in your pocket or the backpack.

Pros

  • Good for first aid kits
  • Ideal for dogs
  • Effective

Cons

  • Tiny bottle

4. Best Antiseptic: Dealmed Hydrogen Peroxide 3% USP

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Doggos can get in all sorts of trouble. Tiny cuts and scratches can be an everyday occurrence when your dog is mischievous and full of energy. That’s why it is great to have some 3% hydrogen peroxide close at hand, to quickly treat the cuts and kill the bacteria and the possibility of infection. Dealmed’s hydrogen is proudly made in the USA for many generations and comes in a mid-sized 16 fl. oz. bottle. It is great to have at any place: whether at your home, in the car, or in your pack. You never know when you may need a good antiseptic or a general disinfectant, whether for your dog or yourself. The bottle has an easy-open, leak-proof lid for safe and easy use.

Pros

  • Easy-open lid
  • Great for many uses
  • Easy for storing

Cons

  • Pricey

5. Best Food Grade: The One Minute Miracle 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Food Grade

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This super effective 3% hydrogen peroxide from The One Minute Miracle is exactly that – a quick-acting disinfecting miracle. Any little cut or scrape, any bad smell, or bacteria spot can be quickly eliminated with one swipe of this strong solution. This organic and food-grade certified hydrogen peroxide finds a multitude of uses around the house, and for every dog owner. It is great for the removal of stubborn stains, and for removing that persistent odor your doggo might be sporting, as well as inducing vomiting in case of poisoning. With over a decade of experience, The One Minute Miracle proudly guarantees the effectiveness of this product. Made in the USA, it is non-toxic and comes in a nifty glass bottle of 12 fluid ounces.

Pros

  • Sturdy glass bottle
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Great for emetic purposes

Cons

  • Could benefit from a bigger bottle

6. Best Topical: Swan Hydrogen Peroxide Topical

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Swan is one of the iconic brands when it comes to hydrogen peroxide. Just look for that unmistakable swan symbol, and you’re sure to find a reliable product. This 3% topical hydrogen peroxide leaves little to be desired. It comes in a solid 16 fluid ounces bottle and has powerful antiseptic capabilities. This makes it great for everyday use, and great for pets as well – if you need to disinfect a surface wound or neutralize bodily odors, this topical solution will work like a charm. Another great feature here is the square bottle. Not only is this shape easy to store in your cupboard, but it also uses less plastic than a regular round bottle. And with it being fully recyclable, this makes Swan’s hydrogen peroxide a truly eco-friendly product!

Pros

  • Eco-friendly square bottle
  • Solid amount at 32 fl. oz.
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Could be stronger

7. Best Gallon Pack: Hydrox Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Proudly made in the USA, this Elgin, Illinois-based brand offers some true American hydrogen peroxide. With 3% USP strength, it is great for everyday use around the home. You can sanitize and disinfect anything you think of. It is great for pet owners too! As we all know, dogs can bring in all sorts of bacteria on their paws or snouts. A bit of hydrogen peroxide will fix it all right away. This brand offers the iconic square bottles of 16 fl. oz. that are ideal for storing in the kitchen or bathroom cupboard and will take no space at all. This hydrogen peroxide is great as an oral debriding agent, and for dogs, it is great for disinfection and emergency uses. Hydrox Laboratories was established in 1913 – with over 100 years of experience, you know you’re onto something good and reputable!

Pros

  • Proudly USA made
  • Generous size for multiple uses around the home
  • Suited for use on dogs

Cons

  • Bulky packaging

8. Best Disinfecting: Viva Doria Hydrogen Peroxide 3 Percent

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If you are looking for a reliable, no-hassle disinfectant for use around the house and with your pets, this Viva Doria 3% hydrogen peroxide comes as an ideal solution. A food-grade first aid antiseptic, this hydrogen peroxide is not great only for treating minor cuts and abrasions but is also ideal for dog owners as it can remove bacteria in a variety of spots, and help with odors too. It is important to remember that this is food-grade hydrogen peroxide. This makes a great difference from the technical grade one since it has no harmful chemical stabilizers and is stronger as well! Viva Doria’s product is proudly made in the USA, so if you are looking for some trusted home quality, this is it.

Pros

  • Food grade – no chemical stabilizers
  • Made in the USA
  • Great for a variety of uses

Cons

  • Can lose potency fast after opening

9. Best First Aid: Dr. Lift Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Dr. Lift’s 3% hydrogen peroxide is proudly and reliably used by doctors, hospitals, and at home as well. A true multi-purpose solution, this reliable hydrogen peroxide is great to have close at hand at all times. If you are a dog owner, then you will certainly find this useful: it can help disinfect small surface wounds, de-skunking, or induce vomiting. Dr. Lift’s products are proudly USA-made.

Pros

  • Ideal for dog owners
  • Good for disinfecting
  • USA-made

Cons

  • 16 fl. oz. bottle might be too big for portable first aid kits

10. Best Home Use: Humco Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Topical Solution

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This Humco topical solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide is ideal for various uses. At home, you can use it for treating minor cuts and scrapes, as a first aid antiseptic, an oral debriding agent, and as a sanitizer for household surfaces. As a pet owner, you can use this product to clean your dog’s ear cavities, remove skunk odor, clean surface scratches, and scrapes, and keep your home dog odor-free, too. One can really find tons of efficient uses for hydrogen peroxide. This 16 fl. oz. bottle might not last you for long, though, especially since the solution is so efficient in your daily house routine.

Pros

  • Great for many uses
  • Ideal antiseptic
  • Great for de-skunking dogs

Cons

  • Lack of size options

What are the Most Common Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide for Dogs?

Hydrogen peroxide has hundreds of uses. You can use it on humans, animals, and objects alike. Keep your kitchen counter clean, your bathroom sanitized, and your utensils free from bacteria. But if you are a dog owner, you can find uses for hydrogen peroxide too. Dogs can get dirty in many ways, and spread bacteria around the home. Put an end to it! Here are some of the most common uses for hydrogen peroxide for dogs.

Remove odors

Let’s face it: dogs can be real stinkers, but if you’re “lucky” enough to live in an area where skunks frequent, you’ll soon realize what stench really is. If your pet gets sprayed by a skunk, mix 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Apply this with rubber gloves all over their coat (avoiding the eyes of course) and rinse them thoroughly with water, before applying shampoo for a much-needed bath.

Sanitize wounds

Tiny scrapes, minor cuts, and all sorts of abrasions can be treated at home as long as they are sanitized properly so as not to get infected. Use diluted hydrogen peroxide (50/50 ratio with water) to keep wounds clean and allow them to heal quickly.

Remove bacteria and odors around the home

Bacteria can thrive on dogs. They get caught in a variety of hard-to-reach and secluded spots, and if left untreated they can multiply. Don’t allow this to happen! With hydrogen peroxide a part of your cleaning routine, you can keep everything pristine and spotless. Add to detergent when you’re washing particularly smelly or dirty pet stuff such as beds and cushions, or combine with hot water for a disinfecting floor cleaning solution.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Adult cats, however, are established in their personalities. What you see is what you get.

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or red bugs, are tiny parasitic mites that feed on the skin of various animals - including dogs. That’s right - dogs can get harvest mites too. These tiny pests are common in warm and dry climates and are active during the late summer and early fall. It is because of this that they are called “harvest” mites. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size – these mites can cause significant discomfort to dogs, mostly due to the irritation that their bites can cause.What Are Harvest Mites? Are They Dangerous for Dogs?Belonging to the Trombiculidae family, harvest mites are this subclade’s larvae. They are almost microscopic, measuring only about 0.2 mm in size. These mites are bright orange or red, which makes them slightly easier to spot on a dog’s skin, though their small size still makes them difficult to detect. They tend to live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to dogs, humans, or other animals when they come into contact with the vegetation where the mites live.Now, once a harvest mite attaches itself to a dog’s skin, they will inject saliva into it in order to break down the cells which they consume. Unlike fleas or ticks, which feed on blood, these mites feed on skin cells. It is this process that causes an intense allergic reaction in dogs, leading to inflammation and itching. The dog may develop red, raised bumps or welts at the bite sites, typically in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the paws, belly, ears, or armpits.Your furry friend might scratch or bite the affected area, in hopes of easing the irritation. But this can potentially cause further skin damage or further infections. While harvest mites do not burrow into the skin, their bites can remain itchy and uncomfortable for several days, even after the mites are detached and gone.Symptoms of Harvest Mites in DogsIt is important to note that intense itching and irritation are not the only symptoms of harvest mite bites. If a dog is repeatedly scratching or licking at a particular area, this could indicate the presence of harvest mites, so know what signs to look out for.Red bumps and welts will often appear on the dog’s paws, belly, ears, or between their toes.Itching that is caused by harvest mites can be intense, and if your pet is vigorously scratching this is a classic indicator.In some cases, dogs may lose fur around the affected area due to excessive scratching.Constant scratching or biting may lead to crusty patches or open wounds. This is one of the more advanced signs.Of course, you need to make sure that harvest mite infestation is treated as soon as possible. This typically involves relieving the itching and removing any remaining mites. Of course, you need to seek the help of a vet, who will prescribe the proper treatment for your pet's unique case.

These Dog Breeds Are at the Most Risk of Overheating

The dog days of summer are upon us. Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are already faced with record-breaking heat waves. When extremely hot weather rolls in, it’s not only people who struggle to stay cool and hydrated. Our four-legged companions shouldn’t be forgotten during this hot time as they often have trouble cooling down.“High temperatures can affect dogs differently depending on a variety of factors,” said Angela Beal, DVM. “Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking your dog out when the temperatures exceed 85°F, especially if the humidity is high.”All dogs can get painful burns on their paw pads when they come into contact with hot pavement, but certain dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. “Dogs have sweat glands mainly in their paw pads, so [their] primary way to cool themselves down is by panting…The brachycephalic airway impacts airflow [so] they are unable to cool themselves down effectively in even mild heat,” explained Petco chief veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller. She added that dogs with “longer and thicker coats are also more susceptible to heatstroke.”According to veterinarians, breeds most susceptible to heatstroke include, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, chow chows, Shih Tzus, golden retrievers, huskies, and malamutes. Dogs like bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, and French bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have short noses and elongated soft palates that predispose them to breathing problems and make it hard to regulate their body temperature. All of these factors combined, make these pups highly susceptible to heatstroke. On the other hand, breeds like huskies, malamutes, and golden retrievers have longer and thicker double coats that can cause these breeds to overheat during the summer easily. These are the two main reasons for heatstroke in dogs, but Dr. Miller adds that young puppies and senior dogs are also at higher risk of overheating. Owners should also keep a close eye on overweight dogs and canines that aren’t in good physical shape. While these factors make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, owners should understand that any dog can overheat during a particularly hot summer day. Preventing your dog from overheating is key if you want to keep them healthy and happy during the summer months. “Provide clean, cool drinking water and access to shade. Never leave your pet outside or in a hot car for a long period of time, regardless of the shade,” said Dr. Miller. She advised dog owners to adjust their walking routines during the summer months to ensure they aren’t taking their dogs out during the hottest hours of the day. Walking your pooch early in the morning and later in the evening is a great way to minimize the risk of overheating and painful paw burns. Maintain a regular grooming routine during the summer months, especially if you own a curly or double-coated pooch. Curly-coated breeds, like poodles, can benefit from having their coat trimmed during the summer, while double-coated breeds like, huskies and chow chows, can experience some relief after being brushed by a professional with a de-shedding tool.When it comes to signs that your dog is getting overheated, look for panting, dark, blue, or red gums and tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, rapid and deep breathing, weakness, disorientation, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a hot day, take them to a cool and well-ventilated room and offer them fresh, cool water. If you’re concerned that your pooch is too hot or you can’t cool them down, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?

A delightful crossbreed of charming Labrador Retrievers and elegant Poodles, Labradoodles combine the best traits of both breeds: intelligence, a friendly nature, hypoallergenic coats, and a boundless love for fun. These qualities make Labradoodles beloved companions, but their high energy levels and playful demeanor mean they need plenty of exercise to thrive. Here’s what every would-be Labradoodle owner should know about meeting their furry friend’s activity needs before adopting one.How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?Labradoodles are active dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. On average, adult Labradoodles benefit from 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, divided between activities that challenge both their bodies and minds.Physical Exercise: Activities like running, playing fetch, or agility courses are excellent ways to burn off their extra energy.Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing gadgets, and obedience training sessions help keep their sharp minds engaged.

Unlock Your Pup’s Heritage: Embark Vet's Summer Sale is Here!

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐾Is there anything more heartwarming than watching our furry friends playfully bounding around, tongues lolling and tails wagging?As proud dog parents, we're often fascinated by our pups' heritage and health.That's why it's so exciting to introduce you to Embark, the company that offers the most accurate dog DNA test on the market.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Cat parents – have you ever wondered why your feline friend seems obsessed with rubbing against you? Do you wonder whether your cat is trying to communicate something important that you may be missing?Head rubbing is a behavior that most cat parents find endearing. However, understanding your cat’s body language and non-verbal communication is an essential part of being a good cat parent. Cats are creatures of habit. This rubbing behavior is rooted in their instincts and learned from their mothers at a young age. It can have several meanings, requiring you to watch for other clues.In this article, I’ll break down the basics of non-verbal communication and help you understand what your cat is trying to tell you. After all, communication is an important foundation for a strong, loving relationship.Cats and PheromonesBefore we discuss the specific reasons cats rub their heads against the people in their lives, let’s take a moment to look at the biological explanation for this behavior. While there are many things your cat may be communicating, this communication largely comes back to one thing – pheromones.Pheromones are natural chemicals produced in your cat’s body and released when they interact with other objects or animals, such as through scratching, rubbing against objects, or spraying. They are colorless and odorless, meaning you won’t notice they are there. However, these chemicals trigger responses in your cat’s brain.The most common pheromones people are familiar with are those used when looking for a mate by triggering feelings of sexual attraction in other cats. We also see calming pheromones gaining popularity due to pheromone dispensers and other products that release synthetic versions of the chemicals to help a cat feel safe, relaxed, and secure.I will reference pheromones and their use in communication several times as we explore the different ways your cat may be using head rubbing to relay messages to you, your family, and other cats in the area.7 Reasons Cats Rub Against Their People If your cat is rubbing against you (or someone else), they are trying to use this movement to communicate a message to you. Often seen as simply a sign of affection, head rubbing is actually a fairly complex behavior with several potential meanings. Figuring out what your cat is trying to say may require watching for other signals your cat is projecting. Here are a few of the most common reasons cats rub against people: Just Saying Hello The most basic reason for head rubbing is that your cat is simply greeting you. This is particularly common if you have just come home (like returning from work) or either you or your cat just entered a room. Cats often use this behavior to greet other cats. Seeing you as part of their family/colony, your cat is telling you they are happy to see you by using the same greeting. Checking You Out As your cat rubs against you, they put their face close to the surface of your clothing or skin. Considering how much your cat relies on their sense of smell to navigate the world they live in, it likely comes as no surprise that, in doing this, they are checking out what smells they can pick up on you. Where have you been? Who have you been interacting with? This is also a common reason cats rub against people they don’t know. For example, if your cat rubs against a new guest in your home, they are trying to learn about this new individual who has entered their space. By rubbing against them, they aren’t showing affection or telling you that they like this person – they are still checking them out to figure out whether they deem them trustworthy and welcome in your home. As such, they may also appear nervous or unsettled with wide eyes, ears flattened back against their head, or a twitching tail. Asking for AttentionThis is the reason most people associate with head rubbing. It’s quite possible your cat is feeling affectionate and asking to be pet. In these cases, your cat will likely show other signs of love and affection, such as: Purring Meowing Slow blinking Licking you (ask grooming or “giving kisses”) Love bites Kneading Rolling on their back before/after to show their bellyFollowing you aroundWhen your cat is being affectionate like this, petting them may not stop the behavior. In fact, giving them attention can encourage further head rubbing as they enjoy this bonding moment. Letting You Know They Need SomethingCats are creatures of routine. They will notice if you are late for something typically scheduled, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they let you know. For example, if you are late filling their food dish, they may try to remind you that it’s mealtime. The head rubbing may be accompanied by little nips demanding your attention. My two cats, Pippen and Jinx, will use head rubbing to ask for many different things, including letting me know they would like a treat, alerting me that their water dish is running low, or asking me to clean the litterbox. Pay attention to whether your cat is just head rubbing against you or if their attention appears to be torn between you and something else. A cat asking for treats may rub against the cupboard where they are kept, while a cat wanting their water dish filled may wander over to check the dish. Marking Their “Territory” As I mentioned above, pheromones are often used to communicate with other cats. When it comes to head rubbing, your cat is leaving pheromones that tell others that you have been claimed. You are their person, and they aren’t afraid to make it known! The truth is that cats are territorial creatures and want to make sure they are marking their territory, even if that territory is another living, breathing being. This head-rubbing approach may also be used to establish ownership over other members of their family, regular visitors/friends they love, or even inanimate objects throughout your home. Be warned, if you have multiple cats in the home, this marking behavior may lead to some fights and turf wars. Whether you are introducing a new cat to the house or seeing territorial behavior arise between two existing cats, you can use pheromones to relieve the tension. Pheromone diffusers have been found to calm conflict, helping create a more peaceful home. In our house, we have had a lot of luck with the Feliway MultiCat Calming Pheromone Diffuser in the early days of introducing new cats, including the foster cats that have come into our home temporarily over the years.

Renowned Chelsea Flower Show Gave Back to Dogs This Year

With famed horticulturist Monty Don, prestigious show shares tips on creating dog-friendly outdoor spaces.

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