Is hydrogen peroxide safe for dogs?

When your dog gets into something they shouldn't, your first instinct might be to reach for the hydrogen peroxide bottle under your sink. While this common household item has a place in emergency pet care, it's not as simple — or as safe — as you might think. Understanding when and how to use hydrogen peroxide for dogs could make the difference between helping your pet and causing unintended harm.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide to make a dog vomit?

Yes, veterinarians sometimes recommend 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs that swallowed something they shouldn’t have — but only under very specific circumstances. Always call your veterinarian or pet poison control before giving your dog hydrogen peroxide, as some toxins or swallowed objects become more dangerous when vomited back up.

"Hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach ulcers and irritation of the GI tract when given orally," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. "While it can induce vomiting in emergency situations, veterinarians prefer safer and more reliable prescription medications like apomorphine or ropinirole when they're available."

When you should never use hydrogen peroxide on dogs

Several situations make hydrogen peroxide dangerous for your pet. Never use it if your dog is unconscious, having seizures, drowsy or has already vomited. It's also off-limits if your dog swallowed corrosive substances like drain cleaner or bleach, petroleum products like gasoline, or sharp objects that could tear the esophagus on the way back up.

Flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs face extra risks from hydrogen peroxide. Their shortened airways make them more likely to inhale vomit, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia — a serious lung infection that requires immediate veterinary care.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for cleaning dog wounds?

Despite what you might have heard, hydrogen peroxide shouldn't be used on your dog's cuts, scrapes or wounds. The fizzing action it may cause on contact actually damages healthy tissue, causes pain and slows down healing. The irritation it causes can even make minor injuries worse.

Instead of hydrogen peroxide, clean your dog's wounds with plain water or a veterinary-approved wound cleanser. These gentler options remove debris without harming the delicate healing tissue underneath.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog ears?

Your dog's ears are too sensitive for hydrogen peroxide. The delicate skin inside the ear canal can become irritated and inflamed when exposed to this harsh chemical. This irritation might actually worsen existing ear problems or create new ones.

Stick to ear cleaners specifically made for dogs. These products are formulated to clean effectively while maintaining the proper pH balance and moisture levels your dog's ears need to stay healthy.

What are the side effects of hydrogen peroxide in dogs?

Beyond the intended vomiting, hydrogen peroxide can cause several unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects. Dogs often experience excessive vomiting that continues long after the poison has been expelled. They may become lethargic, drool excessively or show signs of stomach pain.

The most serious concern is damage to the stomach and intestinal lining. Hydrogen peroxide essentially burns these sensitive tissues, potentially creating ulcers that require veterinary treatment. Some dogs develop gastroduodenal mucosal damage — injury to the protective lining of the stomach and upper intestine that can lead to long-term digestive problems.

What should you do in a poisoning emergency?

Time matters in poisoning cases, but so does getting the right guidance. Call your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately — they'll tell you whether inducing vomiting is safe based on what your dog ate and when. If they do recommend hydrogen peroxide, they'll provide exact dosing instructions and the best way to administer it based on your dog's weight and situation.

Even if hydrogen peroxide successfully makes your dog vomit, you'll still need veterinary care. Many toxins require additional treatment beyond just removing them from the stomach, and your vet will want to check for any complications from both the poison and the hydrogen peroxide itself.

While hydrogen peroxide has its place in emergency pet care, it's far from a harmless home remedy. The tissue damage, stomach irritation and potential complications mean it should only be used when a veterinary professional specifically recommends it. Keep your vet's number handy, know the pet poison control hotline, and remember that the safest approach to any pet emergency starts with professional guidance — not the bottle under your sink.