Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my dog's ears safely at home?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | unneutered | 84 lbs
Is it safe to use Peroxide in dogs ears?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 30th, 2019
I don't recommend to use peroxide or any other product not tested and proven safe for pets. Instead use a cleaner (vets and pet stores carry these) that is meant for dog ears. These products will generally not overly dry the skin, cause damage to the ear drum (but if the ear drum is ruptured, any products applied in the ear will cause damage) and these products generally condition the skin as well. Here is a helpful link: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ear-infections-otitis-externa-ear-cleaning-in-dogs/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additiona questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 19th, 2017
Peroxide can be very irritating to inflamed tissue and is not recommended. One component it breaks down into is water. This can make any ear infection worse. A cotton swab should never be inserted deep into the ear as it could rupture the eardrum. Use an approved ear cleaner, such as Epi-Otic, and cotton balls to clean ears. Follow the link below to an article from the PetCoach library regarding ear cleaning. https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on May 29th, 2017
I would recommend cleaning with a mild soap instead of peroxide as it can damage cells and delay healing if used repeatedly. I would apply a topical antibiotic ointment such as polysporin or neosporin twice daily as it is more effective than coconut oil. If your dog is scratching at the ear or it looks red or has discharge inside the ear canal a vet visit is needed to check for infection. If the lesions are not healing up, a vet visit is also recommended.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
I have been puttin hydrogen peroxide to flush out pollen my dog has in her ear. Is that safe?
My dog has earmites I am pretty sure and I can't take her to a vet do you think I should clean her ear with hydrogen peroxide?
Hi, my 4yr old mini schnauzer has 2 small dry, a little crusty, cracked looking scabs in his ear. No smell or swelling, light pinkish color around the 2 spots. It is clearly visible when I lift his ear flap. A friend told me I could use hydrogen per
My German shepherd is 10 yrs old external ear infection since 1 month .c&s has given report sensitive to ampicillin , Amoxicillin , gentamicin. ext . Tried all ,no effect .tell me what should I do .can I syringe with diluted hydrogen peroxide .
My Pit Bull Shyluh seems to have an ear infection. She scratches it so much she's begun to lose hair and make it bleed occasionally. She also shakes her head alot. Inside the ear smells musty. I cleaned the ear with equal parts water and peroxide usi
Is it ok to make a homemade ear cleaner instead of buying one? Why or why not? Thanks!
My dog seems to have an ear infection and I read online that drops of apple cider vinegar mixed with hydrogen peroxide would be good to kill the infection is this a wise idea and would it work?
I broke my hip and shoulder so I cant get to a vet yet. My 10 yr old chihuahua suddenly seems to have really sensitive ears. H scratches and shakes his head alot. If I am really gentle he will let me look in his ears. I cant see much, maybe some ligh
Is olive oil safe and effective for dogs ears and the treatment of mites or irritation?
My dogs left ear is very bright red and kind of warm inside. It seems very irritated. Is this some kind of infection or something I can treat at home? We have no after hours vets in the town where we live. Will hydrogen peroxide help at all or Benadr
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
