Is Hypochlorous Acid Safe for Dogs? The Complete Guide to HOCl for Canine Care

The research on this is actually pretty compelling, though I should mention that we’re still learning about optimal applications.

But regardless, here’s what we have so far. A 2023 study published in Veterinary Dermatology examined 20 dogs with chronic otitis externa (Ear infection) using a controlled approach where each dog served as its own control i.e. one ear received 0.012% HOCl solution while the other received saline. 

What struck researchers was that no adverse effects were observed throughout the entire study period. The dogs tolerated the HOCl ear flush well, with no signs of discomfort during treatment.

Importantly, hearing assessments using brainstem auditory evoked responses showed no evidence of ototoxicity (hearing damage) from the HOCl treatment.

May accelerate wound healing while reducing inflammation through mechanisms that aren’t fully understood yet The study also found that 5 ears treated with HOCl became culture-negative for bacteria, compared to only 1 ear treated with saline, suggesting superior antimicrobial efficacy. 

Next up, VCA Animal Hospitals, which operates hundreds of veterinary clinics, has gone on record with detailed guidance about HOCl products. They state that these products are “generally non-toxic and safe if ingested or licked” and that hypochlorous acid topical is not known to have any side effects along with no documented drug interactions. That’s encouraging news from such a large veterinary network.

However, they’re also honest about what to watch for.

Mentioning that while no allergic reactions have been reported, sensitivities can potentially develop over time with repeated exposure, so it’s important to monitor your dog throughout treatment. 

Needless to say, it’s hard to say the same about other antiseptics like chlorhexidine or betadine.

Just a friendly reminder for potential readers who might misinterpret the benefit “safe if licked/ingested”. This does not mean you should be handing over HOCl for your pet to lick or ingest directly.

We do NOT promote that. But the evidence so far highly suggest that it’s safe if indirectly ingested/licked in small quantities after application.

1. Serious wounds or deep lacerations require professional assessment regardless of which antiseptic you plan to use. HOCl might be part of the treatment plan, but these injuries often need suturing, antibiotics, or other interventions that only a veterinarian can
   provide.
2. Persistent skin conditions that don’t show improvement within 3-5 days of treatment suggest there might be underlying issues requiring professional diagnosis. Sometimes what looks like a simple skin irritation is actually a symptom of allergies, hormonal imbalances, or other systemic problems.
3. Signs of systemic infection – fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes – indicate problems that extend beyond what any topical treatment can address. These symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention.
4. Eye problems involving potential corneal damage represent one of the few specific contraindications for HOCl use. If your dog shows signs of eye pain, excessive tearing, or cloudy vision, get a professional evaluation before applying any topical treatments around the eyes.