Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo for Dogs

What It Is

• Benzoyl peroxide shampoo for dogs is a shampoo that has anti-bacterial, keratolytic, anti-pruritic, and degreasing functions. It can be purchased over the counter or through your veterinarian. This type of shampoo is useful in treating skin conditions like mange, hot spots, and lesions.

Why It Works

• In addition to its bacteria-fighting and drying qualities, benzoyl peroxide shampoo flushes hair follicles. This keeps the hair follicles from getting infected and worsening a skin infection. Follicular infections can cause additional skin irritation and worsen the dog's condition.

What It Treats

• Benzoyl peroxide shampoo is commonly used to treat mange and hot spots. Hot spots are a secondary infection that develops as a result of an allergen or flea bite. When the dog itches, scratches, and chews on the affected area, hot spots can develop and cause greater irritation. Benzoyl peroxide shampoo can flush the hair follicles and help treat the infection at the deepest level.

Side Effects

• Side effects of benzoyl peroxide shampoo are not common but do occur on occasion. Common side effects include irritation, erythema, and pain. If you notice these side effects in your dog, use a hypoallergenic shampoo with aloe or Vitamin E to soothe the skin and minimize irritation. OxyDex and BPO-3 are two common brands of benzoyl peroxide shampoo.

Selecting a Product

• Human benzoyl peroxide products are often too concentrated for dogs. Be sure the benzoyl peroxide shampoo you are using is formulated especially for dogs. When selecting a shampoo, check the label for the benzoyl peroxide concentration. According to Steven A. Melman, VMD, of DermaPet, lower concentrations, around 2.5 to 3 percent, are less likely to cause irritation.