Homemade Antiseptics for Dogs

Certain household items and natural substances can be used as antiseptics on dogs. Monitor your dog for at least a few hours after you apply a homemade antiseptic to his injury or add it to his food. While these substances are safe for dogs, an individual dog may have a specific allergy to one or more of the ingredients. Stop applying the antiseptic immediately and rinse the wound with a light saline solution if there are sign of inflammation or breathing problems.

  1. Vinegars

    • Several types of vinegar have naturally strong antiseptic properties and aren't harmful to your dog's health even if ingested. In fact, apple cider vinegar can also be added to your dog's food and water to discourage pathogen growth, according to Alicia McWatters, a writer on natural health for pets. Vinegars can be diluted before application, but even strong vinegar will not irritate your dog's skin unless he has a specific allergy to an ingredient in the solution. Vinegars with oregano and garlic can help to combat the growth of fungus. While these herbal vinegars are safe for dogs, they are dangerous for cats.

    Soothing Antiseptics

    • Various homemade treatments can kill germs and soothe irritation on superficial wounds. Both the aloe vera plant and chamomile can be applied directly to a wound to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Fresh aloe vera cuttings can be rubbed directly on the injury, but aloe vera antiseptic products are also suitable for dogs. Chamomile is not only a disinfectant, but it can also sooth muscle pain and cause slight sedation, according to Becker Animal Hospital and Pet Resort in San Antonio, Texas.

    Household Chemicals

    • Various household chemicals, including some medical supplies suitable for humans, have antiseptic properties and are suitable for dogs. Both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are strong antiseptics, but their use can cause some pain and irritation. Pure alcohols should be diluted with water, to 50 percent for isopropyl and 70 percent for ethyl, before use as an antiseptic, the Merck Veterinary Manual advises. Iodine and various peroxide solutions can also serve as an antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide can be used on superficial wounds, but it is not as effective as some other agents for cleaning deep injuries.

    Herbal Antiseptics

    • A number of common herbs and vitamins facilitate healing and discourage the growth of bacteria and fungal pathogens around injuries. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) are recommended for dogs, notes Becker Animal Hospital. Eyebright is an astringent and antiseptic that is often used to treat wounds on or near a dog's eyes. Calendula is a relatively weak antiseptic, but it does have soothing effects on internal and external inflammations. Tea tree oil is another common, dog-safe antiseptic that can combat the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses.