A Pet’s Guide to Benzoyl Peroxide - Soothing Skin

Treating Hot Spots, Seborrhea, Acne, Mange, and More

By Sam Bourne.

indications for Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial solution commonly used in acne and skin medication for people. Since cats and dogs are almost always covered from head to paw in fur, it is easy to forget that their fur is sitting on top of skin, which is subject to a lot of the same issues as ours. For dogs and cats, this medication comes as a shampoo (because of all the fur), cream, gel, or ointment, and is used to treat hot spots, mange, seborrhea, and acne.

Precautions

Benzoyl Peroxide doesn’t have any contraindications in terms of other medications, and the only noteworthy piece of information is that, while the solutions for pets contain 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, typical creams designed for people contain 10 percent, which is far too strong for your precious pets sensitive skin. That is to say, do not give your dog or cat any of your Clearasil.

Dosage

Use as directed by your vet. Apply to the affected area, and be careful about getting any in the mouth, eyes, or ears. Solution for external use only.

Brand/Generic equivalents

Etiderm

Side Effects

The only side effects to speak of are a slight redness or irritation caused by the drying properties of the solution, which are superficial and temporary at worst. Also, use of human medications are likely to exacerbate that.