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Best Hydrogen Peroxide for Dogs

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  February 25th, 2022

Hydrogen peroxide for dogs is a topical antiseptic that has multiple uses, from disinfecting wounds to being an efficient way to make your dog throw up in case of poisoning. It is a great thing to have on hand for all kinds of emergencies – these are the best hydrogen peroxide options for dogs.

Doggos can be quite the mischievous little devils. They are full of energy, and if you leave them without attention for even a moment, they can end up in all sorts of trouble. This means that unexpected cuts, bruises, abrasions, and scrapes can occur all of a sudden. And you will need an efficient way to treat them at once. If you fail to do so, an infection might quickly arise. Your standard 3% hydrogen peroxide for dogs is a great and affordable solution. Ideal as a first aid antiseptic and disinfectant, it is ideal for use on dogs, but anywhere else as well. Did your pooch roll into something smelly or had an unfortunate “date” with a skunk? Hydrogen peroxide will make it a thing of the past. Surface scrapes and minor cuts? Sanitize them at once. Need to quickly induce vomiting? Hydrogen peroxide to the rescue. As you can see, it is a great and reliable solution to have in the house. Here are the ten best 3% hydrogen peroxides for dogs on the market – read on and make your pick.

1. Editor’s Choice: Essential Oxygen Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is great to have around the house, especially if you’re a dog owner. Not only is it good as a disinfectant, but can also help with cuts and wounds, and with the removal of smells. This Essential Oxygen hydrogen peroxide comes in one 32 fl. oz. bottle, leaving you with solid stock for general use. Being 3% strong, it won’t burn or cause a reaction like the stronger ones that have 12% or even 35% hydrogen. That makes it ideal for dogs and general home use. What’s even better, this hydrogen peroxide is super clean and safe: it contains no toxic stabilizers, and it’s non-GMO. This makes it safe for homes with gray water systems. And to top it all off, it is eco-friendly and safe for the planet. As the brand puts it: “It’s good for the environment making grass greener and oceans cleaner.”

Pros

  • Generous amount in one bottle
  • Non-toxic
  • Great for a variety of uses
  • Non-GMO

Cons

  • Can have issues with broken seals

2. Runner Up: Solimo Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP

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Solimo is one of Amazon’s flagship brands that deal with a variety of item categories. This topical solution hydrogen peroxide is just one of their reliable and efficient products. A great disinfectant and first aid antiseptic, this hydrogen comes in a 32 fluid-ounce bottle. For general purposes, this can last quite a while. Of course, the active ingredient here is 3% stabilized hydrogen peroxide. Any scrapes, burns, cuts, or pokes can be quickly made safe with this disinfectant. Once opened, this bottle can be effective for up to six months, with the best period being up to 45 days.

Pros

  • Great for first aid
  • Easy to store square bottle
  • Great for general use
  • Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons

  • Can be somewhat mild

3. Customer’s Choice: McKesson Antiseptic Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Strength

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McKesson is one of the reputable brands that have a long and impressive history. This 3% strong hydrogen peroxide is fantastic for everyday use around the house, whether you need to disinfect your kitchen or bathroom, to remedy a cut or a scrape, or to clean your dog’s cut or a scrape. When applying this hydrogen peroxide, you will notice the unmistakable foaming. This is due to the release of oxygen – and that’s the thing that really kills the bacteria. McKesson offers this rather small bottle with just 4 fluid ounces, but that makes it great for small first aid kits, and ideal to carry in your pocket or the backpack.

Pros

  • Good for first aid kits
  • Ideal for dogs
  • Effective

Cons

  • Tiny bottle

4. Best Antiseptic: Dealmed Hydrogen Peroxide 3% USP

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Doggos can get in all sorts of trouble. Tiny cuts and scratches can be an everyday occurrence when your dog is mischievous and full of energy. That’s why it is great to have some 3% hydrogen peroxide close at hand, to quickly treat the cuts and kill the bacteria and the possibility of infection. Dealmed’s hydrogen is proudly made in the USA for many generations and comes in a mid-sized 16 fl. oz. bottle. It is great to have at any place: whether at your home, in the car, or in your pack. You never know when you may need a good antiseptic or a general disinfectant, whether for your dog or yourself. The bottle has an easy-open, leak-proof lid for safe and easy use.

Pros

  • Easy-open lid
  • Great for many uses
  • Easy for storing

Cons

  • Pricey

5. Best Food Grade: The One Minute Miracle 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Food Grade

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This super effective 3% hydrogen peroxide from The One Minute Miracle is exactly that – a quick-acting disinfecting miracle. Any little cut or scrape, any bad smell, or bacteria spot can be quickly eliminated with one swipe of this strong solution. This organic and food-grade certified hydrogen peroxide finds a multitude of uses around the house, and for every dog owner. It is great for the removal of stubborn stains, and for removing that persistent odor your doggo might be sporting, as well as inducing vomiting in case of poisoning. With over a decade of experience, The One Minute Miracle proudly guarantees the effectiveness of this product. Made in the USA, it is non-toxic and comes in a nifty glass bottle of 12 fluid ounces.

Pros

  • Sturdy glass bottle
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Great for emetic purposes

Cons

  • Could benefit from a bigger bottle

6. Best Topical: Swan Hydrogen Peroxide Topical

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Swan is one of the iconic brands when it comes to hydrogen peroxide. Just look for that unmistakable swan symbol, and you’re sure to find a reliable product. This 3% topical hydrogen peroxide leaves little to be desired. It comes in a solid 16 fluid ounces bottle and has powerful antiseptic capabilities. This makes it great for everyday use, and great for pets as well – if you need to disinfect a surface wound or neutralize bodily odors, this topical solution will work like a charm. Another great feature here is the square bottle. Not only is this shape easy to store in your cupboard, but it also uses less plastic than a regular round bottle. And with it being fully recyclable, this makes Swan’s hydrogen peroxide a truly eco-friendly product!

Pros

  • Eco-friendly square bottle
  • Solid amount at 32 fl. oz.
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Could be stronger

7. Best Gallon Pack: Hydrox Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Proudly made in the USA, this Elgin, Illinois-based brand offers some true American hydrogen peroxide. With 3% USP strength, it is great for everyday use around the home. You can sanitize and disinfect anything you think of. It is great for pet owners too! As we all know, dogs can bring in all sorts of bacteria on their paws or snouts. A bit of hydrogen peroxide will fix it all right away. This brand offers the iconic square bottles of 16 fl. oz. that are ideal for storing in the kitchen or bathroom cupboard and will take no space at all. This hydrogen peroxide is great as an oral debriding agent, and for dogs, it is great for disinfection and emergency uses. Hydrox Laboratories was established in 1913 – with over 100 years of experience, you know you’re onto something good and reputable!

Pros

  • Proudly USA made
  • Generous size for multiple uses around the home
  • Suited for use on dogs

Cons

  • Bulky packaging

8. Best Disinfecting: Viva Doria Hydrogen Peroxide 3 Percent

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If you are looking for a reliable, no-hassle disinfectant for use around the house and with your pets, this Viva Doria 3% hydrogen peroxide comes as an ideal solution. A food-grade first aid antiseptic, this hydrogen peroxide is not great only for treating minor cuts and abrasions but is also ideal for dog owners as it can remove bacteria in a variety of spots, and help with odors too. It is important to remember that this is food-grade hydrogen peroxide. This makes a great difference from the technical grade one since it has no harmful chemical stabilizers and is stronger as well! Viva Doria’s product is proudly made in the USA, so if you are looking for some trusted home quality, this is it.

Pros

  • Food grade – no chemical stabilizers
  • Made in the USA
  • Great for a variety of uses

Cons

  • Can lose potency fast after opening

9. Best First Aid: Dr. Lift Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

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Dr. Lift’s 3% hydrogen peroxide is proudly and reliably used by doctors, hospitals, and at home as well. A true multi-purpose solution, this reliable hydrogen peroxide is great to have close at hand at all times. If you are a dog owner, then you will certainly find this useful: it can help disinfect small surface wounds, de-skunking, or induce vomiting. Dr. Lift’s products are proudly USA-made.

Pros

  • Ideal for dog owners
  • Good for disinfecting
  • USA-made

Cons

  • 16 fl. oz. bottle might be too big for portable first aid kits

10. Best Home Use: Humco Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Topical Solution

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This Humco topical solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide is ideal for various uses. At home, you can use it for treating minor cuts and scrapes, as a first aid antiseptic, an oral debriding agent, and as a sanitizer for household surfaces. As a pet owner, you can use this product to clean your dog’s ear cavities, remove skunk odor, clean surface scratches, and scrapes, and keep your home dog odor-free, too. One can really find tons of efficient uses for hydrogen peroxide. This 16 fl. oz. bottle might not last you for long, though, especially since the solution is so efficient in your daily house routine.

Pros

  • Great for many uses
  • Ideal antiseptic
  • Great for de-skunking dogs

Cons

  • Lack of size options

What are the Most Common Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide for Dogs?

Hydrogen peroxide has hundreds of uses. You can use it on humans, animals, and objects alike. Keep your kitchen counter clean, your bathroom sanitized, and your utensils free from bacteria. But if you are a dog owner, you can find uses for hydrogen peroxide too. Dogs can get dirty in many ways, and spread bacteria around the home. Put an end to it! Here are some of the most common uses for hydrogen peroxide for dogs.

Remove odors

Let’s face it: dogs can be real stinkers, but if you’re “lucky” enough to live in an area where skunks frequent, you’ll soon realize what stench really is. If your pet gets sprayed by a skunk, mix 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Apply this with rubber gloves all over their coat (avoiding the eyes of course) and rinse them thoroughly with water, before applying shampoo for a much-needed bath.

Sanitize wounds

Tiny scrapes, minor cuts, and all sorts of abrasions can be treated at home as long as they are sanitized properly so as not to get infected. Use diluted hydrogen peroxide (50/50 ratio with water) to keep wounds clean and allow them to heal quickly.

Remove bacteria and odors around the home

Bacteria can thrive on dogs. They get caught in a variety of hard-to-reach and secluded spots, and if left untreated they can multiply. Don’t allow this to happen! With hydrogen peroxide a part of your cleaning routine, you can keep everything pristine and spotless. Add to detergent when you’re washing particularly smelly or dirty pet stuff such as beds and cushions, or combine with hot water for a disinfecting floor cleaning solution.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

If you’ve ever heard your dog snoring, you might’ve wondered if sleep apnea is a condition that can affect canines like it does humans. The answer is, yes, dogs can have sleep apnea, although it is rare, and certain breeds may be at greater risk. Below is some information on sleep apnea in dogs, including research, symptoms, and possible treatment options.

Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets

We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.

Study Finds That Pet Owners Experience Slower Cognitive Decline

Studies have shown that owning a pet can promote physical health in older people, but there isn’t enough research on the impact of dogs, cats, and other pets on cognitive function. As people age, their cognitive functions and memory decline. Although all people experience some level of cognitive decline as they age, some individuals can maintain good cognitive function well into advanced age. In contrast, others experience a sharp cognitive decline early on. Researchers have suggested various strategies to slow cognitive decline, from treating sleep apnea to improving diet and increasing exercise. In a new study, a team of researchers has set to discover whether pets, mainly cats and dogs, may help slow down cognitive decline in seniors.Scientists from the University of Maryland wanted to examine the link between pet ownership and changes in cognitive function of community-dwelling seniors. The goal of this study was to determine whether pet owners experience slower cognitive decline. They also wanted to see if there’s any difference if the pet is a dog or a cat, and whether dog walking might reduce the rate of cognitive decline. The team analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longest-running study of aging in the U.S. Using the data from this study, enabled the research team to analyze the cognitive tests of 637 participants ages between 51 and 101.Of the participants, nearly one-third owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs. Among dog owners, 69% reported walking their dogs regularly. Results revealed that during 10 years, all participants experienced a decline in cognitive functions as they aged. However, decline was slower in pet owners, compared to non-pet owners. Interestingly, the slower decline was more evident in some but not all tests used to determine cognitive function. Additionally, the results also showed some variations between cat and dog owners. For example, researchers noted that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly experienced even slower cognitive decline than cat owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.This finding showcases just how beneficial walking your pooch can be for your overall health. Owning a dog can increase physical activity, as they need to be taken out for regular walks and daily exercise, which is known to be beneficial for health. “Older adult pet owners experienced less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age,” the study authors said.“Memory, executive function, language function, psychomotor speed, and processing speed deteriorated less over 10 years among pet owners than among non-owners and among dog owners than non-owners.”“Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking was also associated with slower deterioration in cognitive functioning.”Numerous other studies have shown that pets can provide social support and that interacting with a cat or dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure.This study is important for the scientific understanding of factors linked with cognitive decline. However, this study isn’t without limitations. Firstly, the study doesn’t allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be made. Secondly, the study sample consisted of people with higher socioeconomic status and above-average cognitive abilities for their age. “Policymakers could use these findings to support the inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighborhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking and developing programs to support pet ownership and care for older adults’ pets while they are temporarily unable to do so,” concluded the authors of the study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?

Spending time outside is very important for overall physical and mental health, both for humans and animals alike. Our pets, dogs especially, can be quite dependent on the time they spend outdoors. It helps stimulate them, keep them mobile and active, and also helps them spend all that extra energy they have stored which in turn impacts their behavior for the better. But as it is with everything in life, there is always too little and too much of a good thing. So in the end, it does make you wonder – just how much outdoor time does your dog need? And, can you really overdo it? Let’s find out!How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?The amount of outdoor time your dog needs can vary based on factors such as their breed, age, health, and individual preferences of your dog. It can’t really be the exact same for all dogs out there. Just like humans, some pooches have preferences of their own. Some love to snooze and relax, and aren’t really fans of going outside and zooming about. Others, however, can’t get enough of adventures in the great outdoors. Still, in general, all dogs require at least a small amount of daily outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With that in mind, these are some main factors that could influence the amount of time your pet needs to spend outside of the house:BreedDifferent breeds have different energy levels and exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers may need more outdoor time compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. As you get to know your pet and the specifics of their breed, this too will become apparent. AgeAge plays a major role in dog energy levels. Puppies generally have more energy and may require several short play and exercise sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs on the other hand usually need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day, depending on the breed and individual needs, whereas seniors usually don’t have as much energy so one walk a day will do just fine for a pooch in his golden years.HealthDogs with certain health issues may have specific exercise restrictions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise plan for a dog with health concerns. Don’t overdo it with your dog, if the vet prohibits it. The same goes for seniors, who can’t really play all that much outside. SizeDog size is a big factor in determining energy levels and the need for outdoor fun. Smaller breeds may get sufficient exercise with a shorter walk or playtime, while larger breeds might need longer and more vigorous activities.Individual PreferencesSome dogs are more active and enjoy activities like fetching, running, or hiking, while others may be content with a shorter walk or playtime in the yard. On the other hand, some breeds, due to their inherent traits, might love relaxing outside, even when it's chilly. Others, though, will love the warmth and coziness found indoors. 

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

First-ever Canine Parvovirus Treatment Offers Hope for Sick Puppies

Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

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