Boric Acid Powder Uses for a Dog's Bath

Boric acid in the bath helps treat your dog's itchy skin.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Boric acid is a natural compound made of boron, oxygen and hydrogen. It works as a natural antiseptic and inhibits microorganism growth. For dogs, boric acid used in the bath treats various skin infections, itchy skin, yeast infections and tear stains. Outside of the bath, boric acid works as a natural flea powder for your home as well as treats ear and eye infections.

Dissolve 3 tablespoons of boric acid into a cup of boiling water and mix until dissolved. Add this solution to your dog’s bath water and, with a pitcher, pour water over your dog’s skin. Massage the water into the coat and skin. This will help treat skin itch due to allergens.

Add 1 tablespoon of boric acid to a cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool. Place a few cotton balls into the plastic container. Pour the boric acid solution onto the cotton balls. Use the cotton balls to wipe away tear staining and other facial staining on your dog while in the bath. Use the remaining cotton balls for up to a week to treat facial staining on a regular basis.

Add 1 cup of boric acid to a large pot of boiling water. Allow cooling. Wash your dog as you normally would. Make sure to remove all shampoo residues. Use the boric acid solution as a final rinse to treat yeast infections of the skin.

Tips

  • Before treating any skin irritations or possible infections with boric acid, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

    If the skin irritation is allergy related, work with your veterinarian to address the possible allergies.

    If the skin itch is due to flea allergies, be sure to treat your home as well as your dog, for fleas. Sprinkle boric acid on everything your dog has been in contact with, including carpets, furniture and dog beds. Let the boric acid sit overnight before vacuuming up. After vacuuming, throw away the bag or dump out the vacuum contents.

Warnings

  • Do not allow your dog to drink the bathwater with boric acid. Boric acid can be toxic when ingested.

    If skin infections persist, consult your veterinarian.

Warnings

  • Do not allow your dog to drink the bathwater with boric acid. Boric acid can be toxic when ingested.

  • If skin infections persist, consult your veterinarian.

Tips

  • Before treating any skin irritations or possible infections with boric acid, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

  • If the skin irritation is allergy related, work with your veterinarian to address the possible allergies.

  • If the skin itch is due to flea allergies, be sure to treat your home as well as your dog, for fleas. Sprinkle boric acid on everything your dog has been in contact with, including carpets, furniture and dog beds. Let the boric acid sit overnight before vacuuming up. After vacuuming, throw away the bag or dump out the vacuum contents.

Items You Will Need

  • Boric acid
  • Saucepan
  • Pitcher or large cup
  • Cotton balls
  • Small plastic container