Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) safe for pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses? +
Yes — hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is completely safe for pets when used as directed, including cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals, and even horses.
HOCl is a naturally produced compound your pet’s immune system already uses to fight bacteria and support healing. It’s trusted by veterinarians for wound care, ear cleaning, and post-surgery recovery because it’s non-toxic, fragrance-free, and gentle on fur, skin, and paws.
Unlike harsh disinfectants or alcohol sprays, River Refresh HOCl won’t sting, stain, or require rinsing — even if your pet licks the treated area.
Key benefits:
- Antimicrobial: Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause odor and irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms itchy or inflamed skin and promotes healing.
- Residue-free: Safe for fur, skin, paws, and bedding.
- Non-toxic: Safe if licked or inhaled during normal use.
Disclaimer: River Refresh products are for external use only and should complement, not replace, veterinary care. If irritation persists, consult your veterinarian.
How should I use hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for my pet’s skin, paws, and common irritations like hot spots or yeast? +
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a gentle, no-rinse way to clean, soothe, and protect your pet’s skin, paws, and coat — while also helping relieve itchy skin, hot spots, and yeast-related irritation.
How to use:
- Spray evenly across fur, belly, or paws after walks or outdoor play.
- For irritated areas, part the fur and spray directly on the skin — when it’s wet, it’s working.
- Let air-dry; no rinsing required.
- Use two to three times daily for problem areas until skin improves.
Why it helps:
- Antimicrobial: Kills bacteria and fungi that cause odor, infection, or itching.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness and irritation.
- Supports healing: Mimics your pet’s natural immune response without stinging or drying.
Fresh Tip: Keep a bottle near the door or grooming station for quick refreshes after outdoor play or baths.
Disclaimer: HOCl supports skin health and healing but is not a substitute for veterinary care. For persistent irritation, consult your vet.
Is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) safe for my pet’s eyes, ears, or dental care? +
Yes — HOCl is gentle enough for sensitive areas like eyes, ears, and mouth when applied correctly. It’s non-toxic, non-irritating, and free of alcohol or additives.
For eyes & tear stains:
- Spray HOCl onto a clean cotton pad (not directly into the eye).
- Gently wipe around eyes to remove buildup or discharge.
For ears:
- Mist a pad or cloth, then wipe the outer ear and folds.
- Avoid pouring liquid directly into the ear canal.
For dental care:
- Add 1–2 sprays to your pet’s water bowl
- Safe to spritz dental toys or chew surfaces for extra freshness.
Fresh Tip: Regular cleaning with HOCl supports oral, eye, and ear hygiene without the sting, smell, or struggle of typical pet products.
Disclaimer: HOCl is safe for external use but not intended as an eyewash or inner-ear flush. If pain or swelling occurs, contact your vet.
Is River Refresh Pet Spray safe if my pets lick it? +
Yes — River Refresh Hypochlorous Pet Spray is 100% safe if licked. It’s non-toxic, alcohol-free, and biologically compatible since pets naturally produce hypochlorous acid in their own immune systems.
Unlike harsh cleaners, it’s worry-free for use on skin, fur, and paws — even if your pet grooms the treated area immediately after application.
Do I need to rinse off River Refresh hypochlorous Acid Pet Spray after using it? +
No rinse required. River Refresh Pet Spray is completely leave-on safe. Spray directly on fur, skin, or paws and let air-dry.
For wound care, gently pat dry if needed — otherwise, let it dry naturally. When it’s wet, it’s working. It cleans, deodorizes, and soothes in one step — no residue, no irritation.
How should I use hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to sanitize pet areas? +
HOCl is a safe, non-toxic alternative to harsh disinfectants for cleaning and deodorizing pet areas. It kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi while leaving no residue, fumes, or irritation.
For everyday sanitizing:
- Spray food bowls, toys, litter boxes, kennels, or bedding.
- Let sit for one minute and air-dry — when it’s wet, it’s working.
- No rinse needed.
For multi-pet or high-traffic areas:
- Mist floors, carriers, or beds daily to prevent odor and contamination.
- Especially useful for rescues or foster environments.
Fresh Tip: Freshly mixed HOCl offers the sanitizing power of professional veterinary cleaners like Rescue™ — without fumes or irritation.
Disclaimer: River Refresh HOCl is safe for routine cleaning but not a replacement for professional remediation in severe contamination cases.
Why Fresh HOCl Matters
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful but sensitive antimicrobial. Heat, light and air can degrade HOCl and reduce its strength. With pre-mixed HOCl, you don't know what it may have been exposed to before it reaches you—from warehouse storage and time on the shelf to heat during shipping and delivery.
⚡ ACTIVATE FRESH. REMOVE THE GUESSWORK.
River Refresh puts freshness in your hands. Drop in our patent-pending Activation Packet™, fill with purified water and swirl. In less than 30 seconds, your HOCl starts at the intended concentration and pH for that specific formulation—helping support reliable antimicrobial performance.
Control Freshness. Trust Performance.™
Explore:
Why Fresh Hypochlorous Acid Matters
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Shelf Life
My dog had a stubborn hot spot that just wouldn’t heal — we tried creams, wipes, and even a prescription spray that only made him lick the area more. A friend told me about River Refresh and how it’s safe, non-toxic, and great for skin irritation, so I gave it a shot.
Within a couple of days, I noticed the redness calming down and the constant licking stopped. By the end of the week, the skin looked so much better — clean, dry, and healing naturally. I love that it doesn’t sting, has no smell, and I don’t have to worry if my dog licks it afterward.
This stuff is amazing. It’s now part of my pet care kit for everything — hot spots, paws, ears, even cleaning his bowls. Thank you, River Refresh, for making something that actually helps.
I started using this pet product. I can not say how much this product has done for my old lady 👵 Husky 🐺 Sasha! River Refresh pet product has saved me literally thousands on vet bills. From hot spots, infections, cuts, allergies and lastly stanky 🤢 breath! I can’t praise this product enough! 100 stars ⭐️ all day long! Thank you from the bottom of my and my furbabys heart!
My dog Kyle has a hot spot for a couple of months and nothing would help it. I used the Pet spray on his hot spot and in 3 weeks it was gone!! Such a relief that I don’t have to see him suffer anymore!
Love this so much! My fur babies are family, and I also foster kitties, so keeping a clean environment that is non-toxic and scent-free is so important. Kills germs and eliminates odors. I use it on their bedding, litter box area, a spritz in their water bowl and on their paws after time in the catio. And, if any come up with hot spots they get a spray for sure. But I also use it on my hands and clothes when going between the foster kitties to ensure I'm clean. And now, I get the Activation Packet, so I get to make it fresh ensuring its full potency!!!
Yeah! We're thrilled you love it - nothing better than safe & effective products for our furry loved ones! And, appreciate the shout out our patent-pending Activation Packets - this is were our product truly stands apart. Getting you the freshest product is our priveledge! Love to the paw beans!