Chlorhexidine shampoo for dogs
The primary purpose of antiseptic shampoos with chlorhexidine for dogs is to treat and prevent skin conditions caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Products from various manufacturers and in various price ranges are available on the market, so you can choose the most appropriate option based on your pet's individual needs.
Content
Indications for use
Chlorhexidine is highly active against various pathogenic microorganisms without causing toxicity or irritation to the skin or mucous membranes. Shampoos containing it are used:
- for medicinal purposes in bacterial dermatitis and fungal infections;
- as part of complex therapy for parasitic skin diseases;
- for abrasions, cracks, and dysfunction of the sebaceous glands;
- after surgical interventions;
- for the prevention of skin diseases.
Popular products
Shampoos from different manufacturers may have different compositions, but the main active ingredient is chlorhexidine in concentrations ranging from 2 to 5%. Veterinarians recommend a 4% concentration for optimal results. Antiseptics for dogs can be purchased at offline and online pet stores, as well as at veterinary clinics.
Veterinarians do not recommend choosing an antiseptic for your dog on your own. It's best to leave this matter to a specialist, who will prescribe a shampoo based on your pet's health and explain the specifics of its use in each case (frequency of bathing, duration of treatment, etc.).
Global Vet
This antibacterial product from Danish manufacturer Diafarm contains 4% chlorhexidine and is used to prevent bacterial skin infections. It also moisturizes and cleanses the skin, maintaining a soft and silky coat. The average course of treatment is three weeks. To enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, it is recommended to switch your pet to a specialized hypoallergenic food.
A 250 ml bottle will cost from 630 rubles.
Api-San
An antimicrobial product with a 4% concentration of the main active ingredient from the Russian company Api-San. Its sulfate-free formula preserves its beneficial properties longer. It also contains lactic acid to moisturize the skin, promote cell regeneration, and maintain the natural pH balance of the skin and hair coat of dogs. Api-San is suitable for therapeutic and prophylactic use for skin lesions of various etiologies (fungal, bacterial, atopic, and mixed).
The price of a 150 ml bottle is about 370 rubles.
Beekeeper
The shampoo's antibacterial effect is provided by a 5% concentration of chlorhexidine. The formula is further enriched with propolis extract for anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and wound-healing properties, as well as allantoin to protect, soften, and moisturize the dog's skin and hair. Thanks to herbal extracts and vitamin B5, "Pchelodar" provides additional nutrition to epidermal cells and strengthens hair follicles. In addition to treating and preventing skin diseases, it can be used to heal wounds and cracks, normalize sebaceous gland function, and provide hygienic care for your pet.
Cost: about 400 rubles for 250 ml.
Doctor VIC
Doctor Vik shampoo with 4% chlorhexidine, manufactured by a Belarusian manufacturer, is designed for the prevention of bacterial skin diseases and for bathing dogs post-operatively, when the skin is particularly sensitive to bacteria and dirt. The shampoo contains D-panthenol to cleanse and soften the skin and coat, accelerating recovery, and coconut oil to intensively moisturize dry and severely damaged skin.
Price from 350 rub. for 150 ml.
Chlorexiderm
This shampoo from the German company Maramed Pharma contains 4% chlorhexidine. The formula also contains lanolin (for protective, soothing, and softening action) and glycerin (for additional skin protection). Chlorhexiderm is used for superficial and deep pyoderma And dermatophytosisBathing is carried out twice a week for a total of at least 3-4 weeks (depending on the severity of the disease).
Price: from 990 rub. for 250 ml.
Directions for use
Chlorhexidine shampoo should only be used to cleanse dogs' skin and coat. Avoid contact with eyes, and avoid rinsing eyes with any chlorhexidine-based solutions. Other products are used for this purpose. Before using a specific manufacturer's product, please read the instructions. The general procedure for therapeutic and prophylactic bathing is as follows:
- wet the dog's fur with warm water so that there are no dry spots;
- distribute the product evenly over the entire body and rub into the skin with circular massaging movements until foam forms;
- leave on skin for 3-10 minutes (depending on instructions);
- rinse the wool thoroughly with water;
- Wipe the dog with a towel, dry and comb.
During the course of treatment, to prevent re-infection of the animal, it is recommended to rinse its clothing in a weak solution of chlorhexidine after walks.
Precautionary measures
According to research, chlorhexidine does not interact with other medications or food. The only contraindications to using chlorhexidine-based shampoos are individual sensitivity to the active ingredient and pets under 3 weeks of age (or 2 months for some products). To avoid complications and side effects, follow the instructions and your veterinarian's recommendations. It is also important:
- Make sure that shampoo does not get into your pet’s ears and eyes;
- use warm, but not hot water;
- The owner should wear disposable medical gloves if the dog is diagnosed with an infectious or fungal disease that could be contagious to humans. Gloves are also necessary if the owner is allergic to any of the ingredients in the product;
- After bathing, wash your hands with soap (even if using gloves), as well as the bathtub or bowl where the procedure took place.
Reviews
Elena:
"The vet prescribed GlobalVet shampoo with chlorhexidine to treat dermatitis on his paws. Furthermore, the dog isn't used to wearing shoes on walks, and using the antiseptic helps reduce the risk of infection in open wounds. The results are visible after just a few uses: the inflammation heals, and his coat becomes silkier and smoother. For now, we're continuing the therapeutic bathing regimen."
Nikolay:
We used Pchelodar to treat our dog's allergic reaction to medications, which manifested as severe irritation in his abdomen, armpits, and between his toes. The vet recommended bathing him every other day for two weeks, but the irritation subsided after just the second application. Now we use the product as needed, for example, in the summer when heat rash appears on his abdomen, or in winter for irritation from chemicals.
Svetlana:
"Api-San became one of the components of my dog's treatment for microbial pyoderma. Bathing was done twice a week for 1.5 months. Noticeable improvement was observed after the first use, but we completed the full course, although we did it less frequently toward the end. I was worried that the skin would become dry from such frequent washing, but all is well. The coat also became fluffy and soft."
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