ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/chlorhexidine
US brand names:Nolvasan, CHX Guard
Cationic biguanide that disrupts bacterial cell membranes. Broad-spectrum bactericidal with residual activity on skin.
TOXIC to cats at concentrations >0.05% for mucous membranes. Ototoxic — never use in ear canal if tympanic membrane is ruptured. Dilute appropriately for wound lavage (0.05%). Inactivated by organic matter.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 7 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | TOPICAL | Use 0.05% for wound lavage, 2-4% for surgical scrub | q12-24h | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1470 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | TOPICAL | 2-4% shampoo or 0.5-1% leave-on conditioner for superficial pyoderma | q24-48h | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1470 (2026-08-01). |
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