Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Chlorhexidine is used in dog for Wound lavage, surgical prep, skin antisepsis, Interdigital dermatitis (foot soaks), Dental home care rinse, Pyoderma (topical therapy). Routes documented in dog: TOPICAL. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Chlorhexidine in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Nolvasan, CHX Guard
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPICAL | 0 topical | q12-24h | As needed | Wound lavage, surgical prep, skin antisepsis | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| TOPICAL | 0 topical | q24h | Daily soaks for 10 minutes | Interdigital dermatitis (foot soaks) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| TOPICAL | 0 topical | q12h | Ongoing dental care | Dental home care rinse | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| TOPICAL | 0 topical | q24-48h | During treatment course | Pyoderma (topical therapy) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Chlorhexidine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.