ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/salicylic-acid-topical
US brand names:Keratolux, SalAc
Reduces intercellular cohesion of corneocytes by dissolving intercellular cement. Lowers skin pH, promoting desquamation and thinning of the stratum corneum.
Salicylate toxicity risk with extensive application, especially in cats. Drying and irritating at higher concentrations. Avoid on open wounds.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (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 2 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 | See the cited source for the printed regimen | Bathe 1-2x weekly; 10-min contact time | Moderate | Gordon JG, Kwochka KW: Corneocyte counts for evaluation of antiseborrheic shampoos in dogs. Vet Dermatol 4:57, 1993. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.1993.tb00191.x — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.586 (2026-08-01). — SOURCE EDITION: Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280 |
| Cat (Domestic) | Topical | Monitor for salicylate toxicity with extensive application | Apply to affected area q24h-q48h | Weak |
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