Disrupts bacterial cell membranes by binding to negatively charged cell wall components, causing cell lysis; effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some fungi
At a glance
Class
Antiseptic / Disinfectant (Biguanide)
Storage
Store at room temperature
Dosing
Skin infections / Wound lavage / Shampoo therapy
Frequency
BID to TID (wound) or 2–3× weekly (shampoo)
Duration: Until infection resolves
Skin infections / Wound lavage
Duration: Until infection resolves
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Contact with eyes, ears (ototoxic), or CNS tissue
Can cause corneal damage and ototoxicity
Adverse effects
Common
Mild skin irritation
Dryness with repeated use
Serious
Ototoxicity (if enters middle ear)
Corneal ulceration (if contacts eye)
Skin conditionAvoid contact with eyes and ears
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
India
Hexidine
ICPA Health Products
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine is a antiseptic / disinfectant (biguanide) used in pets. Disrupts bacterial cell membranes by binding to negatively charged cell wall components, causing cell lysis; effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and some fungi
›What is Chlorhexidine used for in pets?
Chlorhexidine is used in veterinary medicine for: Skin infections / Wound lavage / Shampoo therapy; Skin infections / Wound lavage.
›What is the Chlorhexidine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Chlorhexidine is typically dosed as follows — Skin infections / Wound lavage / Shampoo therapy: 0.05 % Topical BID to TID (wound) or 2–3× weekly (shampoo). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Chlorhexidine dose for cats?
For cats, Chlorhexidine is typically dosed as follows — Skin infections / Wound lavage: 0.05 % Topical BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Chlorhexidine?
Common: Mild skin irritation, Dryness with repeated use. Serious (call your vet immediately): Ototoxicity (if enters middle ear), Corneal ulceration (if contacts eye).
›Does Chlorhexidine need a prescription?
Chlorhexidine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Chlorhexidine not be used?
Do not use Chlorhexidine if: Contact with eyes, ears (ototoxic), or CNS tissue.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database