A comparison of canine decontamination cleansers: Implications for water use, dermal pH, and contaminant reduction

Environmental contamination is commonly experienced by working canines deployed in the field. Unfortunately, data regarding safety and efficacy of cleansers recommended for decontamination is lacking. Client-owned canines recruited from the community (n = 43) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: povidone-iodine scrub [60 mL Betadine® 7.5% povidone-iodine surgical scrub (Avrio Health L.P, Stamford, CT)], chlorhexidine scrub [60 mL Nolvasan® 2% chlorohexidine surgical scrub (Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI)], dish detergent [60 mL Dawn® dish detergent (Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH)], or water alone (control). A visual score assessing removal of a fluorescent marker (GloGerm, Moab, UT) applied between the shoulder blades was used to rate effectiveness of decontamination. Cleanser effect on canine dermal barrier function was determined by measuring pre- and post-decontamination dermal pH and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Analysis of visual scores was performed using PROC FREQ and Chi Square. Significance was set a priori at 0.05 for all tests. Efficacy of fluorescent marker removal was significantly affected by cleanser (P < 0.0001). Dermal pH was also highly affected by cleanser (P < 0.0001). In contrast, TEWL was unchanged across cleansers (P = 0.2686). Common veterinary cleansers utilized for canine decontamination demonstrate similarity in effectiveness for removal of a simulated contaminant and negative impact on dermal barrier function.