Kinesiology Taping In Dogs

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Chlorhexidine Shampoo Ratings

Canine superficial pyoderma is a leading reason for antimicrobial use in small animal practice, most commonly involving Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Topical therapy, particularly chlorhexidine-containing shampoos, is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. While the current consensus suggests using shampoos with at least 2% chlorhexidine, this study highlights that antimicrobial efficacy is not determined by chlorhexidine concentration alone. Instead, the overall formulation—including both active and inactive ingredients—plays a critical role. 

Chlorhexidine is a cationic antiseptic whose activity can be influenced by interactions with other components in a shampoo, such as surfactants, imidazoles (e.g., miconazole), and Tris-EDTA. Some ingredients may enhance antimicrobial activity synergistically, while others may reduce efficacy through binding interactions or physicochemical interference. In this in vitro study, shampoos containing both 2% chlorhexidine and 2% miconazole often demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to shampoos with higher chlorhexidine concentrations alone, underscoring the importance of formulation over concentration. 

The study also evaluated lathering ability, a factor relevant to owner compliance. Although lathering is often perceived as an indicator of effectiveness, no correlation was found between lathering capacity and antimicrobial efficacy. This suggests that shampoos can be both cosmetically appealing and clinically effective, but one does not predict the other. 

Importantly, real-world factors such as dilution during bathing, contact time, coat type, and presence of organic debris can significantly influence treatment outcomes. Over-dilution or insufficient product use may reduce antimicrobial effectiveness below therapeutic thresholds. The study emphasizes the need for proper bathing technique and dosing to ensure success with topical therapy. 

Limitations include the small number of bacterial isolates tested and the in vitro design, which may not fully reflect clinical conditions. Overall, the findings caution against extrapolating efficacy based solely on chlorhexidine concentration and highlight the need for further clinical studies to determine how formulation differences impact real-world treatment outcomes. 

Binversie, E.E., Pieper, J.B., and Berger, D.J. (2026), Evaluation of Chlorhexidine-Containing Shampoos: In Vitro Efficacy Against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Lathering Ability. Vet Dermatol, 37: 148-160. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.70026 

Bottom line — There are differences that we need to understand.

Kinesiology Taping Post Op

Kinesiology taping (KT) is a noninvasive technique in which elastic tape is applied to the body to support musculoskeletal and soft tissue function. In human medicine, KT has been associated with pain reduction, improved circulation and lymphatic flow, enhanced proprioception, and decreased muscle spasm. Systematic reviews suggest additional benefits such as improved performance, increased range of motion, and better balance, although findings are not universally consistent. In veterinary medicine, research is more limited, and results are variable across species and applications. Some equine studies report increased muscle activity or clinical improvement in specific conditions, while others show minimal biomechanical effects. Similarly, canine studies in healthy dogs demonstrate little impact on gait or weight-bearing, suggesting context-dependent efficacy. 

KT is often applied using specific techniques that influence its proposed mechanism of action. The “paper-off” method utilizes the tape’s inherent elasticity, while lymphatic applications involve fan-shaped strips directing fluid toward regional lymph nodes. The tape’s recoil is thought to lift the skin, increasing subcutaneous space and facilitating lymphatic drainage, thereby reducing edema. Histologic evidence supports increased epidermal-dermal distance and potential reductions in inflammation and pain following application. Directionality of application may also influence outcomes, particularly for muscle function and lymphatic flow. 

The present study evaluated KT applied in a double-lymphatic pattern following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs. Results showed a significant reduction in stifle joint swelling within 24 hours postoperatively in treated dogs compared to controls, supporting the study hypothesis. These findings align with some human and equine studies demonstrating reduced postoperative edema, although contrasting evidence exists, particularly in more invasive procedures. 

Limitations include small sample size, lack of blinding, measurement variability, and short follow-up duration, restricted to 24 hours. Additional confounding factors such as bandaging, activity level, and individual variation in inflammation were not fully controlled. Despite these limitations, KT appears to be a low-cost, well-tolerated adjunct for early postoperative edema management in dogs, warranting further investigation with more rigorous study designs and extended evaluation periods. 

Ludwig, B., Ihrke, A., Holich, K., Neforos, K., & Heidel, R. E. (2026). Kinesiology taping with a double-lymphatic pattern reduces canine stifle joint swelling 24 hours after tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy. American Journal of Veterinary Research https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.25.11.0398 

Bottom line — Early results support this as a beneficial protocol

OTC Moisturizing Spray

Hydration of the stratum corneum (SC) is essential for maintaining normal skin barrier function and overall cutaneous health. In both humans and dogs, reduced SC hydration is associated with xerosis, which manifests clinically as scaling, roughness, fissuring, and pruritus. In canine dermatology, decreased hydration has been documented in conditions such as ichthyosis and atopic dermatitis (AD), where structural and biochemical alterations of the SC lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). These issues may be exacerbated by frequent use of antimicrobial shampoos commonly employed to manage secondary bacterial and Malassezia infections. 

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an over-the-counter moisturizer spray (Sensiderm) containing occlusive agents, humectants, physiological lipids, and lipid-promoting compounds, when applied after bathing healthy dogs with a 2% chlorhexidine/2% miconazole shampoo. Skin hydration was assessed using corneometry, a validated method that measures electrical capacitance of the SC. Measurements were carefully standardized to minimize variability related to hair, environmental factors, and anatomical site. 

The findings demonstrated that a single shampoo application alone did not significantly alter skin hydration on the lateral thorax. However, when followed by application of the moisturizer spray, hydration increased significantly within 1–2 hours, peaked at approximately 6 hours, and remained elevated for at least 24 hours, though the effect was no longer evident at 48 hours. The rapid improvement in hydration is likely attributable to the combined occlusive and humectant properties of the formulation, which enhance water retention within the SC. 

Despite these promising results, several limitations exist. The study was conducted in healthy, clipped dogs rather than in animals with compromised skin barriers, and the prior bathing step may have influenced outcomes. Additionally, the effects of repeated application and long-term clinical benefits remain unknown. 

Overall, the study provides initial evidence that this moisturizer can transiently improve skin hydration in dogs, supporting its potential role as an adjunctive therapy in managing xerosis, though further research in clinical populations is needed. 

Pseftogka, A., Samuel (Badulescu), E., Chatzis, M.K., and Saridomichelakis, M.N. (2026), Effect of a Spray Containing Occlusive Agents, Humectant,s and Physiological Lipids on Skin Hydration of Healthy Dogs When Applied After Bathing With a Chlorhexidine 2%/Miconazole 2% Shampoo. Vet Dermatol, 37: 140-147. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.70025

Bottom line — Potentially useful for dogs.

Just putting things in perspective …