Tolerability and the effect on skin Staphylococcus pseudintermedius density of repeated diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach) baths at 0.005% in healthy dogs.

Background: Dilute sodium hypochlorite (bleach) baths at 0.005% concentration twice weekly have been shown to markedly reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis in children, yet no tolerability and efficacy data are available for this treatment in dogs.
Objectives: To determine the local tolerability and the longitudinal effect on the density of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius of repeated diluted bleach baths on healthy dog skin.
Animals: Four healthy hound cross-bred dogs.
Methods: Bleach baths (0.005%; twice weekly for 15 min) were applied to four healthy hound cross-bred dogs over four weeks (eight baths). Local tolerability was assessed for axillae, abdomen and legs by an investigator before, immediately after and 24 h after each bath. The longitudinal effect on density of S. pseudintermedius from axillae and groin was analysed through quantitative PCR before treatment [at Day (D)-7 and -3], during treatment on D4, D11 and D25, and on D30.
Results: There was no erythema or scaling after the baths in any dog. Copy numbers of S. pseudintermedius in axillae, groin and both (axillae and groin together) were not significantly different at any time point during the study.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Repeated 0.005% hypochlorite bleach baths over four weeks were safe and well-tolerated in healthy dogs without significant changes in the density of S. pseudintermedius.
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