Chlorhexadine

[Gene Collins]

I just got a gallon of this stuff as it seemed pretty well recommended on here and I was wondering how exactly those of you who use it do so. The directions on the bottle I got just talk about its use as a topical animal antiseptic. If I use it to clean everything in my BP's enclosures do I just spray and let it set and dry? Wipe it out? Let it set and then rinse?

[MMReptiles]

I fill up a spray bottle with water and add about an ounce or so to the spray bottle and use it. I use it from everything from cleaning, to bacterial infections on the skin/in the mouth with great success. I also use a similar mixture (a little more diluted) to soak them. You can also add a drop to their water bowel to help fight off any potential infections they might acquire.

[Gene Collins]

I fill up a spray bottle with water and add about an ounce or so to the spray bottle and use it. I use it from everything from cleaning, to bacterial infections on the skin/in the mouth with great success. I also use a similar mixture (a little more diluted) to soak them. You can also add a drop to their water bowel to help fight off any potential infections they might acquire.

So I am gathering that it's ok to not rinse it then? Just spray and dry

[kitedemon]

Yes CHG/CHD does not need to be rinsed. If you have 2% it is used at 1 oz per gallon some choose to use it at a higher rate 1 oz per quart. The issues with Chlorahexidine is it is not overly stable and if diluted with tap water used within a week. Distilled water extends that some to 6 weeks. The basic procedure is easy,

"For disinfection of veterinary or farm premises - 1 ounce (2 tablespoonfuls) per gallon of clean water.
Thoroughly clean all surfaces with soap or detergent and rinse with water.
Saturate all surfaces with the recommended disinfecting solution for a period of 10 minutes."

Pfizer animal health. Instructions for Nolvasan.

They only way to know it is doing what you expect it to is to follow the instructions they should be included with it or on the label. Many don't understand how to use disenfectants and don't use correct prep (neutralizing it on contact) or correct contact times. Reducing or rendering it ineffective.

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

[Gene Collins]

well crap I guess I have been using it wrong lol. I was using it as the cleaner but I guess you're supposed to wash then just spray this on as a sanitizer. Could this stuff even be added to the water I use to mist during sheds?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Could this stuff even be added to the water I use to mist during sheds?

It could if it was diluted enough, but why would you? There are some people who use it as mouthwash for dogs so it is fairly safe as long as it has been diluted enough.

[Gene Collins]

It could if it was diluted enough, but why would you? There are some people who use it as mouthwash for dogs so it is fairly safe as long as it has been diluted enough.

I only asked about misting with it because putting a drop in the water dish was mentioned to kill bacteria so I figured putting it in the misting water would help keep the substrate nasties free.

[kitedemon]

No point, it would be neutralized faster than it would kill, it would be a waste of money and effort. It is not active in the presence of organic compounds.