Effect of a Spray Containing Occlusive Agents, Humectants and Physiological Lipids on Skin Hydration of Healthy Dogs When Applied After Bathing With a Chlorhexidine 2%/Miconazole 2% Shampoo

Background Normal hydration of the canine epidermis is imperative for cutaneous homeostasis. Xerosis may be encountered in canine atopic dermatitis and is aggravated by topical antiseptics. Hypothesis and Objectives To evaluate the hydrating properties and the safety of a spray (Sensiderm spray; MP Labo) when applied after shampooing healthy dogs with a chlorhexidine 2%/miconazole 2% product. Animals Twelve clinically healthy, privately owned dogs. Materials and Methods Dogs were clipped on the top of the head (control site), right and left lateral thorax. They were bathed on the body trunk with the chlorhexidine 2%/miconazole 2% shampoo and subsequently sprayed with Sensiderm on their randomly selected right or left side of the thorax. Skin hydration was measured by electrical capacitance using a corneometer on the three sites before (time point [T]0), and 1–2 h (T1), 6 h (T2), 24 h (T3), 48 h (T4) and 72 h (T5) after interventions. Results Two‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time ( p = 0.015) and a significant time–treatment interaction ( p = 0.023) on skin hydration. One‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA showed that the effect of time was significant only on the Sensiderm spray‐treated site, where skin hydration increased over baseline at T1 ( p = 0.009; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.158–17.231), peaked at T2 ( p ≤ 0.014 and 95% CI ≥ 1.680 compared with T0, T3, T4 and T5) and remained increased at T3 ( p ≤ 0.037 and 95% CI ≥ 0.482 compared with T0 and T5). No treatment‐related adverse effects were seen. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Sensiderm spray was safe, and it increased hydration of healthy canine skin for ≥ 24 h.