Comparative study of a commercial formula containing natural antimicrobials versus oral cephalexin or topical chlorhexidine-miconazole therapies for treating superficial pyoderma in dogs.

Background: Chronic and recurrent pyoderma in dogs is driving a growing interest in natural antimicrobial products that offer minimal adverse effects and avoid antibiotic resistance.

Objectives: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermatological products with antimicrobial peptides and plant extracts, comparing them to chlorhexidine + miconazole and cephalexin therapy for superficial pyoderma in dogs.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five dogs with superficial pyoderma underwent clinical, cytopathological and microbiological diagnosis, and were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) treated with shampoo (two weekly baths) and lotion (twice daily on the affected areas) containing natural antimicrobials; Group 2 (G2) treated with two weekly baths using a therapeutic shampoo containing 2% chlorhexidine and 2.