Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Malaseb® Shampoo is a specialised veterinary product designed for the treatment of skin conditions such as dermatitis, ringworm and yeast/bacterial infections in dogs and cats.
Dogs: For the treatment and control of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with Malassezia pachydermatis and Staphylococcus intermedius.
Cats: Helps in the treatment of ringworm due to Microsporum canis, in conjunction with griseofulvin.
Malaseb® Shampoo contains two active ingredients: Chlorhexidine and Miconazole. Chlorhexidine contains antimicrobial properties, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, miconazole Nitrate functions as an antifungal agent, effective against yeasts like Malassezia pachydermatis as it disrupts the fungal cell wall integrity.
When using Malaseb® Shampoo, it's crucial to adhere to your veterinarian's guidance. Generally, the procedure involves wetting the fur, applying the shampoo generously, massaging it in, letting it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinsing it off. Ensure that Dermcare Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo is applied around the lips, under the tail and between the toes as these areas harbour the organisms. The common recommendation is to use the shampoo twice a week until the symptoms improve, followed by weekly applications or as required to manage the condition. 50 mL of Dermcare Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo would be adequate to treat a 30 kg, medium hair length dog and 7-10mL of Dermcare Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo would be adequate for an adult cat.
Do not use it in animals with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.
Avoid contact with eyes and prevent the animal from licking during and post-application. If shampoo enters the eyes, flush thoroughly with clean water. Seek veterinary advice if eye changes are observed.
Do not use it on animals other than dogs and cats.
In rare cases, animals may develop skin irritation and rash after treatment. If these occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep out of reach of children and other pets.
Wear gloves when applying this product to your pet. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. If skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and flush skin or hair with running water. If splashed in eyes, wash out immediately with water. This material may cause skin or eye irritation on contact. Avoid ingestion, skin and eye contact. Wash hands and exposed skin after handling this product.
If you suspect your pet is having an adverse reaction, contact your vet or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.
Can Malaseb® Shampoo be used for other animals besides cats and dogs?
How long should the shampoo be left on the pet?
Is Malaseb® Shampoo safe for all dogs and cats?
How often should I use Malaseb® Shampoo on my pet?
We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Malaseb Shampoo for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.