Impacts to canine dermal microbiota associated with repeated bathing

Introduction Working dogs routinely operate in environmental conditions which may necessitate daily bathing to remove contaminants or soilage. The impacts of frequent repeated on the canine dermal microbiota are unknown. objective this study was characterize changes microbial populations following bathing. Methods Labrador retrievers ( n = 16) were bathed using a dilute dish detergent solution (1.6% solution) over course 14 days. Dermal DNA collected via sterile swabs 142) taken at days 0, 7, 14, 16, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 analyzed for alpha diversity, beta diversity relative abundance assess 16 s sequencing. Results indicate that significantly increased Shannon Chao1, several rare amplicon sequence variants. Although typically reported highest abundance, decreased phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria p < 0.05). Conclusion Repeated with reduced normal healthy taxa created significant canines. Disruption cause negative health require further investigation.