Hi all. I wonder if you can help me. I am using a very well known disinfectant in my home before and after whelping. I dont know if I am allowed to use brand names but it is the very well known  one used on farms and in kennels starting with V...... I have contacted them for advice but they haven't bothered to reply so wondered if anyone could tell me if this product is safe for using as a foot bath for my other dogs, after walks, and if so, what rate of dilution should I use please.

I always used Parvocide to clean the whelping box, spray people and clothes and to soak a piece of carpet to walk through and know that's safe and apparently effective.  Sorry can't help with your stuff. :)

Ooh right. Thank-you. Well if I dont get any positive answers with my "V", I will have a look at Parvocide!!

I always used Parvocide with no adverse reactions from dogs' (or people's :) ) feet

why don't you ask your vets as think it's Virkon that you may be alluding to and alot of the vets use it and should be able to advise.

If not contact Safe4 they are lovely people
http://www.safe4disinfectant.com/

I use safe4, i do like their products.

Yes it is Virkon. (our of the closet lol) right, will ask my vet about that. Funny thing is that last whelping, two years ago, it was on here that I read about Virkon so hopefully someone will have used it.

There is information about strength of solutions here but it does warn against pets having access to this particular disinfectant whilst in solution so not sure it would be safe incase the dogs licked their paws.  Different went applying it to a surface and allowing to dry thoroughly but don't see that being possible on the dogs fur.
To be honest I think you could be wasting your time anyway as, although the paws will have had most contact with the outside world you cannot disinfect the whole dog :)  Probably just washing off obvious dirt with normal detergents is all it is worth doing.

More info on solution and how to use.
http://www2.dupont.com/Virkon_S/en_GB/applications/disinfectant_foot_dip.html
Quite a palavour really :)

thank-you Stooge. will have a look at that. Yes, I wondered if I was being a bit over the top. Just wanted to be sure was doing everything right.

Have had a look at Safe4 and that looks more like what I should be using.  thanks for your answers. Much appreciated.

DEFRA vets use Virkon to clean their boots when coming off farm.  I know we cleaned the wheels of our cars with it during Foot and Mouth.  I use it to clean whelping boxes out, but I've never actually put any on a dog.  Perhaps your own vet can advise?

I'd look at an alternative if its for paws - its nasty stuff to make up and its REALLY drying/nasty to skin with prolonged use. Trigene is better, or parvocide or safe4.

Just though would update on the Virkon topic. Received an email from them today, plus an apology for not replying sooner. They also sent lots of information about dilution, use etc and that Virkon should definitely not be used topically. Had already decided yesterday, after reading your replies,  to go for Safe4 instead. I ordered it online and was amazed to receive it today so really pleased. Many thanks your help.

Glad that you've experienced excellent customer service from Safe4.
I've always found them excellent and like the way that they display their tests/effectiveness on
what they say their products protect against.
As you've found normally delivery is excellent from time of order to getting the product.
I've always received mine the next day.

I really appreciate you posting the link Boxacrazy. Many thanks.