Prepare for the Veterinary Technician Exam with confidence! Our comprehensive quiz features flashcards and multiple-choice questions, along with hints and explanations to pave your path to success!

Practice this question and more.


What is a germicide that can be used on the skin of animals called?

  1. Antibiotic

  2. Antiseptic

  3. Antifungal

  4. Analgesic

The correct answer is: Antiseptic

A germicide that can be used on the skin of animals is known as an antiseptic. Antiseptics are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and are typically applied to living tissue, such as skin, to reduce the likelihood of infection. They are crucial in veterinary medicine for cleaning and preparing skin before procedures such as surgery or to treat wounds, protecting the health of the animal during recovery. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are substances that combat bacterial infections internally and are not typically used topically on the skin for the purpose of preventing infection. Antifungals target fungal infections, while analgesics are primarily used to relieve pain and do not have germicidal properties. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper veterinary care and treatment choices.