A non-toxic, germicide, fungicide and healing composition and a method of topically applying the composition in powdered form to the skin of domesticated farm animals including dairy cattle are disclosed. The composition comprises (a) finely divided, particulate chlorhexidine-containing material, (b) finely divided, particulate zinc-containing material and (c) an inert powdered carrier, with the chlorhexidine-containing material and the zinc-containing material being present in an amount to achieve effective germicidal activity. The chlorhexidine-containing material is preferably chlorhexidine acetate. The zinc-containing material is preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc oleate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc peroxide, zinc iodide, elemental zinc and mixtures thereof.