Sometimes different bacteria can get lost in the dog’s organism, for example via endo- or ectoparasites.
In many cases only one can help here Antibiotic, such as amoxicillin for dogs.
The following guide explains what you need to consider when using and dosing amoxicillin for dogs and other important information.
Amoxicillin for dogs: what is it and what are the indications?
Amoxicillin for dogs is a so-called Broad-spectrum antibiotic for dogs and is used on the fur noses for bacterial infections administered.
These infections, in turn, can be caused by many different bacteria and can also affect different parts of the body and organs.
Some of the bacteria that amoxicillin is active against include:
- streptococci
- enterococci
- Haemophilus
- P.mirabilis
- Listeria
- E. coli
The areas of application of amoxicillin for dogs are:
- Gastrointestinal Diseases
- Diseases of the urinary tract
- Skin diseases (pyoderma)
- Diseases of the lower respiratory tract
Amoxicillin can also be administered to the dog in the case of leptospirosis, which can be life-threatening.
Usually, veterinary medicines containing amoxicillin also contain another active substance, clavulanic acid.
However, amoxicillin for dogs is also available as a single antibiotic, i.e. without any other antibiotic agent. Here the amoxicillin concentration is 40 mg.
Proper use and dosage of amoxicillin for dogs
The correct dose of amoxicillin in dogs depends on their body weight. It is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
So that you can get a better picture of the right dosage for your dog, we have put them together in a table for you:
Dog’s body weight in kilogramsAmoxicillin Dosage/Tablet Count2kg½ tablet twice a day4kg1 tablet twice a day8kg2 tablets twice a day12kg3 tablets twice a day16kg4 tablets twice a day
IMPORTANT
Your vet will tell you the correct dose of amoxicillin. Please never decide to self-administer your dog amoxicillin. This applies to all antibiotics!
The dog is given amoxicillin in two doses, once in the morning and once in the evening.
As is usual with antibiotics, the dog is given the medicine at intervals of 12 hours. This should be strictly adhered to so that amoxicillin can really work.
If you have slept a little here and for example forgotten a pill in the morning, please do not make up for it later in the day.
You then give your dog the second dose in the evening – never a double dose! – and then continue with amoxicillin therapy the following day.
You can decide here whether you give your dog amoxicillin before or after feeding.
If he’s not a fan of pills, you can also try mixing them directly into his food.
How long does it take for amoxicillin to work in dogs?
The effect of amoxicillin in dogs usually sets in after a few hourswhen the active substance has entered the bloodstream of the fur nose.
It will take effect more quickly if the vet has already given your dog intravenous amoxicillin as part of the exam.
The duration of use of amoxicillin in dogs is usually 5 consecutive days.
In some cases, however, this can also be longer – depending on how well the antibiotic works on the dog and how severe its bacterial infection is.
What side effects can amoxicillin cause in dogs?
Antibiotics – including amoxicillin – all have a specific function Side effect that occurs in almost all dogs: gastrointestinal problems.
Because these drugs, although helpful, attack the intestinal flora of the dog, which in turn leads to diarrhea and nausea.
In addition, other side effects of amoxicillin in dogs can occur, such as loss of appetite, fatigue and skin allergies.
These side effects usually subside after a few days and should have disappeared at the latest when the amoxicillin therapy is ended.
An exception can be indigestion. It is therefore important that you take a probiotic during treatment with amoxicillin.
The lactic acid bacteria contained here support the intestinal flora and help that it does not suffer too much from the antibiotic.
The probiotic is then continued to be administered to the dog for about 1 week after the end of the therapy.
When should I not use amoxicillin in dogs?
If you find that your dog is hypersensitive to amoxicillin, you should discontinue this drug as soon as possible and look for an alternative.
Incidentally, this should by no means belong to the group of penicillins, as these will lead to a similar hypersensitivity.
Also, amoxicillin is never a good idea for dogs with either kidney or liver dysfunction.
These disorders prevent proper drug metabolism, so some amoxicillin residues cannot be cleared from the body.
Where can I buy amoxicillin for dogs?
Amoxicillin is a prescription and therefore a prescription-only antibiotic. You can get it either directly from your veterinarian or in an animal (online) pharmacy.
What are the alternatives to amoxicillin for dogs?
Has your dog had a bad experience from amoxicillin side effects? Then an alternative a drug with the active ingredient metronidazole be.
This active ingredient is also administered for bacterial infections and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
The active ingredient is contained, among other things, in Metrobactin for dogs. Furthermore, an alternative can be Pulmodox for dogs, which contains doxycycline.
The veterinarian ultimately decides which antibiotic is right for your dog – including the correct dosage and application.
Has your dog ever had to be treated with amoxicillin? Then we would be happy if you share his experiences in our comments – together with your tips.