Not all germs and bacteria automatically cause health damage – some do, however, including our dogs.
The skin, the gastrointestinal tract or the lower respiratory tract can be affected.
In many cases, an antibiotic can help, such as Amoxiclav for the dog. In the following guide, we explain what you need to pay particular attention to.
Amoxiclav for dogs: what it is and what it is used for
Amoxiclav for dogs is a Broad spectrum antibiotic useful in the following diseases in dogs is used:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Diseases of the lower respiratory tract
- diseases of the upper respiratory tract
- Deep skin diseases
- Diseases of the urinary tract
- diseases of the ears
In these cases, the triggers of these diseases are bacteria such as enterococci and streptococci.
These can be rendered harmless by amoxicillin, one of the two active ingredients in Amoxiclav.
IMPORTANT
Amoxicillin is a so-called aminopenicillin. Dogs that have a proven penicillin allergy should therefore not be treated with Amoxiclav.
The effect of amoxicillin is enhanced in Amoxiclav by the clavulanic acid present as potassium clavulanate.
Proper use and dosage of amoxiclav for dogs
If your dog is prescribed Amoxiclav 200/50 mg tablets, he will get it 10 mg amoxicillin and 2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kilogram of body weight twice daily.
For example, if your dog weighs 3.5 kilograms, he gets 35 mg of amoxicillin and 8.75 mg of clavulanic acid twice a day.
IMPORTANT
Please have your veterinarian explain to you in advance how exactly the tablets need to be divided. In addition, please never undertake antibiotic therapy yourself!
You give him the tablets at intervals of 12 hours so that the antibiotic can work properly.
This time interval is important. If you only give your dog the Amoxiclav after 13 hours, the effect may have been reversed.
On the other hand, it is not a problem if you administer the tablet once after 11 hours. However, you should then start the next dose 1 hour earlier the next day.
You can either give your dog the Amoxiclav before his food or together with it.
If you put the pill directly in his mouth, please wait until he has actually swallowed.
Because otherwise it can happen that he spits out the tablet again and thus breaks off his antibiotic therapy on his own.
How long does it take for amoxiclav to work in dogs?
The first signs that Amoxiclav worked in dogs only show up after a few days and unfortunately not from one day to the next.
After all, the antibiotic needs time to render the bacteria harmless and thus contribute to an improvement in the dog’s health.
The twice-daily administration of Amoxiclav also ensures that the effect is sustained.
As a rule, a course of treatment with Amoxiclav lasts 5 days. In the case of really severe infections, however, this can also last for a few weeks.
It is important that you get used to it and that the treatment is not ended from one day to the next.
In many cases, this means that the dose is first reduced by half before Amoxiclav is only given every 2 days.
You should also do an accompanying probiotic therapy so that your dog’s intestinal flora is not affected too much.
What side effects can Amoxiclav cause in dogs?
The most common side effects that Amoxiclav can cause in dogs are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
These side effects usually go away on their own after a short time and do not make a trip to the vet necessary.
The side effects of anaphylaxis and allergic skin reactions occur less frequently.
If you can recognize this in your dog, therapy with Amoxiclav should be stopped immediately.
In the event of an anaphylactic shock, the dog also needs adrenaline as quickly as possible to prevent a life-threatening respiratory arrest.
Amoxiclav should not be given to dogs that with renal dysfunction such as oliguria or anuria Suffer.
In the case of pregnant or lactating bitches, you should discuss with the veterinarian in advance whether treatment with Amoxiclav is safe. This also applies to puppies.
Where can I buy amoxiclav for dogs?
Since Amoxiclav for dogs is an antibiotic, this is Drugs subject to prescription.
Only your veterinarian can issue you with a corresponding prescription, upon presentation of which you can obtain Amoxiclav in your (online) pharmacy.
Many veterinary practices also have this drug in stock. In this case, you would receive Amoxiclav directly from your veterinarian.
What are the alternatives to amoxiclav for dogs?
Alternatives to amoxiclav for dogs include all medicines containing the active substances amoxicillin and clavulanic acid included, such as Synulox for dogs.
In addition, these medications are alternatives to amoxiclav for dogs:
Of course, you should also discuss the exact dosage and duration of use with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Amoxiclav for dogs is a prescription broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is used for infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract.
Amoxiclav for dogs can also be administered for bacterial diseases of the urinary tract, ears and skin.
The right dose is included 10 mg amoxicillin and 2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kilogram body weight of the dog.
Known side effects include diarrhea, vomiting and even anaphylaxis.
If you want an alternative because of these negative experiences, you can find them at Kesium, Synulox, Clavudale and Clavucill, among others.
What experiences with Amoxiclav for dogs would you like to share with us? We look forward to reading these in our comments!