Antibiotics For Dogs Most of the antibiotics we use are also used for our pets, however the doses differ tremendously. Cephalexin (Keflex), Augmentin (human version of Clavamox), Doxycycline, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, and Azithromycin can be used, but you need to check with your veterinarian regarding dosing.
Do not give human amoxicillin to your dog unless it has been prescribed by your vet. Your dog will need specific doses based on their weight and may need a special type of amoxicillin. Only your veterinarian should determine the best antibiotic and dose for your dog.
Amoxicillin is dosed based on your dog's body weight and what infection your vet is trying to treat. A typical dosage used by many vets is 5 to 10mg per pound. This means a 50-pound dog would need to take 500mg twice a day.
Manuka honey is considered one of the strongest natural antibiotics for dogs. It is used to treat wounds and lesions.
Can You Use Over-the-Counter Topical Antibiotics for Dogs? Neosporin, a common OTC antibiotic ointment, can be used to treat minor scrapes and cuts, but take care to prevent your dog from licking the ointment off.
Your dog can take the majority of antibiotics that humans take for bacterial infections. Any antibiotics you give your pet, however, should be prescribed by your veterinarian. “We do not recommend just giving any antibiotics to your dog,” says Dr. Yui Shapard.
Mahaney, veterinary-specific medicines are the best option. The dangers of giving your dog human-grade amoxicillin, he says, include the potential to expose your dog to components of the drug that are “inappropriate” or “potentially toxic.”
Veterinary labelled amoxicillin-clavulanic acid tablets contain the two ingredients in different ratios than human-approved products. Clavamox 250mg contains 200-50 (250mg refers to the total of BOTH compounds), while human generics contain 250-125 (250mg refers to amoxicillin content only).
Amoxicillin is sold per capsule or per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Antibiotics Commonly Prescribed for Pets
Like humans, dogs and cats develop bacterial infections that require a treatment program involving antibiotics. Antibacterial medications are essential for treating these infections because they destroy the infected organism while leaving your pet's healthy cells intact.
Wound and Burn Care
Because of the antibacterial properties of honey, the sweet substance works to heal minor wounds on your dog's skin. Simply wash the affected area and apply liberally. For lacerations, keep the honey on the cut or scratch for at least twenty minutes before washing off.
Amoxicillin may be prescribed in liquid or tablet form. The recommended dose for most dogs is 5 mg per lb. Most courses of amoxicillin are administered up to twice a day for 5 to 7 days, or for 48 hours after symptoms subside completely. If stomach upset occurs, give amoxicillin with food.
If your veterinarian recommends that you administer penicillin dispensed by a pharmacy, the dose and frequency will depend on your dog's individual needs, their weight, and the condition being treated. There are different sizes of human penicillin products available, and some are not suited for dogs.
Honey is considered safe for most dogs, in small quantities. Depending on the type of honey, it can bring them health benefits. Manuka honey is especially helpful for boosting immunity, fighting kennel cough, aiding in wound care, and helping with both gut health and oral hygiene in dogs.
Most commonly it is used to treat skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. Its use in cats and dogs to treat certain bacterial infections and at certain doses, as well as use in ferrets, birds, and reptiles is 'off label' or 'extra label'.
Augmentin is also useful in the treatment of dental infections in dogs. Augmentin is not safe to use in pets with a known sensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporin type antibiotics. Also, pregnant pets should use Augmentin with caution.
In dogs and cats, cephalexin can be useful to help treat infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans and dogs, but it is not officially approved for use in other species.
Dogs: The recommended dosage is 5 mg/lb of body weight twice a day. Cats: The recommended dosage is 50 mg (5–10 mg/lb) once a day. Dosage should be continued for 5–7 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. If no improvement is seen in 5 days, review diagnosis and change therapy.
In dogs and cats, the typical dose of amoxicillin ranges from 5 to 12 mg per pound (10 to 25 mg/kg), two or three times a day.
Unless it must be swallowed whole, you can open up a capsule or crush a pill and mix it in with wet food. Just keep in mind that your pet will need to eat all of the food to get the entire dosage of medication. Learn to give pills by mouth.
Amoxicillin overdoses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Large overdoses may cause kidney disease, lack of coordination, and seizures. Penicillin allergies in dogs are rare but can happen. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic and allergic reactions may occur.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans but it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20 kilogram dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In cats, one 250mg paracetamol tablet could be fatal.