Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used in both veterinary and human medicine. It is likely that we have it in our home medicine cabinet and we are tempted to give it to our dog if we think that the clinical signs it shows can be resolved with an antibiotic.
It's a mistake. Dogs, like us, can follow a treatment of amoxicillin, but this can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. So that you have all the information about this drug, in this article on our site we talk about amoxicillin for dogs, dosage, uses and side effects
What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a antibiotic derived from penicillin that is widely used and has a broad spectrum, which means that it is effective against numerous bacteria, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive. It belongs to the group of aminopenicillins and has a bactericidal effect, which means it kills bacteria and not just stops their spread.
It is common to combine it with clavulanic acid, enhancing its effects, since this substance inhibits an enzyme secreted by some bacteria, capable of inactivating certain antibiotics, hence its benefits when used together.
Amoxicillin is found in different presentations Thus, it can be injected, but it is more common for the veterinarian to prescribe it in tablets or in suspension for oral administration at home, according to the format that is most comfortable and accurate for the dosage that our dog needs.
Can human amoxicillin be used in dogs?
Amoxicillin formulated for people may be given to dogs, as long as the veterinarian authorizes it and calculates the appropriate dose. The reason is that the formats and quantities designed for humans do not usually allow an adequate dosage for dogs, due to the obvious differences in weight. That is why the recommendation is to opt for veterinary amoxicillin In fact, it is possible that the legislation prevents the veterinarian from prescribing an antibiotic for human medicine and not one specifically for dogs.
What is amoxicillin used for in dogs?
Being an antibiotic, amoxicillin will be used when our dog is diagnosed with an infection caused by one of the bacteria against which it acts. As it is broad spectrum, it will have multiple applications, which should not lead us to think that it is useful for everything. As an example, amoxicillin for dogs with otitis may not have any effect because not all otitis are bacterial in origin. In general, amoxicillin can be used to treat:
- Respiratory infections, so the vet may prescribe amoxicillin for dogs with cough.
- Prevention and treatment of bacterial infections that can appear as a complication of viral infections. Amoxicillin could be given for dogs with parvovirus for this purpose.
- Abscesses and wounds.
- Dermatological infections.
- Urogenital tract infections.
- Digestive infections.
Amoxicillin Dosage for Dogs
In this section it is especially important to know that amoxicillin must be given in the amounts, frequency and time indicated by the veterinarian. Misuse of antibiotics causes bacterial resistance that may mean that, in the not too distant future, we will not have effective antibiotics against any bacteria. We therefore insist that you never give your dog amoxicillin or any other antibiotic on your own.
On the other hand, the correct dose is calculated based on the weight of the dog, the presentation of amoxicillin chosen and the number of times you want to administer it per day, since it can be one, two or even three. In addition, there is a range of doses that the veterinarian must choose between depending on the condition of your dog and the disease to be treated. That's why we can't tell you how much amoxicillin to give your dog. Only the vet can decide the correct dosage after examination and diagnosis.
How to administer amoxicillin for dogs?
The administration of amoxicillin will depend on the chosen format. Thus, the injectable is usually put by the veterinarian in consultation. At home, he will prescribe the suspension, which we must give the dog with a syringe, without a needle, placed on the side of the mouth, or mixed with food. In the same way it can be done with the pills. If it is difficult for us to give them to the dog directly in the mouth, we have the action of camouflaging them with food, since food does not interfere with the absorption of this drug.
Contraindications of amoxicillin for dogs
Amoxicillin May interact with some medicationsIf your dog uses drugs for any reason, he informs the vet if he doesn't know. For the same reason, do not give him any medication not prescribed by your vet while he is taking amoxicillin.
Also inform the professional if your dog is pregnant or you think she might be, since, in this case, she should assess the advantages and disadvantages of starting treatment with amoxicillin. Finally, do not give amoxicillin to a dog that has shown any adverse reaction to this antibiotic.
Amoxicillin side effects for dogs
Except for the indicated contraindications, amoxicillin is usually a safe antibiotic. In other words, it does not usually trigger any adverse effects. Even so, in some dogs we could detect digestive discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. These problems usually subside after treatment ends and usually do not need to be stopped.
There may also be some hypersensitivity reactions which will manifest as skin rashes, fever and, in rarer cases, anaphylactic shock. The veterinarian must be informed immediately. Anaphylactic shock is an emergency. Finally, an overdose of amoxicillin could cause poisoning, affecting the kidneys, liver, heart and respiratory system. This is another situation that requires veterinary assistance.
