Amoxicillin for dogs is generally given in an injectable form to treat a variety of bacterial infections. To know about its potential side effects, read on.
Amoxicillin is a popular remedy to treat bacterial infections associated with dogs. This prescription drug has been very effective to destroy bacteria that affect the urinary tract, skin, and even the respiratory system. The medication is also useful to speed up the healing of a wound or an injury in dogs.
Amoxicillin for Dogs
Amoxicillin, available at various drug stores, is manufactured in a liquid and tablet form. It can also be administered intravenously. However, if the dog is suffering from digestive health problems, then using the injectable form of amoxicillin would be a better option.
A dog suffering from an ear infection (which is bacterial in nature) can also be treated with amoxicillin. First, the veterinarian examines the ear to ascertain the severity of the infection and then accordingly prescribes the dosage that needs to be administered, usually twice a day. The antibiotic is not only affordable, but can work wonders to cure these type of dog ear problems, especially those associated with the ear canal.
Dosage
The weight of the dog is taken into consideration when deciding the dosage. For the drug to be effective, the prescribed dosage of the medicine is 10-25 mg per kilogram, or 5-10 mg per pound, of body weight. For instance, if the dog is weighing 50 pounds then the recommended dosage would be 250 mg, that is given every 12 hours. Whatever be the dosage, the medicine is given twice daily. However, in case the infection is found to be severe, the medicine may be given 3 times a day.
Side Effects
Although use of this antibiotic is a safe option, a few side effects may cause discomfort to the canine. Hence, amoxicillin needs to be administered as instructed by the veterinarian to avert the chances of side effects. The following are the noticeable side effects of amoxicillin, observed in dogs:
Stomach Problems: Intake of this medication may lead to stomach upset. This stomach trouble that causes abdominal pain may subside within a few days and is not a cause for a great concern. However, if this stomach problem continues and does not quell, reporting the issue to the vet is recommended.
Vomiting: This is yet another side effect of antibiotic, noticed in dogs after the medicine is ingested. In case vomiting persists or worsens, then it is necessary to contact a veterinarian to prevent further deterioration of the dog’s health.
Diarrhea: The drug can interfere with the normal functioning of bowel movement. Dogs taking this antibiotic may pass watery or loose stools. However, this side effect will not continue for long once plain yogurt is included in the dog’s diet.
Loss of Appetite: In case the antibiotic causes diarrhea or an upset stomach, it is bound to interfere with the dog’s appetite. The dog may eat very less food throughout the day due to stomach problems.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects associated with this antibiotic are a rarity. The dogs generally respond quite well to amoxicillin. Seizures, blood in stools, and chronic diarrhea observed in dogs, during the treatment, are a cause for concern. Other serious side effects include:
Allergic Reactions: A very small percentage of dogs taking these drugs develop allergic reactions that manifests in the form of skin rashes, fever, swollen face and legs. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing and abnormal heartbeat. In such cases, the drug needs to be stopped immediately.
An important point to note here is that the antibiotic is unsafe for pregnant dogs, as studies reveal that the drug can bring about birth defects in the newborn. Also, instead of separately giving the drug, one can mix it with food to reduce the risk of side effects. This could actually prevent any adverse reaction to amoxicillin. In most cases, side effects of this antibiotic can be controlled by simply decreasing the dosage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.
