With the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, the medical world was transformed. Since then, numerous other antibiotics have been discovered or manufactured, further advancing what doctors can provide for their patients. Fortunately, the veterinary medical world isn’t far behind the human side, equally benefiting from these “miracle drugs.”
Though antibiotics completely changed medicine, they aren’t the be-all, end-all for every ailment your dog may encounter. In fact, we really need to be careful in our use of them. So, if your dog just received an antibiotic prescription from your vet, read on to learn what they can actually do, when antibiotics are used in dogs (and when they’re not), and how to use them properly.
What Are Antibiotics for Dogs?
Antibiotics for dogs are prescription medications that treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or stopping it from multiplying. Veterinarians commonly prescribe them for skin infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and infected wounds.
How Antibiotics for Dogs Work
Antibiotics are compounds that target specific components of a bacteria cell, either killing the bacteria itself or preventing it from reproducing, giving a dog’s immune system a chance to get the infection under control. Antibiotics may disrupt or inhibit the:
Cell wall of the bacteria, killing it
Protein synthesis within the cell so that it can’t survive
Or DNA replication so the bacteria can’t reproduce
Whichever method they use, antibiotics can preserve normal dog cellular function and inhibit or kill either a broad range of bacteria or specific types of bacterial cells.
Why Dog Antibiotics Aren’t a Universal Fix
Antibiotics make a terrific and lifesaving addition to any veterinarian’s arsenal, but they don’t work on every illness. Antibiotics are used specifically for bacterial infections; they don’t do anything to combat viral, fungal, or parasitic invaders. In fact, giving antibiotics for other types of infections, or using the incorrect product or dose can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria that don’t respond to normal antibiotics.
The best course of action with antibiotics is to know that these are powerful medications that can make the real difference when used at the correct dosage for the correct duration on the correct bacteria.
Common Conditions in Dogs that Require Antibiotics
So, if antibiotics aren’t for every illness, what exactly are they for? It turns out, many common health conditions your dog may come across can benefit from antibiotics after a proper veterinary diagnosis.
Skin Infections
Pyoderma, or a bacterial skin infection, can be due to allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalances, or excessive moisture in skin folds or through thick, dense fur. Topical antibiotics in the form of shampoos, ointments, sprays, and oral forms may be used.
Ear Infections
Big, floppy ears tend to trap moisture and debris in the warm and dark ear canals, creating the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Topical antibiotics as well as regular cleaning are often necessary for cases of otitis externa.
Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary bladder is usually a sterile environment, but bacteria may travel up the urethra and create an infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically respond well to a course of oral antibiotics.
Respiratory Infections
Whether the issue is up in the nasal passages or trachea or deep down in the lungs, antibiotics for dogs help clear respiratory infections so your dog can breathe well again.
Wound Infections
The skin does a good job at keeping most bad bacteria out, but when it’s compromised by a wound, all bets are off. Lacerations, abrasions, or puncture wounds that become infected often require topical or oral antibiotics.
Dental Infections
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, and when it progresses to an infection, antibiotics are needed to help restore a better balance.
Common Antibiotics Vets Prescribe for Dogs
It’s likely that your dog crosses paths with a health condition that needs antibiotics at some point in their life. Here are some of the most common ones your vet may reach for.
Amoxicillin/Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Clavamox): A common one for skin infections, UTIs, dental, and respiratory infections. May cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Cephalexin: Used for skin, respiratory, ear infections, and UTIs. May cause diarrhea, vomiting, and a decreased appetite.
Doxycycline: You may see this one for tick-borne diseases, dental disease, or kennel cough. May cause loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.
Metronidazole (Flagyl): Mostly used for digestive infections or inflammatory bowel disease. May cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.
Enrofloxacin (Baytril): Skin infections, UTIs, and respiratory infections may require this one. Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Clindamycin: Mainly used for abscesses, dental infections, pyoderma, and wound infections. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
Trimethoprim-Sulfonamide (TMS): May be used for UTIs and prostate infections. Side effects include vomiting and diarrhea.
Medication | Common Name | Uses | Food | Notes |
Amoxicillin/ Amoxicillin-Clavulanate | Amoxi-drops, Amoxi-tabs, Biomox, Clavamox, | Skin infections, UTIs, dental and respiratory infections | With or without food | Not for dogs sensitive to penicillin |
Cephalexin | Keflex, Vetolexin | Skin, respiratory, ear, and urinary infections | With or without food | Don’t give to dogs with allergies to it |
Doxycycline | Vibramyacin, Monodox | Tick-borne diseases, dental disease, kennel cough | With food (not dairy or iron) | Not for pregnant or nursing animals, may increase risk of sunburn |
Metronidazole | Flagyl | Digestive infections (Giardia, Trichomonas, inflammatory bowel disease) | With food | Don’t crush pills, don’t use in pregnant or nursing animals |
Enrofloxacin | Baytril | Skin and respiratory infections, UTIs | With food (no dairy) | Don’t crush pills, not for puppies under 8 months old (or giant breeds under 18 months) |
Clindamycin | Clindacure, Clintabs | Skin infections, abscesses, dental disease | With food | Has a bitter taste that may cause drooling, give with food to help prevent this |
Trimethoprim-Sulfonamide | TMP-SMX, SMZ-TMP, TMS | UTIs, prostate infections, some parasitic infections | With or without | Not for dogs with liver disease or in late gestation |
Over the Counter Antibiotics for Dogs: What’s Actually Available
The really hard-hitting antibiotics for dogs are only available through your veterinarian with a prescription—and for good reason. When used inappropriately, antibiotics can create antibiotic resistant bacteria that really complicate a dog’s (and veterinarian’s) world.
That being said, you may run across a few antibiotics for dogs that are available over the counter, or OTC. You won’t find any oral antibiotics without a prescription. Instead, most OTC products are for topical use for wounds and minor irritations.
OTC antibiotics for dogs you may find include:
Triple antibiotic ointment
A variety of “natural” antibiotic sprays, ointments or creams
Even though these products are available without a prescription, it’s still best to consult your veterinarian to make sure they’re a safe and effective option for your dog.
Can You Give a Dog Human Antibiotics?
It’s no doubt some of the antibiotics listed above sound familiar; that’s because there is a lot of cross over with medications used in both human and veterinary medicine. Before you share your prescription with your dog, know that you should never give your dog human antibiotics unless advised by a veterinarian. Though the name may be the same, the dosage and concentration are often very different.
Giving your dog human antibiotics may result in a bad reaction, toxicity, or increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. At the very least, you may end up with a sick dog.
Instead of raiding your medicine cabinet, contact your veterinarian for a proper prescription or to determine if the antibiotics you already have are a good option for your dog and to get a proper dosage.
Where to Get Antibiotics for Dogs
Most veterinary clinics have a stock of antibiotics in-house. Otherwise, they can hook you up with a prescription from an online pharmacy or even get a prescription filled at a human pharmacy.
How to Give Your Dog Antibiotics
Besides the actual medication, your veterinary prescription will include directions on how to give it. Always follow these for the best results. Instructions will include:
Number of pills to give (i.e. ½, 1, 2, etc.)
Frequency of dosing (once a day, every 8 hours, etc.)
Duration (most will have you give the entire contents, but some may say to use for a specified number of days)
Whether or not to give with food
In most cases, your dog will start feeling better before they’ve taken all of their antibiotics, but that doesn’t mean you should stop. Finish the entire course if indicated by your veterinarian to help prevent your dog from getting sick again, and to prevent contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Administration Tips for Antibiotics for Dogs
Most of us find it pretty easy to swallow a pill, but your dog may think otherwise. For most antibiotics, it’s perfectly fine to hide it on food or treats, allowing dogs to ingest it without even knowing. Small pieces of hotdogs or cheese work great depending on your dog’s dietary restrictions.
Otherwise, you can directly give your dog the pill as long as you can do it safely. Just be sure to place the pill as far back in the throat as you can to keep them from spitting it back out.
Dog Antibiotic Side Effects
Antibiotics can cause side effects, especially early in the course, such as:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
An upset stomach.
Some dog antibiotics can cause more severe reactions. Monitor your dog for these signs and report anything concerning to your veterinarian.
How Pet Insurance Can Help
It’s hard not to worry when your dog is sick or injured. A diagnostic exam alone may cost $75 to $200, and treating a bacterial infection with an exam, testing, antibiotics, and follow-up care can easily reach $200 to $800 or more, depending on the condition. Fortunately, having a dog insurance policy in place before the event can help reduce some of the financial worry by covering a portion of the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment.
For additional financial assistance, consider a dog wellness plan that helps budget for the costs associated with preventative medicine, such as vaccinations and wellness exams.
Antibiotics for Dogs
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by vets to help with many illnesses and injuries in dogs. If your dog needs antibiotics, be sure to follow the directions written in the prescription and avoid giving your dog any human antibiotics as the dose and concentration can be dangerous to them.
What began as one of medicine’s greatest breakthroughs continues to make a difference in veterinary care, helping dogs recover from infection and get back to muddy paws, squeaky toys, and stealing your spot on the couch.