If your dog’s been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, we understand wanting to help them feel better as soon as possible. But don’t fret. If your veterinarian prescribed amoxicillin — an oral antibiotic used to treat infections — they’re on the right path.
There are some caveats to giving your dog this medication, though. For instance, don’t grab your own prescription of amoxicillin to treat your pup’s sickness. Keep reading to learn our vet-approved tips for serving this medication.
Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are caused by bacteria entering the bladder, Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says.
Before prescribing this medication, your veterinarian might send a sample of your dog's urine for a culture to learn more about their bacterial issue. This way, the vet can be sure amoxicillin is the right course of action.
If your dog's ears are bothering them, have a vet examine a swab sample under a microscope to determine the cause.
Ear infections aren’t always caused by bacteria — yeast, mites, foreign material and allergies are often behind this condition. Typically, ear infections are treated by applying the medication directly to the ear canal rather than by prescribing an oral medication like amoxicillin.
A veterinarian has to prescribe amoxicillin to your pup. Visiting the vet’s office will allow them to rule out any other conditions behind your dog’s sick symptoms and provide the right treatment plan.
Don’t substitute your amoxicillin for your pup’s — especially without your veterinarian’s guidance. You’re likely to have the incorrect dosage that could harm your dog.
How much amoxicillin your dog needs depends on their body weight. Your pup will be prescribed enough medication for most infections to last 1 to 2 weeks. For more severe cases, they may need treatment for longer.
“Due to the rise of resistant bacteria, antibiotics should be given exactly as prescribed,” Dr. McCullough says. “So don’t skip doses. Continue the medication until it’s gone even if your dog feels better, and don’t share any antibiotics with other pets or humans.”
Amoxicillin may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. To lessen the chance of stomach upset, it’s best to give this medication with a meal.
Even though it’s a very safe drug, other rare side effects may include:
You’ll need an up-to-date prescription to purchase amoxicillin for your pup. If your vet prescribes the medication, they’ll likely be able to send you home with it at the end of your appointment.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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