Dogs
Bacterial infections and diseases are quite common in canines. When it comes to conditions where the causal organism is a bacterium, the treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics that are either bactericidal or bacteriostatic in nature. While the active compounds present in bactericidal drugs have the ability to kill bacteria, bacteriostatic drugs contain agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria by preventing them from multiplying. Antibiotics for dogs are available in the form of chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, and ointments. It is essential to consult a veterinarian before giving an antibiotic to your dog. Here's a list of the most common antibiotics for canines and the conditions that they are used to treat.
Antibiotics for Dogs
Warning
Dogs could develop an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. Dog owners must be very cautious while giving antibiotics to their pets. It is essential to know about adverse drug interactions. An overdose could be harmful for the dog in ways more than one, so care should be taken while administering these medicines at home. Do check the expiration date on the drugs.
Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Biomox, Robamox-V, Amoxi-Drop, Amoxi-Inject)
This is a general all-purpose antibiotic that works well in fighting against infections by various kinds of bacteria. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drug when it comes to treating bacterial infections.
What is it Used For
Tooth infections
Upper respiratory tract infections
Bladder infections
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin)
This antibiotic is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. While amoxicillin prevents bacteria from growing, clavulanic acid inhibits the activity of certain types of bacteria that produce beta-lactamases. It is available in the form of liquid (suspension), tablets and chewable tablets. It specifically addresses infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
What is it Used For
Infected bite wounds
Skin infections
Periodontitis
Kennel Cough
Klebsiella infections
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin)
This drug is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is effective against infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
What is it Used For
Ear infections
Bladder infections
Abscesses
Skin infections
Side Effects
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can therefore act against different types of bacteria. It is effective when it comes to treating infections that are caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
What is it Used For
Pneumonia
Problems associated with prostate gland
Eye infections
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in large breed dogs
Side Effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Blood dyscrasia (rare)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
This oral antibiotic is available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup, coated capsule, and liquid (suspension).
What is it Used For
Lyme disease
Upper respiratory tract disorders
Infection caused due to tick infestation
Urinary tract infections
Side Effects
Staining of teeth
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Scarring of esophagus
Diarrhea (rare)
Changes in blood cells (rare)
Liver damage (rare)
Photosensitivity (rare)
Erythromycin (Ery-tab, EryPed, Eryc)
This is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein biosynthesis. It is believed to be a good alternative for penicillin and is prescribed for those who are allergic to penicillin.
What is it Used For
Digestive ailments
Intestinal infections
Infections caused by Campylobacter bacteria
Side Effects
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Orbifloxacin (Orbax)
This is a broad-spectrum bactericidal drug that is placed under the category of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It destroys bacteria by curbing the synthesis of bacterial DNA.
What is it Used For
Infections caused by Pseudomonas
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Soft tissue infections
Side Effects
Vomiting
Behavioral changes
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
This is a sulfonamide drug that is not only effective as an antibacterial drug, but is also anti-inflammatory in nature. It is available in the form of delayed-release and enteric-coated tablets.
What is it Used For
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Side Effects
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Jaundice, fever, rash and blood dyscrasia (rare side effects seen in dogs being treated for colitis)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
This antibiotic is used specifically to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. It is also used for treating protozoal infections. It disrupts the DNA of bacteria, thereby killing them.
What is it Used For
Colitis
Diarrhea
Intestinal infections
Side Effects
Excessive drooling
Gagging
Sudden liver failure (rare)
Diarrhea (rare)
Low energy levels (rare)
Dark urine (rare)
Blood in stool (rare)
Trimethoprim Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim)
This is a sulfa drug that is prescribed for treating bacterial infections. This combination of trimethoprim and sulfa curbs the growth of bacteria. The sulfonamides curb the synthesis of folic acid, and trimethoprim inhibits the synthesis of para-amino benzoic acid. This sequential blockade curbs the process of DNA replication, thereby killing bacteria.
What is it Used For
Kennel cough
Prostate infections
Infections caused by Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Side Effects
Sulfa crystals in urine
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Anemia (rare)
Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetracap, Tetracyn, Sumycin, Tetralan)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins that are necessary for the growth of bacteria.
What is it Used For
Prostate infections
Eye infections
Lyme disease
Urinary tract infections
Leptospirosis
Toxoplasmosis
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Formation of urinary stones (rare)
Staining of teeth in puppies
It is essential to inform the veterinarian about the drugs that your dog may be allergic to. If you are giving any other drug to your pet, make sure that you inform the veterinarian about it. This will lower the risk of adverse drug interactions. Comply with the guidelines regarding dosage and the duration for which the drug is prescribed. You can also include some probiotics in your pet's diet to maintain the levels of friendly bacteria. This is essential for your dog's health and betterment.
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.
- Bacterial Infections In Dogs
Dogs are susceptible to a variety of bacterial and viral infections, some of which can even prove fatal for them. Skin, eye, ear, urinary tract, kidneys, nervous system and even the respiratory system of the dog is vulnerable to such bacterial infections....
- Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases that affects canines. Research has shown that approximately 14% of dogs may get affected by this infection. Bacteria are usually the causal pathogens for urinary tract infections...
- Meloxicam For Dogs
Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) group. Meloxicam is prescribed for treating pain and inflammation in dogs, cats and humans. This drug is similar to Ibuprofen and Advil and is...
- Mrsa Infection In Dogs
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- Kidney Infection In Dogs
In canines, like humans, the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating toxins through urine. The kidneys consist of filters which are known as nephrons, that help the kidneys in producing urine. These filters are in very large in...
Dogs
Antibiotics for Canines
Bacterial infections and diseases are quite common in canines. When it comes to conditions where the causal organism is a bacterium, the treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics that are either bactericidal or bacteriostatic in nature. While the active compounds present in bactericidal drugs have the ability to kill bacteria, bacteriostatic drugs contain agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria by preventing them from multiplying. Antibiotics for dogs are available in the form of chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, and ointments. It is essential to consult a veterinarian before giving an antibiotic to your dog. Here's a list of the most common antibiotics for canines and the conditions that they are used to treat.
Antibiotics for Dogs
Warning
Dogs could develop an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. Dog owners must be very cautious while giving antibiotics to their pets. It is essential to know about adverse drug interactions. An overdose could be harmful for the dog in ways more than one, so care should be taken while administering these medicines at home. Do check the expiration date on the drugs.
Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Biomox, Robamox-V, Amoxi-Drop, Amoxi-Inject)
This is a general all-purpose antibiotic that works well in fighting against infections by various kinds of bacteria. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drug when it comes to treating bacterial infections.
What is it Used For
Tooth infections
Upper respiratory tract infections
Bladder infections
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin)
This antibiotic is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. While amoxicillin prevents bacteria from growing, clavulanic acid inhibits the activity of certain types of bacteria that produce beta-lactamases. It is available in the form of liquid (suspension), tablets and chewable tablets. It specifically addresses infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
What is it Used For
Infected bite wounds
Skin infections
Periodontitis
Kennel Cough
Klebsiella infections
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin)
This drug is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is effective against infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
What is it Used For
Ear infections
Bladder infections
Abscesses
Skin infections
Side Effects
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can therefore act against different types of bacteria. It is effective when it comes to treating infections that are caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
What is it Used For
Pneumonia
Problems associated with prostate gland
Eye infections
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in large breed dogs
Side Effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Blood dyscrasia (rare)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
This oral antibiotic is available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup, coated capsule, and liquid (suspension).
What is it Used For
Lyme disease
Upper respiratory tract disorders
Infection caused due to tick infestation
Urinary tract infections
Side Effects
Staining of teeth
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Scarring of esophagus
Diarrhea (rare)
Changes in blood cells (rare)
Liver damage (rare)
Photosensitivity (rare)
Erythromycin (Ery-tab, EryPed, Eryc)
This is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein biosynthesis. It is believed to be a good alternative for penicillin and is prescribed for those who are allergic to penicillin.
What is it Used For
Digestive ailments
Intestinal infections
Infections caused by Campylobacter bacteria
Side Effects
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Orbifloxacin (Orbax)
This is a broad-spectrum bactericidal drug that is placed under the category of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It destroys bacteria by curbing the synthesis of bacterial DNA.
What is it Used For
Infections caused by Pseudomonas
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Soft tissue infections
Side Effects
Vomiting
Behavioral changes
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
This is a sulfonamide drug that is not only effective as an antibacterial drug, but is also anti-inflammatory in nature. It is available in the form of delayed-release and enteric-coated tablets.
What is it Used For
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Side Effects
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Jaundice, fever, rash and blood dyscrasia (rare side effects seen in dogs being treated for colitis)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
This antibiotic is used specifically to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. It is also used for treating protozoal infections. It disrupts the DNA of bacteria, thereby killing them.
What is it Used For
Colitis
Diarrhea
Intestinal infections
Side Effects
Excessive drooling
Gagging
Sudden liver failure (rare)
Diarrhea (rare)
Low energy levels (rare)
Dark urine (rare)
Blood in stool (rare)
Trimethoprim Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim)
This is a sulfa drug that is prescribed for treating bacterial infections. This combination of trimethoprim and sulfa curbs the growth of bacteria. The sulfonamides curb the synthesis of folic acid, and trimethoprim inhibits the synthesis of para-amino benzoic acid. This sequential blockade curbs the process of DNA replication, thereby killing bacteria.
What is it Used For
Kennel cough
Prostate infections
Infections caused by Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Side Effects
Sulfa crystals in urine
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Anemia (rare)
Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetracap, Tetracyn, Sumycin, Tetralan)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins that are necessary for the growth of bacteria.
What is it Used For
Prostate infections
Eye infections
Lyme disease
Urinary tract infections
Leptospirosis
Toxoplasmosis
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Formation of urinary stones (rare)
Staining of teeth in puppies
It is essential to inform the veterinarian about the drugs that your dog may be allergic to. If you are giving any other drug to your pet, make sure that you inform the veterinarian about it. This will lower the risk of adverse drug interactions. Comply with the guidelines regarding dosage and the duration for which the drug is prescribed. You can also include some probiotics in your pet's diet to maintain the levels of friendly bacteria. This is essential for your dog's health and betterment.
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.
- Bacterial Infections In Dogs
Dogs are susceptible to a variety of bacterial and viral infections, some of which can even prove fatal for them. Skin, eye, ear, urinary tract, kidneys, nervous system and even the respiratory system of the dog is vulnerable to such bacterial infections....
- Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common diseases that affects canines. Research has shown that approximately 14% of dogs may get affected by this infection. Bacteria are usually the causal pathogens for urinary tract infections...
- Meloxicam For Dogs
Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) group. Meloxicam is prescribed for treating pain and inflammation in dogs, cats and humans. This drug is similar to Ibuprofen and Advil and is...
- Mrsa Infection In Dogs
Does your dog keep licking a certain spot, making it look red and patchy and gross? Your furry friend may have a staph infection. There is only one way to diagnose a staph infection, though, and that is to take your dog to a veterinarian. If you...
- Kidney Infection In Dogs
In canines, like humans, the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and eliminating toxins through urine. The kidneys consist of filters which are known as nephrons, that help the kidneys in producing urine. These filters are in very large in...