Clavamox for Dog Sniffles

Clavamox is an antibiotic for dogs and cats. According to Pfizer, the manufacturer of Clavamox, the drug is the first, and still the only, potentiated penicillin approved for use on cats or dogs. The penicillin in Clavamox can kill the bacteria that lead to flu-like symptoms, including the sniffles, in dogs.

  1. Ingredients in Clavamox

    • The name "Clavamox" is an amalgamation of the words "amoxicillin" and "clavulanic acid." Its most significant ingredients are amoxicillin trihydrate, a type of antibiotic related to penicillin but with an even broader spectrum of antibacterial action, and clavulanate potassium, which inhibits the resistance mechanisms of the bacteria. These two ingredients act together in synergy, attacking or preventing bacterial infections in dogs. The drug has a 4-1 ratio of amoxicillin trihydrate to clavulanate potassium.

    Recommended Dosage

    • Clavamox comes in two dosage forms, both oral: a drinkable solution and tablets. The tablets come in varying sizes, from 62.5 milligrams to 375 milligrams. The drops of Clavamox solution contain 62.5 milligrams of Clavamox for every 1 milliliters of liquid. The recommended dosage for dogs is 6.25 milligrams per pound every 12 hours, given with food. Monitor your dog's symptoms during each 12-hour period to determine whether or not additional doses are necessary.

    Uses for Clavamox

    • Clavamox is best used to counter dog sniffles when those symptoms are part of a condition like pneumonia. The common cold is a virus, so an antibiotics are not effective against it. Parasites larger than bacteria, such as worms and mites, are also immune to Clavamox. Conditions for which Clavamox is often prescribed include bladder infections, skin infections and infections from a wound. Besides fighting bacterial infections, Clavamox has also been used successfully to treat canine periodontal disease.

    Warnings and Side Effects

    • Dogs with a history of allergic reactions to penicillin should not take Clavamox. The side effects of Clavamox on animals that are pregnant or breeding, and on their offspring, have not yet been fully determined. Some typical side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Fever, rash, swelling, a rapid heartbeat and loss of coordination are all possible allergic reactions. Before obtaining a prescription for Clavamox, tell your pharmacist or veterinarian what other medications your dog is taking.