Antibiotics for Puppies

When your puppy falls ill, it is critical to take it to the vet for medical treatment. A virus or bacterial infection that is left untreated can manifest into something chronic or even fatal. Veterinarians prescribe puppies with antibiotics, similar to what humans take, in order to fight off various types of illnesses, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the kinds of antibiotics for puppies that are out there.

  1. Types

    • Antibiotics treat infections, and different ones are prescribed for different types of ailments. For instance, cephalexin, enrofloxacin and orbifloxacin are antibiotics commonly prescribed for skin infections, while others have anti-inflammatory properties for different types of bacterial infections, such as tylosin and metronidazole.

    Dosage

    • Your vet will prescribe the correct dosage of antibiotics for your puppy according to your puppy's weight. Larger canines require larger doses of antibiotics to cure ailments, while smaller, lightweight dogs require smaller quantities. Giving a larger dog more medication does not make the treatment any more potent or effective. As an example, according to Dr. Mark Papich, the typical dosage of amoxicillin for canines is between 5 mg to 12 mg per pound of dog weight, two or three times per day.

    Warnings

    • If you have to give your dog a prescription antibiotic, read up on the types of side effects that the medicine can cause. Some antibiotics have side effects that include vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain, drowsiness and dry mouth. In addition, you must also read the warning label on the prescription bottle to find out what types of other medications to avoid while your puppy is taking the prescription. Some prescribed medications can cause fatal reactions when combined with things like pain relievers, which some dog owners give to their dogs.

    Misconceptions

    • Although your puppy may be prescribed an antibiotic that is the same as a human antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, it is never a good idea to share prescriptions with your puppy. Do not give your puppy your dose of antibiotics, or vice versa.