Metronidazole, also known as Flagyl, is a common antibiotic. Vets use it to treat dogs for protozoal infections like giardia, as well as certain bacterial infections. It also tends to reduce intestinal inflammation. Overdoses are a risk.
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Side Effects
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Metronidazole has a bitter taste that can cause gagging, salivation or vomiting. Hiding the pill in food avoids this. Occasionally, it may cause diarrhea and lethargy, or even liver failure and bloody urine.
Interactions
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To avoid potentially serious complications, dogs taking anticoagulants, cimetidine or phenobarbital should not take metronidazole. Interactions can render either or both drugs ineffective.
Contraindications
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Pregnant or very young animals should not take metronidazole. Dogs with impaired liver or kidney function should receive smaller doses. Metronidazole can cause birth defects in rare cases.
Overdose
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Overdose generally only occur when a dog gets high doses over an extended period of time, or in dogs with liver disease. Symptoms include loss of appetite, incoordination, involuntary eye movement and seizures.
Alternatives
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Alternatives depend upon the specific organism causing an infection. The vet can perform a culture and sensitivity test to determine the most effective antibiotic for a particular infection.
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