Side Effects of Baytril in Dogs

Baytril is the brand name for enrofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic. It is made by Bayer Animal Health. Unlike some other antibiotics, Baytril is approved for use in dogs by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), according to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat." Baytril is thought to produce fewer side effects than penicillin-based antibiotics.

  1. Digestive Side Effects

    • Baytril may cause nausea and vomiting in dogs. Because of the nausea, the dog's appetite will decrease. This nausea may also be accompanied by diarrhea, a common side effect for any antibiotic used in dogs. According to Bayer Animal Health, vomiting usually occurs because the dog has been given too large a dose. Contact a vet if your dog vomits.

    Neurological Side Effects

    • Baytril may cause dizziness or coordination problems in dogs, according to Bayer Animal Health. "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat" notes that dogs that already have a disease or problem with their central nervous system will be more prone to dizziness or seizures than other kinds of dogs. For this reason, Bayer Animal Health recommends that Baytril not be given to dogs with seizure problems like epilepsy or encephalitis ("water on the brain"). Contact a vet immediately if your dog has seizures.

    Urinary Side Effects

    • Baytril may cause crystals consisting of enrofloxacin to form in urine. These crystals could make bladder stones and block the urinary tract, making urine painful to pass. Dr. Brooks notes that this side effect is rare. Signs of crystals in the urine include dizziness, coordination problems, extreme thirst and an inability of the skin to bounce back into place when pulled. These symptoms occur because dogs forming urine crystals become dehydrated.

    Developmental Side Effects

    • Developmental side effects only occur in puppies under eight months old. Baytril can interfere with joint cartilage development. As puppies grow and their bodies produce joint cartilage, Baytril may erode it away. For this reason, puppies should never be given Baytril.