Many dogs will swallow just about anything, and this tendency has made dogs susceptible to a multitude of intestinal illnesses. E. coli, a bacteria found in raw chicken and beef, can also be passed to a dog by ingesting feces and in some cases through their food. Fortunately, there are many medications on the market to get a dog back in good health.
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Cephalexin
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This antibiotic (also known as Keflex) is related to penicillin but is preferred over penicillin because it affects a wider range of bacteria, including E. coli. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the drug for use on dogs, but it is widely prescribed by veterinarians. Cephalexin works by preventing bacteria from forming a protective cell wall. This allows the dog's immune system to kill off the bacteria without trouble. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects, and a veterinarian should be consulted if they appear.
Amoxicillin
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Perhaps the most common prescription against E. coli and urinary tract infection (UTI,) amoxicillin is used in both humans and animals to treat much the same illnesses. This drug works best on bacteria that require oxygen to survive, like E. coli, and seem to have fewer incidents of side effects than cephalexin. This drug is most commonly administered to dogs in their food as a chewable tablet, which can lower the risk of side effects. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes and hyper-toxicity on rare occasions.
Enrofloxacin
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Baytril is the commercial name of this antibiotic. Enrofloxacin belongs to a family of drugs called fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin), which are all mostly used to treat UTI and microbial infection along the urinary tract. The drug works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA within bacteria, which stops all reproduction of microbial cells. Doses are typically taken orally with food and determined by the dog's weight, although for severe cases there are injections available. This drug can interact negatively with other medications and supplements, so it is important to tell your veterinarian all of the medications and supplements taken by the pet. Side effects include diarrhea, loose stools, damage to cartilage and seizures. Enrofloxacin should not be administered to puppies under 28 weeks of age.
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