Amoxicillin Dosage for a Severe Infection

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is used in both humans and animals. More specifically, amoxicillin is used in dogs for severe bacterial infections and often after a surgery. Available by prescription only, many veterinarians rely on amoxicillin dosage for ear infections, skin infections, bite wounds or puncture wounds, urinary tract infections and tooth infections.

  1. Dosage Details

    • Amoxicillin dosage for a severe infection in dogs is usually 5 to 10 mg per pound every 12 to 24 hours. Most veterinarians determine each dosage on a case-by-case basis because of side effects and drug interactions associated with amoxicillin. The medication can be given with or without food.

    Time Frame

    • Amoxicillin will being interfering with the production of the bacteria immediately, and it usually takes three to four days for a dog to show improvement. As always, it is important to finish the medication prescribed even when the dog shows signs of improvement earlier in the treatment.

    How It Works

    • The amoxicillin dosage reduces the growth of the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic does this through stopping the bacterial cells from forming a cell wall. Amoxicillin is used only for bacterial infections and not for viral infections.

    Dosage Side Effects

    • Possible side effects of amoxicillin are severe diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, allergic reaction, hives, shortness of breath, rash, fainting, seizures, bleeding or bruising. These side effects are considered serious, and treatment should be stopped immediately. A veterinarian should be contacted right away. Less severe side effects of amoxicillin that should be monitored while continuing treatment are mild nausea, mild vomiting, mild diarrhea, abdominal pain and fungal or yeast infection.

    Dosage Interactions

    • If the dog is on any other form of antibiotic for any reason, the two medications could interact and cause a problem, so the veterinarian should be informed. Possible drug interactions with herbal remedies, minerals and vitamins may occur as well, so always discuss anything your dog is taking. If the dog has ever showed signs of sensitivity to penicillin, amoxicillin should not be administered.