About Metronidazole 250mg for Dogs

Metronidazole 250mg is a popular medication dispensed by veterinarians to treat a wide variety of gastric and bowel problems in dogs. It is only available by prescription. It has not been approved by the FDA for use in animals, yet it is used by many vets not only to treat dogs, but also cats and horses.

  1. About the Drug

    • Metronidazole is one of many different types of antibiotic drugs. It is bactericidal, and is mainly used in dogs to treat gastric bacterial infections. Metronidazole is also an anti-inflammatory, so it is often used to treat certain canine bowel conditions.

    Metronidazole and Dogs

    • Vets proscribe Metronidazole for canines to treat inflammatory bowel disease, colitis and diarrhea. It is dispensed in doses that are multiples of 250mg. The general rule o thumb is that dogs 85 lbs. and under take 250mg, canines over 85 lbs. take 500mg, and massive dogs (Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, etc.) take 750mg. Metronidazole is given with food, and most manufacturers make it available in a variety of flavors to help mask its otherwise bitter taste.

    Side Effects

    • Metronidazole is prescribed for short-term use, as most side effects start becoming visible seven to 12 days into treatment.
      The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. Signs of this may include an unusual amount of salivating, a constant sticking of the tongue out of the mouth, pawing the mouth and similar actions. Another common side affect is a decrease in appetite.
      Less common side effects include depression and lethargy. Severe, although rarer, side effects include blood in the urine and liver failure.

    Warnings

    • Metronidazole is never prescribed for puppies. It is also not given to pregnant dogs, since it has been shown to cause birth defects in laboratory experiments. Lastly, it is generally not given to dogs with liver or kidney problems.

    Drug Interactions

    • Caution must be used for dogs given phenobarbital in order to control seizures. Phenobarbital has been shown to increase Metronidazole's rate of absorption in the body. Care must also be taken if the animal is given blood anticoagulants, as it has been shown to negatively interact with coumarin medications.