Clavamox Side Effects in Puppies

Clavamox is a good, broad spectrum antibiotic that combines amoxicillin and clavulanate acid. The addition of the clavulanate acid helps to breakdown the protective barrier of some bacteria that prevents the amoxicillin from working. Clavamox is routinely administered to cats and dogs and is safe to use even in young animals. It is most commonly used to treat skin infections caused by Strep.

  1. Digestive Upset

    • One of the main side effects of using Clavamox is digestive upset. The symptoms of digestive upset include vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite. These side effects are common among most antibiotics and can be prevented by feeding the puppy before administering the medication.

    Allergic Reaction

    • Another side effect of using Clavamox in puppies is an allergic reaction. Just like in people, puppies can be allergic to a number of substances and antibiotics are one of them. Dogs that have shown to have sensitivity to penicillin or amoxicillin should not be given Clavamox. Symptoms of allergic reaction include swelling, especially around the face and tongue, itching, difficulty breathing and hives. Treatment for severe allergic reactions should be administered immediately as this could be a life threatening condition. Treatments include steroid injections, antihistamines, and supportive care.

    Drug Interactions

    • Clavamox has shown to have an adverse effect on animals using chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Consult your veterinarian before administering Clavamox to animals taking either of these medications.

    Pregnant Dogs

    • Pregnant dogs should not be given Clavamox because the drug could potentially cause birth defects, though there are no current studies that indicate this is an issue.