What are the Pros and Cons of Amoxicillin for Dogs?

The pros of using amoxicillin for dogs generally outweigh the cons of using this method of treatment because it is an effective treatment for many forms of bacterial infection. Allergic reactions do occur in some dogs, so this drug should not be used for those pets. Any dog with an allergy to penicillin should also avoid amoxicillin, because both medications have similar compositions and ingredients.

Usually, the use of amoxicillin for dogs is both safe and effective. It is a commonly used drug both in pets and in humans, and it can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This medication works by destroying the proteins needed for bacteria to grow and reproduce, thus killing them off. For most patients, this works within a few days. Symptoms can subside within a few hours.

The main downside to using amoxicillin for dogs is that this medication does cause side effects. These can include stomach upset, dizziness, and sometimes fatigue or headache. For most animals, side effects are short-lived and mild, and they generally subside as soon as the medication is discontinued. More rarely, a serious allergic reaction may occur. Symptoms of this may include hives, trouble breathing, and severe swelling. An allergic reaction in which the patient is having trouble breathing should be considered a medical emergency.

It is important that patients are given the full dose of medication prescribed. Failure to do so could lead to a recurrent infection because sometimes the bacteria can grow back quickly if not enough medication is given. The full dose should be given even if symptoms subside very quickly, as this reduces the risk of reinfection.

The dosage of amoxicillin for dogs will depend on the age, height, and weight of the animal. This medication is generally considered safe for puppies as well as older dogs. In most cases amoxicillin has to be prescribed by a veterinarian. Pet owners should take their dogs to the vet if signs of infection become apparent. These can include sneezing, runny nose or eyes, coughing, excessive mucus production, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Many times an infection will clear on its own, but if the condition worsens or does not improve, medication care may be needed.