Amoxicillin for Dogs
Amoxicillin is the generic name for a moderate-spectrum antibiotic that is related to penicillin. It is available only with a prescription and is used for dogs, cats and humans. Brand names for amoxicillin include Amoxi-tabs, Amoxi-Drops and Robamox for veterinary formulations and Amoxil, Polymox, Moxatag and Trimox for human formulations.
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Function
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Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by preventing cell wall formation in bacteria cells, which inhibits their growth. It is rapidly absorbed and will infuse all body tissues except the brain and spinal fluid (unless meninges are inflamed). It does not work on viruses or parasites.
Usage
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Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infections such as those that may occur in wounds, tooth abscesses, bladder infections, respiratory infections, genitourinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections and bacterial dermatitis. It is known to be effective on the following strains of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli (E coli), Pneumococci, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Proteus mirabilis. However, some strains of bacteria are resistant such as strains of Pseudomonas and some Klebsiella bacteria strains.
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Dosage
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The recommended dosage for dogs is 5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours. Amoxicillin is typically prescribed for five to seven days. If no improvement is seen after five days, contact your veterinarian. If a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next does. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not give your dog more medication than recommended. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, include muscle spasms or weakness, diarrhea pain or twitching, seizures, confusion, coma, agitation or abdominal pain.
Side Effects
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As with any medication, amoxicillin may cause side effects. The most common side effect is loose stools or diarrhea due to the fact that the antibiotic has killed bacteria found in the intestinal tract. Contact your vet if the diarrhea continues for several days, is bloody or becomes severe. Yeast and fungal infections may also occur after a dog is treated with an antibiotic. Other side effects include nausea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain and vomiting (which, along with diarrhea, are symptoms of an overdose). Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned an overdose may have occurred, if the side effects become bothersome or if unusual side effects occur.
Allergic Reaction
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Rarely, amoxicillin can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur immediately or be delayed. They include fever, rashes, hives, fainting, shortness of breath or labored breathing, rapid heartbeat, imbalance and swelling in the face, lips, tongue or limbs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms develop.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Bovinity
