Amoxicillin for Dogs: A Common Antibiotic to Treat Bacterial Infections
Key takeaways:
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that treats a variety of bacterial infections in dogs.
Amoxicillin is often combined with other antibiotics to provide broader treatment against a wide variety of bacteria.
Amoxicillin doesn’t usually cause side effects in dogs. But if side effects occur, they may include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Table of contents
Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Amoxil) is an antibiotic that’s commonly prescribed to humans. But it’s also very common in veterinary medicine. This antibiotic has been widely used to treat infections in both humans and pets for decades.
Although there are many new antibiotics, amoxicillin is still commonly used to treat dogs because it’s safe, effective, and affordable.
Amoxicillin for dogs at a glance
Common names | Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Amoxil, Amoxi-Drop, Bimox, Moxatag, Novamoxin) |
What it treats | Bacterial infections |
How it comes (available forms) | Tablets, capsules, liquid suspension |
Common side effects | Loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea |
Average cost |
What is amoxicillin for dogs, and how does it work?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by damaging their cell walls. Amoxicillin is effective against many different types of bacteria. So veterinarians use it to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections in dogs and other animals.
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Amoxicillin may be used alone or in combination with other antibiotics. For example, a common veterinary antibiotic, Clavamox, combines amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid increases amoxicillin’s effectiveness, allowing Clavamox to treat a wider range of infections.
What is amoxicillin used for in dogs?
Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of infections in dogs, including:
Bite wound infections
Skin infections
Soft tissue infections
Gastrointestinal infections
Bone infections
Urinary tract infections
Respiratory infections
However, amoxicillin can’t treat every bacterial infection because some bacteria are resistant to its effects.
Do not give your dog amoxicillin unless your veterinarian prescribes it. Giving your dog amoxicillin and other antibiotics inappropriately can contribute to antibiotic-resistant infections, like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
What’s the standard amoxicillin dosage for dogs, and how is it given?
Your veterinarian will calculate the correct amoxicillin dosage for your dog using its weight and other factors. Give amoxicillin to your dog as directed by your veterinarian.
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Other antibiotics for dogs: There are many different antibiotics for dogs, but some work better than others depending on the infection.
Amoxicillin is usually given twice a day (every 12 hours). But your veterinarian may ask you to give the medication three times a day. Do not change the dose unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.
Common forms of amoxicillin include:
Tablets
Capsules
Liquid suspension
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You can store amoxicillin tablets and capsules at room temperature. Store liquid amoxicillin in the refrigerator.
What are common side effects of amoxicillin in dogs?
Most dogs tolerate amoxicillin well. But it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of amoxicillin in dogs include:
Nausea
You can give your dog their amoxicillin dose with food to reduce the risk of side effects.
Call your veterinarian if your dog has frequent vomiting or diarrhea while taking amoxicillin. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different antibiotic for your dog’s infection or suggest how to minimize side effects.
Amoxicillin is considered safe to give to pregnant and nursing dogs.
What are the most serious risks of amoxicillin for dogs?
A small number of dogs are allergic to amoxicillin and other penicillin antibiotics. Signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin may include:
Skin rash
Hives
Swelling of the face or neck
Difficulty breathing
If your dog has an allergic reaction, stop giving them amoxicillin and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Other side effects, which are extremely rare, may include bone marrow suppression and fever.
Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about these side effects.
Does amoxicillin interact with any other dog medications?
Amoxicillin is not known to interact harmfully with any other medications.
It’s often combined with other antibiotics to treat an infection. This allows your veterinarian to treat a wider range of bacteria. Combining amoxicillin with other antibiotics typically doesn’t cause harmful interactions or increased side effects.
Even though amoxicillin has no known interactions, talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s other medications before giving them the antibiotic. Let them know about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your dog takes.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of amoxicillin?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of amoxicillin, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed one. Then, resume your dog’s normal medication schedule. Do not give your dog a double dose of amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin must be given on a set schedule to be effective. If you have trouble following the prescribed dosing schedule, talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend a different antibiotic that doesn’t require frequent doses.
Frequently asked questions
No, amoxicillin is a prescription medication. Your veterinarian must prescribe amoxicillin for your dog.
The active ingredient in pet amoxicillin and the human version are the same. However, amoxicillin is prescribed differently for dogs than it is for people. That’s why you need a prescription from your veterinarian for amoxicillin.
No, you should not give your dog an antibiotic that was prescribed for a human. While the active ingredients may be the same, the dosing is different. Ask your veterinarian for an amoxicillin prescription to make sure your pet gets the right amount of antibiotic.
The bottom line
Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It can treat a relatively wide range of bacteria in dogs. And it can be safely combined with a variety of other antibiotics.
Most dogs experience few, if any, side effects of amoxicillin. When they do occur, side effects typically include diarrhea and a loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any side effects in your dog while it’s taking amoxicillin.
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References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Antimicrobial use and resistance: FAQs for pet owners.
Brooks, W. (2022). Amoxicillin (numerous brand names). Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2022). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (clavamox, augmentin, clavacillin). Veterinary Partner.
Gwaltney-Brant, S. M. (2019). Antibiotic use in pets. Veterinary Partner.
Mercer, M. A. (2022). Use of penicillins in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides. (n.d.). Amoxicillin/clavulanate.
Zoetis Inc. (2021). Amoxi-Tabs - amoxicillin tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
