Clavamox for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Skin, Dental, and Soft Tissue Infections
Key takeaways:
Clavamox (amoxicillin / clavulanate) for dogs is an antibiotic that primarily treats skin, dental, and soft tissue infections.
The most serious risks of Clavamox for dogs include allergic reactions to the antibiotic and the development of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Most dogs tolerate Clavamox very well, but some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea.
Table of contents
If your dog gets a bacterial infection, they may need antibiotics to get better. Clavamox (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic that’s used to treat skin, dental, and soft tissue infections in dogs. However, it’s not the right choice for all infections. Find out how Clavamox is used to treat dogs, about its potential side effects, and more.
Clavamox for dogs at a glance
Common names | Amoxicillin / clavulanate (Clavamox, Augmentin) |
What it treats | Bacterial skin, dental, and soft tissue infections |
How it comes (forms) | Chewable tablets, oral liquid |
Common side effects | Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea |
Average cost |
What is Clavamox for dogs, and how does it work?
Clavamox for dogs is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, such as skin, soft tissue, and dental infections. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Clavamox and other penicillin-type antibiotics cause the cell walls of bacteria to become defective. As the cell walls break down, the bacteria die.
What is Clavamox used for in dogs?
Clavamox for dogs is FDA approved for the treatment of:
Skin infections, such as rash-like dermatitis
Soft tissue infections from wounds and abscesses
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Clavamox is also sometimes used off-label to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections in dogs.
What is the typical dosage of Clavamox for dogs, and how is it given?
Clavamox for dogs comes as chewable tablets and an oral liquid. For Clavamox chewable tablets, the recommended starting dosage is 6.25 mg per pound of body weight by mouth every 12 hours. The tablets are available in a variety of doses, starting at 62.5 mg and going up to 375 mg.
The liquid form of Clavamox must be refrigerated and discarded after 10 days. The recommended starting dosage for Clavamox drops is 1 mL per 10 lbs of body weight every 12 hours.
How long your dog will need to take Clavamox depends on what type of infection they have. For example, an infection from a superficial wound may be treated for 5 to 7 days, while a deep skin infection may require 21 days of the antibiotic. Avoid giving your dog Clavamox for more than 30 days unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
What are the common side effects of Clavamox in dogs?
Though Clavamox for dogs is usually well tolerated, there are some potential side effects. The most common side effects of Clavamox are related to gastrointestinal upset. Signs include:
Puffy peepers: If your dog’s eyes swell up, you’ll want to take them to the vet and find out the cause. It could be allergies or something much more serious.
Bloat is no joke. In dogs, bloat happens when the stomach twists and cuts off the blood supply. It’s a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Is your pup showing signs of pain? No pet parent wants to see their dog suffer. Find out about pain medications and other methods used to relieve dogs’ discomfort.
What are the most serious risks of Clavamox for dogs?
The most serious risk of Clavamox for dogs is the development of an allergic reaction. Dogs who have an allergic reaction to Clavamox may experience:
Rashes
Changes to white blood cell levels
Anemia
Anaphylaxis
Contact an emergency veterinarian if your dog experiences any of these symptoms:
Hives
Swelling of the face
Difficulty breathing
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Another serious risk of Clavamox is the potential development of antibiotic-resistant infections. These types of infections usually happen when an antibiotic is prescribed too often or misused. For instance, Clavamox should not be used to treat acute diarrhea in dogs. This can pave the way for them to develop a type of E. coli bacteria that’s resistant to Clavamox.
Does Clavamox interact with any other dog medications?
Clavamox may interact with other dog medications, including immunosuppressants like methotrexate and mycophenolate and the anticlotting medication warfarin. And when Clavamox is combined with other antibiotics, it can make them less effective.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Clavamox?
If you forget to give your dog a dose of Clavamox, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue giving them the medication every 12 hours or as instructed by your veterinarian.
The bottom line
Clavamox (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic that can treat bacterial skin, dental, and soft tissue infections in dogs. It comes in chewable tablets and an oral liquid. Clavamox may cause stomach upset in dogs, resulting in low appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. When not used as directed, Clavamox can also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, so follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely.
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References
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Amoxicillin/clavulanate. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Brooks, W. (2022). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin, Clavacillin). Veterinary Partner.
Ocampo, P. S., et al. (2014). Antagonism between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics is prevalent. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
Werner, M., et al. (2020). Effect of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid on clinical scores, intestinal microbiome, and amoxicillin-resistant Escherichia coli in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Zoetis. (2019). Clavamox drops - amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Zoetis. (2020). Clavamox chewable (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets) [package insert].
Zoetis. (2023). Clavamox - amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, chewable [package insert].
