Enrofloxacin for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Severe Infections
Key takeaways:
Enrofloxacin (Baytril) is an antibiotic used to treat infections in dogs that don’t respond to other antibiotics.
Veterinarians may prescribe enrofloxacin to treat skin infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Side effects of enrofloxacin in dogs are uncommon, but can include diarrhea and vomiting.
Table of contents
Bacterial infections in dogs are often treated with antibiotics. Some are considered first-choice antibiotics. These standard medications treat common bacterial infections in dogs.
Other antibiotics, like enrofloxacin (Baytril), are only used in special situations. Veterinarians prescribe enrofloxacin for severe infections and when other antibiotics aren’t effective.
Read on to learn more about enrofloxacin, including its uses, dosage, and side effects.
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Enrofloxacin for dogs at a glance
Common names | Enrofloxacin (Baytril) |
What it treats | Resistant bacterial infections |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets, oral liquid, injectable solution |
Common side effects | Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea |
What is enrofloxacin for dogs, and how does it work?
Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in dogs. Enrofloxacin works by preventing bacterial reproduction, causing the harmful bacteria to die.
Antibiotics can be divided into classes based on their characteristics. Enrofloxacin belongs to a medication class known as fluoroquinolones. These antibiotics interfere with the DNA inside the bacteria, resulting in bacterial death.
Other fluoroquinolones used in dogs include:
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Ofloxacin
What is enrofloxacin used for in dogs?
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic — an antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections. It’s FDA approved to treat bacterial infections in dogs, such as:
Urinary tract infections
Skin infections
Pneumonia and upper respiratory infections
Gastrointestinal infections
Veterinarians rarely prescribe enrofloxacin for mild, first-time infections. Instead, they’ll use it for infections that don't respond to other antibiotics. This may help prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure enrofloxacin works when needed.
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What is the typical enrofloxacin dose, and how is it given to dogs?
Your veterinarian will determine your dog's dosage based on their body weight and the type of infection they have. Some infections need high doses of enrofloxacin. Others respond well to low doses.
You’ll give your dog enrofloxacin once or twice a day. Follow your veterinarian's directions for dosage closely. This will maximize the benefits of treatment while reducing the risk of side effects.
It’s best not to give your dog enrofloxacin with cheese or other high-calcium foods. They can interfere with absorption of enrofloxacin.
What are the common side effects of enrofloxacin in dogs?
The most common side effects of enrofloxacin in dogs involve stomach upset, such as:
Giving your dog enrofloxacin with food can help reduce the risk of tummy troubles. But if your dog stops eating or starts throwing up while taking enrofloxacin, contact your veterinarian.
What are the most serious risks of enrofloxacin for dogs?
Serious risks in dogs are rare, but can happen.
Some dogs have seizures and/or become uncoordinated while taking enrofloxacin. If enrofloxacin seems to affect your dog's nervous system, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian. If your regular veterinarian isn’t available, contact your local emergency veterinary hospital.
Veterinarians usually don’t prescribe enrofloxacin to puppies because it can affect cartilage growth in young dogs. In some cases, though, a life-threatening infection may not respond to other antibiotics. So the benefits of enrofloxacin may outweigh the risk of cartilage damage. Veterinarians typically weigh the pros and cons and recommend the best treatment for your dog.
Does enrofloxacin interact with any other dog medications?
Enrofloxacin may interact with other medications. These interactions may increase the risk of side effects and reduce the benefits of enrofloxacin.
Medications that may interact with enrofloxacin include:
Antacids
Steroids (such as prednisone)
Iron supplements
Levothyroxine
Nitrofurantoin
Sucralfate
Tetracycline
Make sure your veterinarian is aware of all your dog’s medications. This includes:
Prescription medications
Supplements
This will help your veterinarian reduce the risk of interactions with other medications.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of enrofloxacin?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of enrofloxacin, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your dog’s regular dosage schedule.
Do not give a double dose of enrofloxacin to your dog.
The bottom line
Enrofloxacin (Baytril) is an antibiotic that treats serious infections in dogs that don’t respond to other antibiotics. Enrofloxacin is used for skin, urinary, and upper respiratory infections. Veterinarians only prescribe enrofloxacin as needed to help prevent antibiotic resistance.
Some dogs have mild stomach upset, like vomiting or diarrhea, while taking enrofloxacin. Fortunately, serious side effects are rare. If your dog has side effects while taking enrofloxacin, contact your veterinarian.
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References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance.
Brooks, W. (2024). Enrofloxacin (baytril). Veterinary Partner.
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Enalapril. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Elanco US Inc. (2023). Baytril - enrofloxacin tablet, coated [package insert].
Grabowski, L., et al. (2022). Enrofloxacin—the ruthless killer of eukaryotic cells or the last hope in the fight against bacterial infections? International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Mercer, M. A., et al. (2022). Quinolones, including fluoroquinolones, use in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
