Enrofloxacin for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Severe Infections

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. 

Enrofloxacin for dogs at a glance

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:

• Low to no appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

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)

• Cyclosporine

• Iron supplements

• Levothyroxine

• Nitrofurantoin

• Sucralfate

• Tetracycline

• Theophylline

Make sure your veterinarian is aware of all your dog’s medications. This includes: 

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter 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. 

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Written by:

Catherine Barnette, DVM

Catherine Barnette, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with 14 years of experience providing preventive care, medical workups, and surgical services in a number of general veterinary practices. She also served on her county's board of health for several years and taught biology laboratories for college students.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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