Amoxicillin for Dogs - Is It Safe? Dosage and Side Effects

When our pets are sick, they need extra care to help them recover quickly. Sometimes, particularly if they come down with an infection, they need to see a veterinarian, who may prescribe an antibiotic to quicken recovery time. Amoxicillin is among the most common antibiotics vets prescribe.

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic primarily prescribed to humans to treat bacterial infections. In some cases, veterinarians can prescribe this drug to cats and dogs.

In dogs, Amoxicillin can treat:

Bacterial infections
Urinary tract infections
Upper respiratory infections
Bladder infections
Dental infections

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Is Amoxicillin safe for dogs?

Yes, in some cases. Talk with your veterinarian about any medications your dog takes, as well as any current or past health conditions they’ve had. If you are worried about administering this drug to your dog, talk through potential benefits and risks with their veterinarian.

Dosage

Dosing will differ for each dog, based on their age, weight and other factors. Amoxicillin is also FDA-approved for veterinary use and typically comes in tablets, capsules and sometimes liquid. Always follow your vet’s instructions for dosing. 1-800-PetMeds outlines the general dosing guidelines for Amoxicillin for dogs:

5-10mg per 1 pound of body weight every 12-24 hours

Please remember: this is just a general dosing guideline. Dosing may also differ for cats. All dosing inquiries should go directly to your pet’s veterinarian to ensure safety during treatment.

Side Effects

In some cases, dogs may experience side effects from Amoxicillin, such as:

Allergic reactions, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, swollen lips/tongue, seizures, etc.
Bleeding
Bruising
Yeast infection
Fungal infection

This list is not exhaustive. If your dog experiences any side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Final Thoughts

Remember that safety and health should be the priorities when considering administering Amoxicillin or any other prescription medication to your pet(s). Never administer Amoxicillin or any other medication without first consulting a veterinarian. If you suspect your pet is sick, call their vet immediately.

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.