Amoxicillin for dogs
Amoxicillin is a veterinary antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of activity. It is often used to treat respiratory diseases, as well as gastrointestinal and genitourinary conditions caused by harmful microorganisms. It is highly effective and considered one of the safest antibiotics for dogs.
Content
General description
The antibiotic most commonly used for dogs is a suspension intended for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. The white liquid is packaged in glass vials, which are sealed with rubber stoppers and sealed with aluminum caps. The main ingredient in the medication is amoxicillin trihydrate. Its concentration in the medication is 150 mg per 1 ml of suspension. The composition also includes an oily filler, which plays a special role – it ensures the prolonged action of the main component.
Please note! Once opened, the medicine should not be stored for more than 28 days.
The antibacterial agent is also available in the following pharmacological forms:
- Tablets. May contain 0.25 and 0.5 g of the active ingredient. The tablets are resistant to gastric juice and are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Powder for oral administration. The active ingredient concentration is 150 mg amoxicillin per gram of powder. It is packaged in polymer sachets of varying sizes, from 1 g to 1 kg.
The main active ingredient, amoxicillin, is a semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic. Its main advantage is its broad spectrum of activity. The medication is active against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These include:
- streptococci;
- staphylococci;
- salmonella;
- Enterobacter;
- pseudomonads;
- erysipeloids;
- pasteurella;
- listeria, etc.
A complete list of bacteria against which Amoxicillin is effective when used in veterinary medicine for dogs can be found in the instructions included with the medication.
How it works
The drug works by blocking the production of substances that support bacterial life and reproduction upon entering the body. As a result, the bacterial cell is destroyed.
Once administered, the medication quickly spreads throughout the body from the injection site. This makes Amoxicillin effective in killing harmful bacteria, regardless of their primary location. Within just 1-2 hours, the concentration of the antibacterial agent in the animal's blood plasma reaches its maximum. Thanks to its oily excipient, the medication's effect lasts for 2 days. The active ingredient is eliminated from the body through bile and urine. It is not metabolized in the pet's body and is excreted unchanged.
Please note! Amoxicillin is considered a safe antibacterial agent and should not be used without a doctor's prescription. Use of the medication should only be done after an examination and an accurate diagnosis.
Indications for use of the veterinary drug
According to the instructions for use in veterinary medicine, Amoxicillin is used in dogs to treat the following diseases:
- gastroenteritis;
- enteritis;
- gastroenterocolitis;
- pathologies caused by other intestinal infections;
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- rhinitis;
- respiratory diseases;
- endometritis;
- pyelonephritis;
- mastitis;
- cystitis;
- arthritis;
- joint inflammation;
- leptospirosis;
- parainfluenza, etc.
The medication can also be prescribed for inflammatory processes in soft tissues or skin caused by microorganisms sensitive to amoxicillin. It is also used to treat and prevent complications after surgery, for serious wounds, and for those at risk of infection.
Instructions for use
Due to the drug's long-lasting action and high effectiveness, injections are given as a single dose. If the disease is advanced or severe, a repeat injection may be required after two days. The decision to repeat the injection should be made solely by a doctor.
A key advantage of antibiotic suspension is its ease of dosing. The required amount of medication is calculated at 1 ml of suspension per 10 kg of body weight. The animal's breed and age are irrelevant; the dosage is always calculated the same. The drug can be administered intramuscularly (into the leg muscle) or subcutaneously (under the fold of the neck). Shake the suspension well before use to ensure it is homogeneous. Sterile syringes should be used for injections. Disposable syringes are preferred.
If tablets are used for treatment, the daily dose is 12.5 mg of active substance per 1 kg of body weight. It is recommended to split the daily dose into two doses. The duration of treatment should not exceed 7 days, but is determined by the doctor on a case-by-case basis.
The powder is administered with food or water at a dosage of 2 g per 10 kg of body weight once daily. Treatment duration is 3 to 5 days, depending on symptoms and the severity of the condition.
Please note! If tablets or powder are used, after a course of antibacterial therapy, the animal is prescribed lactobifidobacteria to restore intestinal microflora and prevent the development of dysbiosis.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug should not be used on dogs with known hypersensitivity to penicillin antibiotics. If the animal has not previously been treated with penicillin-type antibiotics, the reaction should be monitored during the first administration. This antibacterial agent has no other contraindications and can be used in dogs of all breeds and sizes. Consulting a doctor is essential if the animal has severe kidney disease.
Amoxicillin is generally well-tolerated by animals and has no side effects. In cases of hypersensitivity to the drug, an allergic reaction may develop. In this case, further use of Amoxicillin is discontinued, and the animal is prescribed symptomatic treatment. Medications are selected individually depending on the specific allergy symptoms.
In rare cases, slight swelling may occur at the injection site. No special treatment is required; redness and swelling will resolve on their own within 1-2 days. To prevent swelling, it is recommended to gently massage the injection site after administering the suspension. This will help evenly distribute the fluid throughout the soft tissues.
Please note: It is strictly forbidden to mix Amoxicillin with any other medications.
The drug should not be used simultaneously with other antibacterial agents or chemotherapeutic drugs.
Price
The price of Amoxicillin depends on the dosage form and packaging size. Below are approximate prices from online pharmacies:
- 20 tablets – about 100 rubles;
- injection solution 10 ml – 200-260 rubles;
- injection solution 100 ml – 600-800 rubles.
If the drug you need isn't available at the pharmacy, you can purchase one of the generic versions. Several antibacterial medications containing the active ingredient amoxicillin are available.
Owner reviews
Margarita, the terrier's owner:
"When the dog's temperature rose to almost 104 degrees Fahrenheit, we immediately rushed her to the hospital. The poor animal was shaking all over. The doctor diagnosed salmonella and prescribed antibiotics. Just two hours after the Amoxicillin injection, the dog felt significantly better. A second injection was not necessary, and our beloved dog recovered. We observed no side effects."
Anton, owner of an East European Shepherd:
"We live in a private house, and our dog is constantly wandering around the yard. One day, he cut his paw on a piece of rusty metal. The wound took a long time to heal, even though we used antiseptic and special ointments. When it started to fester, we took him to the doctor. He diagnosed an infection and prescribed Amoxicillin. Just one injection, and the dog is running around the yard again, instead of whining in pain on his bed."
Veterinarian Reviews
Oleg, a veterinarian with 13 years of experience:
"Amoxicillin is an affordable and effective antibacterial agent that can be used for adults and puppies. I work in a small town, and the main advantage of this antibiotic is that it's always available in pharmacies. The drug is excellent for treating respiratory, genitourinary, and intestinal infections. Side effects do occasionally occur, but how can you avoid them when using a strong semi-synthetic drug?"
Olga Andreevna, head physician of the veterinary clinic:
"At our clinic, doctors have been using Amoxicillin for a long time. Most of our colleagues' reviews are positive. Personally, I would note its broad spectrum of action, minimal side effects, and high effectiveness among its advantages. Although the drug is relatively safe, it should not be used without a doctor's prescription."
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