Antibiotics for Canines

Diseases caused due to bacterial infections in dogs are as common as they are in humans. The use of antibiotics for the treatment of these canine diseases with antibiotics for canine is, therefore, inevitable. They are not the same as those meant for human consumption, and hence it is essential for dog owners to know about all the antibiotics that can be given to their pet dogs for the different infections. Selecting the antibiotic for your pet dog will depend upon the type of bacteria causing the infection and this should be done only by a veterinarian. Here's a list of the most common antibiotics for canine and the infections that they are used to treat.

Antibiotics for Canines

Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Biomox, Robamox-V, Amoxi-Drop, Amoxi-Inject)
This antibiotic works well in fighting against infections by most of the bacterial organisms and is used to treat teeth infections, infections of the upper respiratory system, and as an antibiotic for canine bladder infections.

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin)
This antibiotic is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It specifically addresses infections caused due to the bacteria known as Staphylococci. It is mainly used to treat infected bite wounds and skin infections.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin)
This antibiotic canine is mainly used in the treatment of ear infections in dogs, bladder infections, abscesses, dermatological infections.

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC)
This antibiotic is useful in the treatment of infections related to pneumonia, or in infections where the central nervous system or prostate gland is involved. Also useful in the treatment of eye infections and musculoskeletal disease called hypertrophic osteodystrophy in large breed dogs.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
This is an important antibiotic and is used in the treatment of canine diseases like Lyme disease, upper respiratory disorders, infection caused due to tick infestation and urinary tract infections.

Erythromycin (Ery-tab, Ery-Ped, Eryc)
This antibiotic is used to treat digestive system disorders, stomach or intestinal infections and infections caused by the infections caused by Campylobacter bacteria.

Orbifloxacin (Orbax)
This antibiotic is used to treat infections caused by the bacteria known as Pseudomonas and canine skin infections.

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
This antibiotic is mainly used in the treatment of colitis, which is the inflammation of the large intestine.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)
This antibiotic is used specifically to treat anaerobic bacterial infections like infections involving the blood brain barrier and the central nervous system, colitis and intestinal infections.

Trimethoprim Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim)
This antibiotic is similar to Chloramphenicol and is used in the treatment of infections involving abscesses and the prostate gland. It is also used to treat eye infections and infections caused by bacteria like Staphylococci and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetracap, Tetracyn, Sumycin, Tetralan)
This antibiotic is used in the treatment of prostate infections, eye infections, Lyme disease, urinary tract infections, and infections involving the central nervous system.

Dosage

The dosages of the antibiotics mentioned above and all other medications and antibiotics for canine should be as per the veterinarian's prescription. Overdose of these antibiotics could be harmful for the dog in ways more than one, so care should be taken while administering these medicines at home.

Side Effects

The canine antibiotics may surely be effective, but the effectiveness brings along with it a number of side effects that your pet dog may suffer from while on these medications. These include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, staining of the teeth and reduced appetite and thirst. These are minor side effects and will disappear as soon as the infection is cured. To ensure that your pet is restored to good health, you may include some probiotics into its diet. This will help maintain the levels of good bacteria in the dog's systems.

The antibiotics should be continued for the prescribed duration for the infection to be treated and cured appropriately. This is essential for your dog's health and betterment. Make sure that you do not skip any of the dosage and discuss all your queries regarding the antibiotics with the veterinarian.