Read This Before Giving Your Dog Amoxicillin For an Infection!

Are you wondering if Amoxicillin is safe and effective for dogs?

It’s a great question considering that bacterial infections are common among canines.

Can I Give My Dog Amoxicillin?Antibiotics are also routinely prescribed to pets, but obviously they must be used properly and for the right reasons!

The truth is that Amoxicillin can be risky for your dog. Too high a dose would be dangerous and providing too little is also ill-advised.

Amoxicillin Works For Dogs Too

Vets do prescribe this Penicillin-like broad spectrum antibiotic for all sorts of bacterial infections

Exact dosing is absolutely essential.

Sure, some owners give their dogs leftover Amoxicillin though we don’t encourage it.

Bacterial infections can be quite serious — yet folks increasingly avoid vets due to high costs. Unfortunately, this can have negative consequences.

Keep reading to learn as much as possible about using Amoxicillin on your dog.

What You Need To Know

Amoxicillin is a well-regarded third-generation antibiotic.

It kills bacteria. Bladder, mouth, skin wounds and upper respiratory infections are top uses (for both people and dogs).

But it cannot be stressed enough:

Amoxicillin can only help with bacterial infections, not parasitic or viral infections.

Pregnant, nursing dogs and puppies are most susceptible to harm.

Canines on certain meds are also at risk because negative interactions are possible.

In particular, Amoxicillin could complicate matters when taken with antacids, Bacteriostatics, Aminoglycosides and even other antibiotics such as Neomycin.

Usage And Dog Dosing Info

Amoxicillin is typically given every 12 hours until prescription completion.

Do not exceed 10mg per pound of your dog’s body weight.

Treatment for dogs usually lasts about 10 days. So a leftover supply may not be sufficient.


Tip: Provide Amoxicillin to your dog after they have eaten. And, if need be, breakup pills for correct dosage.


Mixing an antibiotic in with dog food is a good strategy.

Tablets and liquid are forms of delivery. Sometimes Amoxicillin is administered intravenously — there are dogs that require this special type of treatment.

The Typical Side Effects

Even responsibly providing Amoxicillin can backfire.

This antibiotic may cause canines to have:

  • Rashes
  • Hives
  • Fever
  • Swelling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drooling
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Discontinue use immediately if your dog experiences symptoms.

Amoxicillin, any antibiotic, requires observation for reactions.

Safety And Effectiveness

Some infections are quite serious, but Amoxcillin misuse is also a concern.

Bacterial infections must be treated and in a safe manner. Thankfully, with a conservative dose, Amoxicillin is unlikely to harm your dog.

But, the thing is, you still want to deliver a knockout punch for an infection.

Consult with a vet for best results!

The Bottom Line

Amoxicillin can be given to dogs, but a great deal of knowledge is required. At the very least, accurate calculation of the dosage is critical.

Also understand that Amoxicillin may not interact well with other drugs and allergic reactions aren’t out of the question either.

Never use a leftover supply on your precious pet. Get a vet-prescribed antibiotic.

Besides, bacterial infections should be properly diagnosed.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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6 thoughts on “Read This Before Giving Your Dog Amoxicillin For an Infection!”

  1. My dog is a 90 pound German Shepherd. He has been shaking his head for the past 2 months due to an ear infection. I have some leftover Amoxicillin. Would this be good for his ear infection?

  2. I have a Golden Retriever. She has been put on 1,000mg of Amoxicillin (500mg twice per day for 14 days). Isn’t this too much?

  3. What do mean by a knock out punch in the article?

  4. Can a dog take Amoxicillin for several years?

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