Are Antibiotics Safe for Dogs?

Just like us, our dogs sometimes need a little help to fight an illness, and that may mean a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics must be prescribed by a vet.

Are Antibiotics Safe for Dogs?

Just like medicines that us humans take, antibiotics can have side effects. Usually these side effects are mild, but if your pet is showing any abnormal signs while they are on antibiotics, you should consult your vet. Remember it’s vitally important that the antibiotics you give to your dog have been prescribed by your vet. The most common reason for prescribing antibiotics is if your pup has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Without treatment, in some cases the infection can escalate, and complications can arise.

Types of Antibiotics for Dogs

There are many different types of antibiotics and we’ve put together a short list of some of these, including the reasons a vet might prescribe them.

Why Might My Dog Need Antibiotics?

There are many bacterial conditions that can cause your dog to need antibiotics. Sometimes these bacterial infections can occur secondary to another illness. Check out the list of reasons your pup may need antibiotics:

• Urine infections
• Eye infections
• Vestibular disease in dogs
• Mastitis 
• Conjunctivitis

If your dog is showing any signs of illness or you suspect that any of these conditions could be affecting your dog, make sure to contact your vet as soon as possible to get the correct treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of Antibiotics for Dogs?

In rare cases, antibiotics for dogs can cause side effects and these will vary depending on the antibiotic. Some dogs may also have allergic reactions, which we have listed more on below.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Some antibiotics can cause an upset stomach. Your vet might advise you to administer antibiotics with food to reduce this risk. Some signs to look out for are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Microbiome Imbalance

Antibiotics for dogs can kill the good bacteria, as well as the bad. In this case, there will be an internal imbalance of gut bacteria which might show itself as diarrhea. The effects of this may not appear until sometime after, so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog. Probiotics might be recommended by your vet to restore the balance of good bacteria and keep your dog fighting fit.

Allergic Reactions

Dogs can have allergic reactions to antibiotics, but it is relatively uncommon. Allergic reactions tend to happen soon after taking the medication but can develop at any time, so always keep an eye on your pup – even if you have given them the same kind of antibiotics before. Some signs of an allergic reaction to antibiotics for dogs are:

• Excessive salivation
• Skin rashes
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Swollen face
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog after giving them antibiotics, make sure to give your vet a call as soon as possible. They will be able to help you with the next steps.

Can Dogs Have Human Antibiotics?

You should only ever give antibiotics to your dog that have been prescribed by a vet.