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Got a sick pup? We understand the urge to get them feeling better as quickly as possible. Antibiotics are an important tool in a veterinarian’s toolbox when it comes to effective treatment of bacterial infections and certain intestinal parasites in dogs, but they're not always the answer.
There are many different types of antibiotics out there that are used to fight different types of bacteria, some with a broader spectrum than others. Antibiotic overuse or misuse can lead to decreased effectiveness and even resistance, therefore it is essential to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect an infection. They can help make a diagnosis and choose an appropriate antibiotic, if warranted, allowing your pup to feel better sooner.
Common Antibiotics for Dogs
There are many classes of antibiotics used for the treatment of various bacterial infections and different disorders. Antibiotics come in different forms from oral pills or liquids to topicals to injectables. While there aren’t really any over-the-counter options for dogs, your veterinarian can prescribe the right antibiotic for your pet's specific needs.
Beta-Lactams
The beta-lactam class includes antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins. These work by weakening the bacterial cell wall. Some bacteria learn to break down penicillins, so these antibiotics may come with an additive such as clavulanate to strengthen the antibiotic’s effectiveness.
Amoxicillin and Cephalexin are a good broad-spectrum, first-line antibiotics used for routine infections such as skin infections, upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Convenia (cefovecin) is an injectable cephalosporin that can be convenient for those pets who don’t do great with oral medication, but its use should be reserved for those who have proven unable to take oral medication or who have resistance to lower level cephalosporins to avoid its overuse.
Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides include antibiotics such as gentamicin and neomycin. This class kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to synthesize essential proteins. Aminoglycosides are commonly found in topical antibiotic preparations. Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment) is the only over the counter antibiotic for dogs and can be used for minor cuts or scratches or focal bacterial folliculitis in dogs. Aminoglycoside containing ear drops and eye drops are used to treat ear infections and pink eye in dogs, respectively.
Nitroimidazoles
Their precise mechanism is not well understood, but this antibiotic class causes cell death by interacting with the bacteria’s DNA. Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole commonly used in veterinary medicine for patients who have diarrhea. It works well in the face of bacterial infections of the colon such as Clostridium and has anti-inflammatory properties towards the colon that helps resolve soft stools. Additionally, Metronidazole can be used to treat certain intestinal parasites like giardia or trichomonas.
Lincosamides
Clindamycin is a lincosamide used commonly in veterinary medicine for skin infections, dental infections and bone infections, known as osteomyelitis. This antibiotic works to maim or kill bacteria (depending on the concentration used and bacterial species present) by shutting down essential protein production.
Sulfonamides
The sulfonamides were one of the first antibiotics discovered. Also known as sulfa drugs, this class of antibiotics works by inhibiting bacterial folate synthesis, a nutrient essential to bacterial DNA production. They are commonly used empirically for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Additionally, sulfa drugs can be used to treat coccidia, an intestinal parasite in dogs.
Tetracyclines
The tetracyclines include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline. This class works by shutting down protein synthesis in the bacteria. Doxycycline has a broad range of uses. It is commonly prescribed for kennel cough and many tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It is an important part of the treatment protocol for heartworms and leptospirosis. Doxycycline also has some immune modulating effects that make it useful for certain autoimmune diseases.
Fluoroquinolones
The fluoroquinolones are considered one of the broadest spectrum antibiotics and are not intended to be used as a first-line option to avoid creating resistance. For this reason, enrofloxacin, pradofloxacin and marbofloxacin should be reserved for cases where culture and susceptibility indicate their use over lower-level options. They work by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication, and offer good coverage for respiratory, urinary, and skin infections when first-line options are not effective.
Side Effects of Antibiotics in Dogs
Just as with any medication, antibiotics can have side effects. While certain antibiotics have very specific, rare adverse effects, overall, the most common side effects of antibiotics in general are gastrointestinal upset and fatigue. Skin irritation can occur with topical antibiotics.
Allergic reactions to antibiotics are rare but can occur. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as the development of hives, skin redness or sloughing, facial swelling or trouble breathing, discontinue the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian for consultation.
Antibiotic Resistance in Dogs
As mentioned, there are no over the counter dog antibiotics (besides topical triple antibiotic ointments), and this is for good reason. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance making infections harder to manage. Antibiotics are to be prescribed for a specific diagnosis and at a specific dosage and duration to cut down on the creation of resistance. This is where your veterinarian comes in. Additionally, pet owners may misinterpret a different health issue as a bacterial infection which speaks to the importance of veterinary diagnosis prior to antimicrobial use.
The cost of diagnosing and treating infections can be expensive, especially when culture and susceptibility testing is necessary. Also, while some antibiotics are relatively cheap, others can be over a hundred dollars. Having dog health insurance in place prior to the development of any injury or illness allows owners to elect for gold standard diagnostics and treatments without having to hesitate due to the price tag. Embrace offers comprehensive coverage for your pet helping you maintain their health and well-being without the financial stress that can come with it.
Antibiotics for Dogs
Antibiotics are an important resource for veterinarians, namely for the treatment of bacterial infections. Administering antibiotics only under the consultation of your veterinarian is essential to avoid adverse outcomes and creating resistance. If you feel your pet may have an infection, contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment so they can make a proper diagnosis and choose the best antibiotic for your individual dog.
Your furry friend is your family. When they're not feeling well, it's natural to want them to feel better as quickly as possible. Antibiotics can be a valuable tool, but they should be used responsibly. By understanding their appropriate uses and potential side effects, you can make informed decisions about your dog's treatment.