Side Effects and Intolerance to Amoxicillin
“The most common side effect” of amoxicillin, Mahaney says, “is digestive tract upset.”
According to Mahaney, amoxicillin is not recommended for dogs that have previously exhibited clinical signs of intolerance or an allergic reaction. He says that intolerance can include signs such as digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite), lethargy, or changes in behavior. Signs of an allergic response can include digestive upset, as well as skin reactions such as redness, swelling, or hives. A potentially fatal type of allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is also possible in rare cases and can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, seizures and coma.
Any antibiotic can cause side effects, says Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Elkins Park, PA. “I wouldn’t single out amoxicillin in general for negative interactions,” Denish says, “most [side effects] are just minor. However, it would be prudent to tell your veterinarian if any side effects occur. In some cases, we discontinue the drug or adjust the dose. However, it’s very important to not stop or start any types of medicine without discussing it with your pet’s doctor.”
When to Use Amoxicillin for Dogs
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it can be used against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It works by disrupting the formation of bacterial cell walls.
Therefore, Amoxicillin can kill existing bacteria and prevent the growth or formation of new bacteria. However, it is not effective against viral or parasitic infections. Consequently, it is safe to assume that Amoxicillin should be used when your dog’s diagnosis is a bacterial infection.
Keep in mind that human Amoxicillin is not the same as veterinary Amoxicillin. Human formulas often contain unsafe ingredients for dogs – artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners (xylitol) which may directly or indirectly harm pets.
Talk to a vet for free now
Stop Googling. Get a vets opinion on it.
Is human amoxicillin the same as dog amoxicillin?
So, in case you’re wondering if you can give your dog some of antibiotics that you happen to have leftover from an earlier illness, here’s what you need to know.
Dogs can take some of the same medications that we take as humans, including some antibiotics.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some human drugs that can make your dog sick, or even worse, that could possibly kill him.
So you always need to check each individual medication first. You can find some of this information online, but for peace of mind you should ask your vet.