Amoxicillin/Clavulanate generally is appropriate for use in cats and dogs, but it should never be administered to small animals like ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters because the antibiotic nature of the medicine affects the normal bacteria in a small animal’s gastrointestinal tract, as this can …
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, also known as co-amoxiclav or amox-clav, sold under the brand name Augmentin, among others, is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.
generally is appropriate for use in cats and dogs, but it should never be administered to small animals like ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, or hamsters because the antibiotic nature of the medicine affects the normal bacteria in a small animal’s gastrointestinal tract, as this can …
Uses of Amoxicillin + Clavulanate for Dogs and Cats
Amoxicillin + clavulanate is administered to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Infections treated with amoxicillin + clavulanate may include skin infections, bone infections, wound infections, infections in the mouth, pneumonia, and bladder infections.
Amoxicillin + clavulanate is not effective for viruses and parasitic infections (such as worms or mites).
Despite the combination of amoxicillin plus clavulanate, resistance may still occur with some bacteria and infections unresponsive to treatment.
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, amoxicillin + clavulanate can cause side effects in some animals.
Amoxicillin + clavulanate should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
Some animals may vomit shortly after administration of amoxicillin + clavulanate. This may occur in as many as 10 percent of dogs. In these cases, it may be helpful to feed the animal some food prior to drug administration to decrease stomach irritation. If vomiting after administration continues to occur, contact your veterinarian.
It is common for animals to develop diarrhea or loose stools from oral amoxicillin, and the same reaction may occur with amoxicillin + clavulanate. This is caused by a change in the bacterial population in the animal’s intestine.
Amoxicillin + clavulanate may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with amoxicillin + clavulanate. Such drugs include chloramphenicol and tetracycline.
Overview of Amoxicillin & Clavulanate for Canines and Felines
Amoxicillin + clavulanate is commonly used in dogs and cats to treat a variety of infections and its most common brand name is Clavamox® and Augmentin®.
Amoxicillin + clavulanate is a combination of two drugs that act together (synergistically) to treat or prevent bacterial infections in animals. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic related to penicillin, except that it has a somewhat broader spectrum of antibacterial action.
Clavulanate is an inhibitor of an enzyme produced by bacteria. This enzyme, beta-lactamase, would ordinarily render amoxicillin inactive. Clavulanate has no antibacterial effects; it simply acts as an inhibitor of an important resistance mechanism.
The combination of these two drugs in the same tablet means they act synergistically to treat bacterial infections that would otherwise have been resistant to amoxicillin alone.
As with similar penicillin drugs, amoxicillin + clavulanate kills bacteria by inhibiting production of the bacteria cell wall. Other related drugs include ampicillin, penicillin G, and ticarcillin.
Amoxicillin + clavulanate is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Can you give a dog Augmentin 875?
Can be Augmentin be used in cats or dogs? Veterinarians sometimes prescribe Augmentin to treat infections in dogs and cats. The form approved for animals is called Clavamox. It’s commonly used for skin infections and gum disease in animals, but may also be used for other kinds of infections.
FAQ
Can I give my dog human AMOX CLAV 875 mg?
Human Amoxicillin Not the Same as Pet Amoxicillin
Mahaney, veterinary-specific medicines are the best option. The dangers of giving your dog human-grade amoxicillin, he says, include the potential to expose your dog to components of the drug that are “inappropriate” or “potentially toxic.”
How much AMOX CLAV Can I give my dog?
Dogs: The recommended dosage is 6.25 mg/lb of body weight twice a day. Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/ juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections should be treated for 5–7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided.
Is AMOX K CLAV safe for dogs?
Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension is approved to treat susceptible skin and soft tissue bacterial infections (e.g., wounds, abscesses, cellulitis, etc.)in both dogs and cats.
Can dogs take Augmentin 875?
Can be Augmentin be used in cats or dogs? Veterinarians sometimes prescribe Augmentin to treat infections in dogs and cats. The form approved for animals is called Clavamox. It’s commonly used for skin infections and gum disease in animals, but may also be used for other kinds of infections.