What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the medication at the next scheduled time and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
It is very important to give the medication for the length of time your veterinarian has recommended.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Do not use metronidazole in pets that:
• have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or drugs related to it • are pregnant or nursing • are in a weakened condition or debilitated
Metronidazole should be used with caution in pets that:
• have certain liver disorders • are puppies or kittens • are on blood thinners
Clubs Offering:
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Dog owners today are armed with more tools for keeping their dogs healthy and fit than ever before. Modern medicine has radically improved how well, and how long, our companion animals live. For both humans and dogs, antibiotics like metronidazole continue to be a potent ally in the fight against disease and infection.
Metronidazole (also known by the brand names Flagyl, Metizol, Protostat, Metrogel) is a strong antibiotic primarily used as an antidiarrheal to treat inflammation of the large intestine. It’s also used for other illnesses and conditions in dogs, cats, and horses, as well as to treat bacterial infections in humans. It is often prescribed in combination with other antibiotics.
Metronidazole is a prescription-only medication that can be taken orally or used topically, depending on the illness being treated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved metronidazole for veterinary use (it is approved for human use), but veterinarians often prescribe it for their canine and feline patients. Many of the parasites and bacteria that make us sick also affect our pets, and this is one human medication that can often help them.
Metronidazole treats bacterial infections and some parasites, so it is prescribed to treat a variety of conditions and to relieve their symptoms. It’s often used to treat:
Metronidazole works by destroying and preventing the creation of DNA in the infecting organisms. Unlike most other drugs, metronidazole is able to treat central nervous system infections by penetrating the blood-brain barrier.
In order to thrive, your dog’s body parts need good circulation and oxygen. Tissue that is damaged usually has poor oxygen circulation. In these areas, only certain pathogens that do not require oxygen can thrive. Metronidazole inhibits repair enzymes in the cells that exist in these unoxygenated (anaerobic) environments, resulting in the death of bacterial cells.
Metronidazole is considered very safe. However, it should not be prescribed to pregnant bitches or young puppies, and should be considered carefully before being prescribed to dogs that are nursing. It may also not be suitable for pets with kidney disease, liver disease, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), or seizure disorders.
Before using any medication for your pet, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian. You should:
Though it’s rare, some dogs may suffer from neurotoxic (nervous system) side effects, such as paralysis in all four legs, or they may have an allergic reaction — hives, rash, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. If this happens, contact a veterinarian right away because an allergic reaction can become dangerous quickly or may even be life-threatening.
Some more common side effects your dog may experience include:
Dogs who receive too much of this medicine, or those treated with metronidazole for extended periods of time, will need emergency veterinary attention if they experience:
Intestinal inflammation, parasites, bacterial infections and their accompanying symptoms, such as diarrhea, are serious adversaries for our dogs. Thankfully, we are able to utilize powerful medical weapons such as metronidazole to help them recover.
This article is designed to help inform you about metronidazole in dogs and is not meant to take the place of veterinary advice and consultation.
AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
FAQ
What are the side effects of Flagyl in dogs?
Do dog antibiotics make them sleepy?
Is drowsiness a side effect of metronidazole?
How long does it take for Flagyl to work in dogs?