Clavulanic acid is a synthetic substance which functions together with beta-lactam antibiotics to fight bacteria with high resistance to other antibiotics. It is commonly used together with amoxicillin to overcome bacterial infections caused by beta-lactamase bacteria. This type of bacteria is immune to most antibiotics. The clavulanic acid molecule interacts with the enzyme secreted by beta-lactamase bacteria which makes them resistant to other beta-lactam antibiotics. Therefore it is very efficient in fighting staph infections in dogs.
Canine Staph Infection Treatment with Clavulanic Acid
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are used efficiently in treating staphylococcus infections in dogs. The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid helps fight bacteria and staphylococci, which are otherwise resistant to antibiotics belonging to the penicillin group.
Clavulanic acid on its own has almost no antimicrobial properties. However, its molecule interacts with the enzyme secreted by beta-lactamase bacteria, which makes them resistant to other beta-lactam antibiotics. The clavulanic acid actually destroys the enzyme which protects bacteria from the effect of the antibiotic. Administered together with amoxicillin, clavulanic acid is efficient in fighting infections caused by highly resistant gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria.
Clavulanic acid is generally prescribed for staphylococcus infections, but is also efficient in periodontal or urinary tract infections. Depending on the severity of the infection, the treatment can last from 3 to 6 weeks.
Staphylococcus Infections in Dogs
Staphylococcus infections are frequent in dogs. Staphylococci usually live on the dog’s skin without causing any problems. However, when your dog’s immune system is weakened, they can easily overgrow and cause an infection.
Staph infections affect the dog’s skin causing sore spots which might have a crusty edge. They are usually reddish and hair is missing in the area. Staph infections are generally triggered by allergies, bites or other conditions which weaken the immune system of the dog. A staph infection in your dog is indicative of an underlying medical condition, which has to be treated as well.
Administration of Clavulanic Acid
When you start administering amoxicillin and clavulanic acid to your dog, you should respect your veterinarian’s prescription.
If your veterinarian prescribed the liquid form of the drug, shake well before you start preparing the dose. Respect the timing and the dosage and try not to skip any of them. If you missed a dose, give it to your pet as soon as you remember. However, if it is too close in time to the next one, skip the one you missed and stick to the recommended schedule. Do not administer two doses at the same time.
Continue the treatment for as long as your veterinarian prescribed, even if the dog’s condition seems to be improved. Interrupting the treatment might cause the recurrence of the infection and, in time, the bacteria could even develop resistance to the medication.
Side Effects of Clavulanic Acid
Clavulanic acid is generally a safe drug. The first doses can cause vomit, diarrhea and stomach problems. If these symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.
In rare cases clavulanic acid can trigger allergic reactions which manifest through: swelling, fever, breathing problems and rashes. If you notice any of these, you should contact your veterinarian.