vetinfo4dogs.com


Using Human Antibiotics on Dogs: Why to Avoid Them

also see Canine Skin Infection

When it comes to antibiotics, dogs' prescription medications contain the same properties as human medications. The medications contain the same compounds, but dosing is very different. Unless you have specific approval from your veterinarian and an accurate dosage, you could unintentionally cause an overdose.

Common Antibiotics Dogs Receive

When a dog contracts a bacterial disease or infection, veterinarians usually prescribe one of the following medications:

Some of these, like Baytril and Primor can be toxic to humans. However, antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin, Clavamox, Otomax, Penicillin and Tetracycline treat both humans and animals.

Reasons to Avoid Using Human Antibiotics

Simply treating what you feel an infection with your leftover antibiotics is wrong. The dog may be sicker than you think. What appears to be a simple urinary tract infection might actually be kidney disease.

After taking human antibiotics, dogs might appear to be cured, but you've only masked some symptoms making it harder for your veterinarian to properly diagnose the cause of the infection. By using your own antibiotics, you have jeopardized your pet's health.

Never use human antibiotics on your pet without showing the veterinarian the bottle and making sure it is okay. Only your vet will know what disease your dog has and what the treatment plan must entail.

also see Ear Infections in Dogs: A Sign of Ear Disease

also see Canine Distemper and Parvovirus: Deadly Diseases you can Prevent

also see Is Your Dog Not Eating? Learn Why This Happens

also see Medications - Side Effects, Reactions and Intolerance