Sulfamethoxazole for Dogs

One of the most common and potent antibiotics that is used in canine medicine is sulfamethoxazole. Routinely combined with the drug called trimethoprim, this antibiotic is able to stop bacteria that are the cause of a number of different types of infections. Together, these two drugs are quite a bit more potent than either one is by itself. Read on for a brief overview of sulfamethoxazole, which is commonly known by the brand name formulations Tribrissen and Uniprim.

Sulfamethoxazole Overview

Sulfamethoxazole works to limit the ability of bacteria cells to synthesize dihydrofolic acid, an important acid in the life cycle of the bacteria. While this measure itself is helpful in eliminating the ability of the bacteria to survive, it is aided by the function of trimethoprim, which inhibits an adjoining compound from being produced as well. Together, these two drugs can be used to address bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory system and more.

Using Sulfamethoxazole for Your Pet

It's important to recognize that sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are combined into a wide variety of different formulations of drugs. These are available for use in humans as well as many animals, including cats, dogs, horses and pigs. Because each one of these animals requires a different formulation of the drug and a different strength of medicine, it's crucial that you work to be able to give your dog the exact dosage that he needs.

You'll need a veterinarian's prescription in order to be able to give your pet this medicine. Take your dog to the vet for an exam if you suspect that he's suffering from a bacterial infection of some kind and that sulfamethoxazole may be a good solution. The exact dosage of the medicine will depend upon your pet's overall health and the specifics of his infection, as well as his size and weight.

Sulfamethoxazole is typically provided in tablet form. It's important that you continue the treatment through the full run of the doses, as stopping the treatment early (even if your dog's symptoms seem to clear up) can make it more likely that he'll relapse and suffer from infection again.

Side Effects of Sulfamethoxazole

Sulfamethoxazole can cause a wide variety of different side effects. The nature of these conditions depends upon the area in your pet's body in which the bacterial infection occurred. It's important that you not give your dog this medicine if she is pregnant. Additionally, some other medicines in your dog's system may react badly with sulfamethoxazole, so it's important also that you inform your vet of any and all other conditions and medicines that your pet may be using before you begin to give him sulfamethoxazole.

As with other antibiotics, the potential for side effects go up dramatically the longer that the dose is given. Do not continue the dosage past when your vet recommends.

 

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