Using Flagyl for Dogs with Diarrhea

Dogs with diarrhea are common. In fact, virtually every dog will experience multiple bouts of diarrhea throughout the course of his life.

Diarrhea can be caused by any number of different things, and it is more often than not a basic and relatively non serious matter. However, because diarrhea is a symptom of a number of important and potentially very serious conditions as well, it's crucial that you take it seriously when you notice your pet exhibiting these signs.

Treating the symptoms of diarrhea will help your pet to be happier and healthier and to avoid potential dehydration and other side effects. However, it will not truly remedy the underlying cause of the condition. In order to do this, you'll have to address that cause directly. Flagyl is a medicine that is used in humans to treat diarrhea of certain types.

Flagyl Overview

Flagyl, also known by the generic drug name of metronidazole, is a type of antibiotic drug that helps to treat diarrhea. It is used to eliminate bacteria and can remove parasites as well. Because parasites and bacteria are two of the leading causes of diarrhea in both humans and pets, this makes Flagyl a good choice of medicine in this case. However, Flagyl is not approved for use in pets. It is a human formulated drug and the FDA has not approved it for use in animals. This means that it must be prescribed by a veterinarian or given to you directly by a doctor of some kind.

Other brand names of metronidazole or closely related drugs that serve the exact same function are:

  • Metric 21
  • Protostat
  • Metro

There are also generic forms of this medicine that may be cheaper than these brand name versions too.

Flagyl Use in Dogs

If your veterinarian prescribes Flagyl for use in your dog, it's generally safe. It should not be used with any animal that has liver disease or is pregnant. It can also cause harmful reactions if mixed with other drugs, such as phenobarbital. For this reason, it's important that you let your vet know of any other medicines that your dog is taking before you begin to give him a regimen of Flagyl or another of the related drugs on the list above.

There are a few potential side effects of Flagyl use in dogs, some of them quite serious. These include:

  • Neurological damage
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness or malaise
  • Liver damage or liver disease
  • Loss of appetite

If you continue to use Flagyl for an extended period of time in your pet, it can cause a host of potentially dangerous effects like disorientation, tremors and seizures. For this reason, Flagyl is recommended for a limited use only.

This medicine is available in tablet and capsule form. It can be mixed in with your pet's food or given along with a treat.

Consult with your veterinarian for exact dosage and any other information that may pertain to your pet in particular regarding Flagyl.

 

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