What should you know about over the counter antibiotics for dogs?

A dog may have a bacterial infection, a virus, parasites, inflammation, an allergy, or an injury. An antibiotic cannot treat every cause. A product made for people may contain an unsuitable ingredient, strength, or formulation, and a dog’s weight, age, pregnancy status, kidney function, and other medicines affect the choice. Incorrect treatment can delay care, cause side effects, or encourage bacteria to become harder to treat.

Do not share a human prescription, use leftover tablets, or estimate a dose from an online post. Contact a veterinary clinic and describe the symptoms, when they began, your dog’s weight, existing conditions, and every medicine or supplement being used. If a veterinarian prescribes an antibiotic, follow the label exactly and ask what to do if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs. Keep the medicine away from children and other animals.

Seek urgent veterinary care for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, repeated vomiting, severe pain, a swollen abdomen, inability to urinate, marked weakness, or possible poisoning. Prompt assessment is also sensible when a wound is deep, an eye is painful, or your dog will not eat or drink. These signs need examination rather than an over-the-counter experiment.

Ask what diagnosis is being considered, whether testing is needed, which medicine and dose fit your dog, how it should be given, what reactions to watch for, and when a review is needed.