Are you a pet parent? If you are, you’ve probably experienced pet illness before. Seeing your canine companion feeling under the weather always takes a toll, and going to the vet can seem worrying or stressful. So, it’s no surprise if, when you leave the vet, you find you didn’t take on board much of what was said. You might find yourself staring at a pot of pills, wondering what they were for, or you might draw a blank when your partner or family member asks what the vet said. In this article, we’ll be clearing up any questions or concerns you have about Clavamox for dogs. Don’t forget, though, the staff at your veterinary clinic will be happy to discuss any queries, too.
What Is Clavamox For Dogs?
Clavamox is a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Its drug name is often shortened to ‘co-amoxiclav,’ while other trade names include Clavacillin, Clavaseptin, and Synulox.
As well as being used in dogs, the same drug is used to treat humans, as well as some other animals. Broadly speaking, co-amoxiclav is available as a palatable, chewable tablet, an oral liquid, and an injection. So, if you usually find giving your dog medication tricky, you might find Clavamox chewable for dogs a little easier – and more enjoyable for your dog!
What Is Clavamox Used For In Dogs?
Clavamox is licensed to treat bacterial infections of the skin and mouth, as well as infected wounds, abscesses, and soft tissue infections. This means that your vet might prescribe Clavamox for your dog’s gum disease or tooth root abscess, but equally, if your dog has deep or superficial pyoderma (type of skin infection), Clavamox might also be the treatment of choice.
Clavamox is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, meaning that it is also regularly used against other types of infections in dogs. Here are some examples:
Urinary Tract Infections
If your dog has a urinary tract infection, you might notice blood in their urine and that they spend a lot of time straining and trying to pass urine. You might also see them licking at their penis or vulva excessively. If your dog with a UTI is prescribed Clavamox, frequent urination and other symptoms should resolve during a course of antibiotics. If the symptoms don’t improve, you should book a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian in case there’s an underlying health problem causing the signs.
Kennel Cough
While Clavamox is mainly licensed to treat dental infections and soft tissue infections, it is sometimes prescribed for airway infections, including kennel cough. This is because Clavamox is effective against many oxygen-loving bacteria (aerobes). However, there are a variety of antibiotics that can be used for airway infections, and your veterinarian may suggest using a swab to take a sample to make sure they are prescribing the right medication for the job.
Clavamox Dosage For Dogs
Like most medications, there is a Clavamox for dogs dosage by weight, meaning that a lighter or smaller breed dog will need a much lower dose than a heavier or larger breed. Your veterinarian will use your dog’s body weight to calculate the dose that your dog needs. Thankfully, Clavamox tablets are available in a variety of strengths so that your veterinarian can ensure that they receive the correct dose.
Clavamox Side Effects In Dogs
Like any antibiotic, Clavamox can cause:
- An upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
If you think your dog might be having side effects related to any medication, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian. Another potential risk with any medication is the risk of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction because any substance that is recognized by the body as foreign can trigger this type of response.
It’s also worth remembering that Clavamox contains penicillin, so if you or your pet are allergic or have reacted to penicillin before, you must tell your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other questions we receive from our readers about Clavamox. If you have other questions we haven’t addressed, please ask us in our comments.Â
Can You Get Clavamox For Dogs Without A Vet Prescription?
Clavamox is a prescription-only medication, meaning that you can’t buy it without a veterinarian’s prescription. This is important because your vet will know any particular risks or health issues that are unique to your dog so they can select the most appropriate medication for them. You should never give any medication to your dog that hasn’t been prescribed for them without checking with your veterinarian first.
Clavamox vs Clavacillin For Dogs
Clavamox and Clavacillin are both trade names of the antibiotic drug co-amoxiclav. Therefore, if your dog was prescribed Clavamox on one occasion then Clavacillin on another occasion, you needn’t worry. There will be no difference in how effective they are.
Understanding More About Dogs & Medication
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections, including periodontal disease, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. However, even though the active ingredient is also used in humans, you should never give your dog human medication without checking with your veterinarian first. Learn more about whether pet insurance covers medication, how to save money on dog prescriptions online, and which over-the-counter meds are safe for pups.