Antibiotics for dogs are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They can help deal with ear infections, bacterial skin issues as well as mouth ulcers and sore throats which may be the sign of an underlying infection. While they have been traditionally developed for use on humans, they also have great potential when given to dogs and other animals. They can be used on animals to treat a variety of issues but should be given as directed by the vet.
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What are antibiotics used for in dogs?
Antibiotics are natural substances produced by bacteria for defensive reasons, these chemicals are regularly effective against bacterial infections . The best ones will block the process that makes them create their own protective shells, allowing synthetic antibiotics to be encapsulated by them instead.
Antibiotics are used to treat human and animal infections caused by bacteria, the agents themselves do not have any effect on viruses or parasites . This means that antibiotics cannot cure viral conjunctivitis or kennel cough for example. They can however help while waiting for treatment of certain parasitic diseases like heartworm and hookworm.
Antibiotics are often given with other drugs that tackle the cause of a dog’s infection rather than just its symptoms. This is especially important in instances where there may be more than one type of bacterium causing an infection or when bacteria have become resistant to a particular antibiotic. Combining them with other medications may increase their effectiveness.
What are the best antibiotics used for dogs?
Certain breeds of dog will benefit from certain types of medication or combinations, in some cases a vet may prescribe more than one type at the same time. For example older dogs and those with weak immune systems will find they need slightly stronger treatment so should be given either a combination of different antibiotics or a stronger single antibiotic.
Antibiotics that are the best for dogs include: penicillin – this one is widely used and has few side effects, it can be given to any age dog or animal in combination with other medications to protect against a wide range of bacterial infections erythromycin – effective against staph infections, streptococcal infections and cardiovascular diseases, it is often used to deal with skin conditions clindamycin – effective against internal bacterial infections like stomach ulcers, as well as the more common ear infections and skin issues tetracycline – an antibiotic that is also a basic requirement for healthy teeth and bones in puppies metronidazole – also known as flagyl, this is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections in dogs as well as being given to cats and horses for internal parasites like worms
When antibiotics are not the best treatment option
There are some instances where antibiotics will not be the most appropriate form of treatment. If your pet has an underlying health issue that is affecting the immune system then they will need some slightly different medication or possibly hormonal treatment. If your pet is on a diet that does not include animal proteins this may also affect the effectiveness of standard antibiotics.
