How To Choose the Right Antibiotic for Your Pet

It can be difficult to find the best and right antibiotic for your pet. Given the stress involved in a situation where your beloved pet needs to be treated for an illness, it can seem difficult to parse through all the information.

Luckily, these antibiotics can be broken down simply into a few categories.

For Respiration, Skin, and the Urinary Tract

The most common antibiotic used for bacterial infections of the lungs, skin and urinary tract is called enrofloxacin but is more commonly known by the brand name Baytril.

It is most commonly given by mouth and is primarily used for treating larger mammals like cats or dogs.

In some cases, it may also be a viable option for smaller mammals like rats or ferrets, but a veterinarian should be consulted on a case-by-case basis before treatment.

Amoxicillin is also sometimes used for these infections.

For Injuries

The primary antibiotic used for injuries and open wounds is amoxicillin, sometimes paired with clavulanic acid. This is marketed as Clavamox.

It is always important to remember that open wounds should be bandaged and treated by a veterinarian before treatment with antibiotics.

In some cases, injectable treatments such as ampicillin trihydrate may provide an additional boost to the animal’s immune system to ensure they make it through infected injuries.

For the Stomach and Gums

When a pet’s stomach is upset, it affects everything else that they do.

It can be stressful to find the perfect antibiotic to treat your pet while they’re in pain.

The most common solution for this, and for periodontal infections, is metronidazole.

Metronidazole is more often known as Flagyl and is sometimes prescribed to humans for certain kinds of infections.

It can be taken orally to ensure your pet has the smoothest possible treatment.

For Bone, Tooth, and Organ Infections

Tooth infections are common enough in humans, but are rarer in dogs.

When they do appear, clindamycin is the accepted treatment.

Also called Antirobe, clindamycin is used for a wide variety of treatments for both cats and dogs.

As these are often more serious infections, remember to pair treatment with a full check-up by a veterinary professional.

No matter what kind of infection your pet has, there are options to treat the problem and get them back to 100%.

Don’t let an absence of information turn into an absence of treatment for your beloved companion.

Contact a veterinary professional for more information and to get the right antibiotic for your pet.