Metronidazole treats bacterial infections and some parasites, so it is prescribed to treat a variety of conditions and to relieve their symptoms.
It’s often used to treat: Giardia (and other parasites)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
How quickly does metronidazole work for Giardia in dogs?
Metronidazole should be fully absorbed within
1 to 2 hours
, but it may take a few days for your dog’s symptoms to improve.
How much metronidazole do I give a dog for Giardia?
Dosage Of Metronidazole For Dogs
In the case of Giardia, vets often prescribe
7 to 11 mg per pound given once every 24 hours
, but the dosage can go as high as 29.5 mg per pound.
Is metronidazole effective against Giardia?
In the United States,
metronidazole is the only member of the nitroimidazole class available to treat giardiasis
; it is also the most common drug used for treatment worldwide. In spite of its widespread and accepted use against Giardia, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never approved it for this indication.
Is metronidazole safe for dogs?
In both cats and dogs,
metronidazole may be used to treat cases of gastritis caused by Helicobacter bacteria (such as H. pylori) in the stomach
. It’s also a valuable weapon against sepsis, a life-threatening immune system response that damages tissues and organs.
Can metronidazole make diarrhea worse in dogs?
In fact,
several studies have shown that metronidazole can actually make diarrhea worse
, not only by reducing populations of “good” anaerobic bacteria, but also by altering the intestinal mucus.
How long can a dog stay on metronidazole?
How long should I give my dog metronidazole? Metronidazole should be given for the amount of time directed by your veterinarian. Usually, veterinarians will prescribe metronidazole for a duration of
5 to 10 days
depending on the type of condition they are treating.
How much metronidazole do you give a 15lb dog?
Metronidazole Dosage for Dogs and Cats
A dose range of
between 5 and 25 mg/lb
given by mouth is typical. Higher doses may be given once daily, while lower doses are generally given twice daily.
What is the best treatment for Giardia in dogs?
The most common drugs used to kill Giardia are
fenbendazole and metronidazole
. These drugs are normally given for three to ten days to treat giardiasis. Both drugs may be given in combination if necessary.
What is metronidazole used for in dogs?
Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) is an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent used in the
treatment of certain anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Trichomonas
. It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
Does metronidazole come in liquid form for dogs?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal that may be prescribed to prevent or treat certain bacterial or protozoal infections, digestive issues, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Metronidazole Compounded oral liquid
is made specifically for your pet.
What antibiotics treat Giardia?
Several drugs can be used to treat Giardia infection. Effective treatments include
metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide
. Other medications include paromomycin, quinacrine, and furazolidone.
How long does it take for Giardia to go away in dogs?
Once treatment is initiated, your pet should see some relief of their symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. If their symptoms are not improving, you should let your veterinarian know. Within
1 to 2 weeks
, your dog will likely be fully recovered from their giardia infection as long as they don’t become reinfected.
Is there an alternative to metronidazole for dogs?
Rifaximin is an effective alternative to metronidazole
for the treatment of chronic enteropathy in dogs: a randomised trial.
How does metronidazole stop diarrhea in dogs?
Many veterinarians prescribe metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic, for the treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs. 1, 10, 13
It has a broad spectrum of activity against anaerobic bacteria including potential enteric pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens
, and antiprotozoal activity is observed at higher dosages.
What parasites does metronidazole treat in dogs?
Metronidazole is used to treat protozoal infections in dogs and cats including
Giardia, Entamoeba, Trichomonas, and Balantidium
. It also is used to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. Metronidazole has immune-modulating activity and may be prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
How do you prevent Giardia reinfection in dogs?
How can you prevent reinfection? If your vet diagnoses your dog with Giardia, there is a chance your pet will get reinfected. It is recommended to
bathe your pet regularly and disinfect their water bowls, food bowls and toys
to eliminate any remaining Giardia cysts.
