Veterinarians use metronidazole as an off-label medication since
it is not FDA-approved for dogs
. Metronidazole is commonly prescribed to treat infections that cause diarrhea. It is also sometimes used to treat dental infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Can I give my dog human metronidazole?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved metronidazole for veterinary use (
it is approved for human use
), but veterinarians often prescribe it for their canine and feline patients.
How much metronidazole can I give my dog?
The most common metronidazole dosage for dogs that a veterinarian will prescribe is
5 to 7 mg per pound by mouth every 12 hours
. Veterinarians will prescribe much lower doses if your dog has liver disease or other diseases that could increase the risk of side effects.
What is metronidazole 50 mg used for in dogs?
It is often used
to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems
. The use of metronidazole to treat Giardia infections and most other infections in dogs and cats is off label or extra-label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.
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.
How much metronidazole can a 25 pound dog take?
Example: A 25 lb dog could be given
275 mg
of Flagyl per dose.
Can I give my dog metronidazole for diarrhea?
Because
metronidazole works well for certain conditions that cause diarrhea
(such as C. diff), it’s become the most frequently used antibiotic for dog diarrhea in general.
Can I give my dog metronidazole for vomiting?
When given properly, metronidazole is considered generally safe for use in most dogs and is usually tolerated well.
Common mild side effects include: Nausea and vomiting
. Loss of appetite.
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.
What do vets give dogs for diarrhea?
Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) and tylosin (brand name Tylan®)
are commonly prescribed anti-diarrheal agents that decrease the intestinal inflammation that often leads to diarrhea. Dewormers commonly used include Panacur®, Drontal®, and Dolpac®.
How do you give a dog metronidazole?
VeterinaryPartner.com suggests
wrapping the pill in lunch meat, bread or cheese, or stuffing it in a hot dog or pill pocket
. If that doesn’t work, ask your vet to prescribe a liquid suspension of metronidazole, compounded for easier dosing, or to administer an injectable dose of the medicine.
What can I give my dog to stop diarrhea?
A bland diet for 24 to 48 hours may help to resolve your pup’s issue.
Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin
(not pumpkin pie filling) may help to make your pup’s tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better, gradually reintroduce their regular food.
How many days should a dog take metronidazole?
How long will my dog be on metronidazole? The usual treatment period is
5 to 7 days
. However, your veterinarian may wish to extend that time if the infection is not responding as well as expected. It’s important to remember to give all of the doses to your dog on a schedule.
How long does metronidazole take to work for dogs?
Metronidazole should start to work in around
one to two hours
, though you may not notice the effects that fast. It can take a few days for a gradual improvement in symptoms to be visible.
What is metronidazole used for treating 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.
What is a natural alternative to metronidazole?
CBD oil
is considered one of the best natural alternatives to metronidazole for dogs because it has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause infections.
