How Do I Give My Dog Metronidazole?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Metronidazole should be given

by mouth with food

. Liquid forms must be shaken well before use. Metronidazole is very bitter, so take care not to crush these tablets as it will be difficult to administer to your pet.

How do you give liquid metronidazole to a dog?

When should you give your dog metronidazole?

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a popular antibiotic a vet may prescribe for a dog

to treat diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or gum disease

. The most common side effect of metronidazole is diarrhea, even though it can be prescribed to treat diarrhea.

Should metronidazole be given with food?


The capsules can be taken with or without food

. If the medicine upsets your stomach, it is best to take it with a meal or snack. The extended–release tablet must be taken without food, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole.

Should metronidazole for dogs be taken with food?


Metronidazole should be given by mouth with food

. Liquid forms must be shaken well before use. Metronidazole is very bitter, so take care not to crush these tablets as it will be difficult to administer to your pet. Follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

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.

How much metronidazole do you give a 10 pound 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.

How much metronidazole can I give my 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.

Does liquid metronidazole for dogs need to be refrigerated?

Most liquid metronidazole suspensions are compounded, and for the most part they are oil based suspensions. If this is the case for your bottle of metronidazole the main reason that

refrigeration is recommended

is to prevent bacterial contamination, not to preserve the medication.

What does metronidazole do for dogs?

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)

Will metronidazole hurt my dog?


The chance of metronidazole toxicity may be low, but it is possible that it could affect your dog in a bad way

. There are serious implications with metronidazole, such as neurological injury and hepatotoxicity (liver damage).

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 fast does metronidazole work for diarrhea in 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.

Is 5 days of metronidazole enough?

Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole which is very effective if taken correctly.

You’ll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days

. Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose.

Can a dog overdose on metronidazole?

Overdose. Dogs and cats: Symptoms of overdose of metronidazole include the gastrointestinal signs (anorexia, vomiting) and neurologic signs including depression, ataxia, disorientation, head tilt, tremors, bradycardia, rigidity, stiffness, and seizures.

Can metronidazole be given on empty stomach?

Nausea and diarrhea

Metronidazole tablets can be taken with food such as a meal or snack to help reduce stomach upset. However,

the extended-release version of metronidazole must be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before eating or at least two hours after eating

.

Can I give my dog antibiotics on an empty stomach?


It can be given with or without food

, however, if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Give the medication for the entire prescribed duration unless otherwise directed.

Is 500mg of metronidazole a lot for dogs?

Dosage Of Metronidazole For Dogs

If your dog has an infection from anaerobic bacteria, then you might expect your vet to prescribe 11 to 22 mg per pound to be given twice a day.

Metronidazole tablets typically come in doses of 250 to 500 mg per pill

.

Can you crush metronidazole?


You can cut or crush the immediate-release tablets

. However, do not cut or crush the extended-release tablets. Take metronidazole at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.