How Much Amoxicillin Can I Give My Dog? Dosage Tips and More - GoodRx (2024)

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that’s commonly prescribed to humans. But it’s also very common in veterinary medicine. This antibiotic has been widely used to treat infections in both humans and pets for decades.

Although there are many new antibiotics that have been developed in recent years, amoxicillin is still commonly used to treat dogs, because it’s safe, effective, and affordable.

Amoxicillin for dogs at a glance

What is amoxicillin for dogs and how does it work?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria by damaging the microorganisms’ cell walls. Amoxicillin is effective against many different types of bacteria. Therefore, veterinarians use it to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections in dogs and other animal species.

Amoxicillin may be used alone or in combination with other antibiotics. For example, a common veterinary antibiotic, Clavamox, combines amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid increases amoxicillin’s effectiveness, allowing Clavamox to address a wider range of infections.

What is amoxicillin used for in dogs?

Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of infections in dogs, including:

• Bite wound infections

• Skin infections

• Soft tissue infections

• Gastrointestinal infections

• Bone infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Respiratory infections

• Leptospirosis

• Lyme disease

However, amoxicillin can’t treat every bacterial infection. Some bacteria are resistant to the effects of amoxicillin.

Do not give your dog amoxicillin unless your veterinarian prescribed it for a current infection. Giving your dog amoxicillin and other antibiotics inappropriately can contribute to antibiotic-resistant infections, like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

How is amoxicillin given to dogs and what is the standard dosage?

Your veterinarian will calculate the correct amoxicillin dosage for your dog using your dog’s weight and other factors.

Give amoxicillin to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. Amoxicillin is usually given up to 3 times a day (every 8 hours), although your veterinarian may prescribe your dog a twice-daily dose. Do not change the dose unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.

Common forms of amoxicillin include:

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Liquid suspension

Amoxicillin tablets and capsules can be stored at room temperature. Store liquid amoxicillin in the refrigerator.

What are common side effects of amoxicillin in dogs?

Most dogs tolerate amoxicillin well. However, side effects can occur. The most common side effects of amoxicillin in dogs include:

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

You can give your dog their amoxicillin dose with food to reduce the risk of side effects.

Call your veterinarian if your dog has repeated vomiting or diarrhea while taking amoxicillin. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different antibiotic for your dog’s infection, or give you suggestions on how to minimize your dog’s side effects.

Amoxicillin is considered safe to give to pregnant and nursing dogs.

What are the most serious risks of amoxicillin for dogs?

A small number of dogs are allergic to amoxicillin and other penicillin antibiotics. Signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin may include:

• Skin rash

• Hives

• Swelling of the face or neck

• Difficulty breathing

If your dog has an allergic reaction, stop giving them amoxicillin and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other side effects, which are extremely rare, may include bone marrow suppression and fever.

Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about these side effects.

Does amoxicillin interact with any other dog medications?

Amoxicillin is not known to interact harmfully with any medications.

Amoxicillin is often combined with other antibiotics to treat an infection. This allows your veterinarian to treat a wider range of bacteria. Combining amoxicillin with other antibiotics typically doesn’t cause harmful interactions or increased side effects.

Even though amoxicillin has no known interactions, talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s other medications before giving them the antibiotic. Be sure to let your veterinarian know about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your dog takes.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of amoxicillin?

If your dog misses a dose of amoxicillin, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, if it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, skip the missed one. Then, resume your dog’s normal medication schedule. Do not give your dog a double dose of amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin must be given on a set schedule to be effective. If you have trouble following the prescribed dosing schedule, talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend a different antibiotic that doesn’t require as frequent doses.