Antibiotic Dosage for Canine UTI
Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic dosage for canine UTI if your dog or puppy is 28 weeks or older. The dosage is 2.27 mg to 6.8 mg per pound every 12 hours. Ciprofloxacin is a prescription medication that is not FDA-approved for veterinary use. However, it is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for use in dogs and cats.
Follow your veterinarian’s dosage directions and give all the medication until it is completely gone. Symptoms will improve before the medication is gone but continue to give it, otherwise if all the bacteria are not destroyed resistance develops making killing bacteria much more difficult in the future.
You can give your dog antibiotic dosage for canine UTI with or without food, but make sure you give it at the same time each day and make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. If you miss a dose give it as soon as you remember, but don’t give two doses. In other words if it’s almost time for the next dosage skip the missed dose and give the next scheduled dose.
If your pet is on antacids or sucralfate wait two hours either before or after you give the antibiotic. Also, do not give Ciprofloxacin with vitamin or mineral products. Certain vitamins and minerals will bind to Ciprofloxacin preventing it from being absorbed in the body so the medication will not work as well as it should to kill the bacteria. Separate the dose of ciprofloxacin from any antacid or vitamin dose by at least 2 hours. There are other drugs that may also interact with Ciprofloxacin so check with your vet.
The side effects and allergic reactions of an antibiotic dosage for canine UTI’s can include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue or face. Stop giving Ciprofloxacin and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops any serious side effects such as seizures or convulsions, confusion, depression, sudden pain, swelling near the joints, nausea, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, or urinating more or less than usual. If your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, joint stiffness, or muscle pain call your vet. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had epilepsy or seizures, joint problems or kidney disease or if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
Amoxicillin is another antibiotic dosage for canine UTI also used to treat various infections caused by bacteria. The standard dose for dogs and cats is 5 to 10mg per pound given by mouth every 12 to 24 hours. The length of treatment depends on the disease and the response to treatment.
If a dog or cat has had a urinary infection the chances are much greater for additional problems, whether from bacteria or stones. The cause can be diet or a hereditary defect. After treatment with antibiotics you may want to consider a preventative herbal remedy for urinary problems that can build up the immune system and help the urinary tract fight off bacteria avoiding expensive treatments.
About the Author
Rebecca Shelly is a regular contributor to Pet Natural Cures, a site discussing some of the most promising natural treatments for pet urinary problems on the market today, Prescription Drug Alternative and other sites relating to the health of everyone and our pets.
Canine & Feline Diseases : How Does a Vet Put a Dog to Sleep?
