If your dog contracts a bacterial infection, your vet might prescribe an antibiotic to fight off the illness. Clavacillin, also known as Clavamox, is a common antibiotic for both dogs and humans that treat dozens of different infections. Clavacillin has minimal side effects, although some dogs have allergic reactions in rare cases. To give your dog Clavacillin, simply give them a tablet or a liquid around mealtime. Their infection may start to clear up in a few days or less.
Many owners are surprised to learn that their dogs can take human medications like Clavanox, Bravecto, Trazodone, and Loratadine. However, you don’t want to give your dog medication without your vet’s knowledge— and you definitely don’t want to give your dog antibiotics without knowing anything about it. Otherwise, your dog might be sicker than he was in the beginning. Here’s a guide to using Clavacillin with information on whether it’s right for your dog.
Article Summary
What is Clavacillin?
Clavacillin is an antibiotic for dogs and humans. If you’ve ever taken an antibiotic, you might have taken Clavacillin under a different brand name like Augmentin or Clavulin. For dogs, Clavamox is the brand name for Clavacillin. This antibiotic treats bacterial infections, like skin and soft tissue infections, and E. coli. Similar to penicillin, Clavacillin is made from amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate.
What Does Clavacillin Treat?
Your vet may prescribe Clavacillin for a number of reasons (1). Here are a few of the conditions that Clavacillin treats:
- E. coli
- Abscesses and cellulitis dermatitis
- Streptococcal infections
- Gum disease
- Infected wounds
- Respiratory infections
- Pyoderma due to susceptible strains of several organisms
- Staphylococcus infections
- Cellulitis
- Other bacterial skin and soft tissue infections
Before you ask for Clavacillin for your dog, keep in mind that it doesn’t treat everything. Clavacillin does not treat viruses, fungal infections, and certain types of bacteria.
Does Clavacillin Have Side Effects?
Dogs who take Clavacillin might experience minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. You might be able to prevent these side effects if you give your dog Clavacillin along with their dog food. However, if your dog is allergic to Clavacillin, it might have serious side effects like seizures, rashes, swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing. Call the vet if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms.
How Do You Give Your Dog Clavacillin?
You could give your dog a tablet or liquid— whichever is easier for you. Unlike other medications, dogs typically don’t mind the taste of Clavacillin. However, you could hide the tablet in a dog treat if your dog doesn’t want to eat it. You could also give your dog the liquid directly or mix it in with their food.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Clavacillin?
Aside from the regular side effects, Clavacillin is generally a safe drug. However, liquid Clavacillin goes bad if it’s not refrigerated, so never leave the drug out for too long. When it’s refrigerated, liquid Clavacillin typically expires after ten days. Clavacillin tablets have a much longer shelf life, but keep an eye on the expiration date on the bottle.
Unless your vet gives you different instructions, never give your dog more than two doses of Clavacillin per day. If your dog doesn’t seem to react to the drug, call your vet to see if they can recommend an alternative. Never assume that your dog needs more than the recommended dosage.
Finally, observe your dog after you give them a dose of Clavacillin. If your dog has an allergic reaction, you might not be able to help them if you leave the room. Try not to leave your dog by themselves if you plan on leaving the house after their dose.
What if You Have a Penicillin Allergy?
You might not be the one taking Clavacillin, but you could still have a reaction if you’re allergic to penicillin (2). Don’t touch or handle Clavacillin until you talk to your doctor about the risks. If you can handle Clavacillin, watch out for signs of allergic reactions like rashes, hives, or inflammation. Call a doctor if you experience serious side effects like swelling or difficulty breathing.
How Long Should You Give Your Dog Clavacillin?
The days of treatment therapy varies, but your vet may prescribe Clavacillin for up to ten days. Some dogs start to improve within four days or less, but that doesn’t mean you can stop giving them antibiotics. Otherwise, their infection might worsen again. Give your dog their full prescription and maximum days of treatment therapy even if you don’t think it’s necessary.
Can You Buy Clavacillin from Retailers?
You can buy Clavacillin from online retailers, but you need a prescription first. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to input the information. The retailer might review the information and get back to you before you can buy Clavacillin through their website. If you find a retailer that doesn’t require a prescription, they’re operating illegally.
You might have heard that overprescription of antibiotics has resulted in antibiotic-resistant strains. This is true for dogs as well as humans. For this reason, it’s important to get a prescription so you don’t over-medicate your dog. You might be able to buy Clavacillin directly from your vet, eliminating the need to shop online altogether.
Is Clavacillin the Same as Penicillin?
Clavacillin is similar to penicillin, but the two antibiotics aren’t exactly alike. Unlike penicillin, Clavacillin contains amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate. Amoxicillin is a stronger version of penicillin that kills bacteria in your dog’s system. Some bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin, so the potassium clavulanate helps your dog fight off these infections.
Clavacillin isn’t the same thing as penicillin, but it can still trigger an allergic reaction in people and dogs with a penicillin allergy. Tell your vet about any penicillin allergies in the house before you start a treatment regimen.
Which Dogs Should Not Take Clavacillin?
Clavacillin isn’t right for every dog. Here’s a list of dogs that shouldn’t take Clavacillin:
- Pregnant or lactating dogs
- Dogs that take antacids such as Famotidine for dogs
- Dogs who might be allergic to the ingredients
- Dogs taking medications that might interact with Clavacillin, like penicillin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol
- Dogs who are allergic to penicillin
What if You Accidentally Miss a Dose?
If you accidentally miss a dose, never give your dog two doses at once. Instead, give them one dose as you would normally. Call your vet if you’re worried about the missed dose. Generally, missing one dose isn’t fatal, but keep your dog’s treatment on schedule as much as possible.
Is Clavacillin a High-Quality Antibiotic?
Clavacillin is a strong antibiotic that treats a variety of infections including Urinary Tract Infections, and may be helpful if over-the-counter UTI treatments for your dog aren’t taking care of the problem. Your vet might not prescribe it for a severe bacterial infection, but it’s good for mild-to-moderate infections like gum disease and E. coli. Your dog might start to feel better a few days after they start treatment. Some bacterial strains are resistant to penicillin, but Clavacillin has ingredients that combat these strains.
Can You Give Your Dog Human Antibiotics?
Clavacillin started out as an antibiotic for humans. Doctors still prescribe Clavacillin for their patients today, although it usually comes under a different brand name. This antibiotic might be suitable for dogs and humans, but that doesn’t mean you should give your dog the leftover antibiotics you have in your pantry.
Even if you give your dog Clavacillin, the dosage wasn’t made for a dog’s unique biology. As a result, Clavacillin might actually be harmful to your dog. Additionally, Clavacillin comes in hard capsules and IV drips, neither of which is ideal for your dog. Your vet could prescribe a chewable or liquid that your dog scarfs down with the rest of their meal.
Additionally, some pet owners assume that Clavacillin treats just about anything. You might give your Clavacillin for an illness that it doesn’t treat, meaning that you’re medicating your dog for no reason. Clavacillin doesn’t treat viruses or fungal infections and even some bacterial infections. If your dog experiences side effects or an allergic reaction, you’ll have to have an unpleasant conversation with your vet about giving your dog unprescribed medication for humans.
Giving your dog a different antibiotic is even more dangerous. Not all antibiotics are suitable for dogs, and they could trigger a severe illness, allergic reaction, or even death. At best, they might simply do nothing. You won’t know the right dosage for your dog and might give them a drug that doesn’t treat their type of infection. Overall, giving your dog human medication without your vet’s knowledge is a bad idea.
Can You Take Your Dog’s Clavacillin?
Clavacillin might be suitable for humans, but that doesn’t mean you can take your dog’s leftover prescription. If you have a bacterial infection, talk to a doctor about getting your own dose. Your dog’s Clavacillin probably won’t have the right dosage for your condition.
Can Cats Take Clavacillin?
Clavacillin is suitable for both dogs and cats. If your cat contracts a bacterial infection, like skin and soft tissue infections, your vet might prescribe the same medication that they gave your dog. Just make sure you don’t give your cat the dog’s prescription.
How Often Do You Give Your Dog Clavacillin?
Your vet will recommend the specific dosage, but dogs usually take one dose every twelve hours. Most dogs get one millimeter of liquid per pound. If your dog takes chewables, they typically get 6.25 milligrams per pound.
General Tips for Giving Your Dog Clavacillin
If you need some quick advice, here are a few general tips for giving your dog Clavacillin:
- Observe your dog after you give them a dose to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction.
- If your dog doesn’t like the liquid form, mix it in with their food.
- Disguise the tablet as a treat if your dog dislikes the taste.
- Never buy Clavacillin from a retailer that doesn’t require a prescription.
- Watch out for severe side effects like swelling, seizures, and hives.
- Give your dog their medication with a meal to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Don’t handle Clavacillin if you’re allergic to penicillin.
- Let your vet knows if your dog has any allergies.
- If you miss a dose, give your dog their next dose as scheduled. Never give them two doses at once.
- Give your dog their entire prescription even if they get better after a few days.
- Never give your dog more than two doses per day unless your vet says otherwise.
Conclusion
Clavacillin is a safe antibiotic that many vets prescribe for bacterial infections. Clavacillin doesn’t treat everything, but it’s great for mild infections that usually clear up in ten days or less. Unless your dog has an allergic reaction, they’ll experience minimal side effects and might feel better within three or four days. Just make sure you follow your vet’s advice and never give your dog more or less than the recommended dose. If your dog doesn’t respond to the medication, call your vet so they can recommend a different antibiotic. If you have any leftover medication, dispose of it properly. Never give your dog’s prescription to another person or animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clavacillin used for in dogs?
Clavacillin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections, like gum disease, skin and soft tissue infections, and E. coli. This drug has few side effects and comes in two forms: tablet and liquid. Your vet might prescribe Clavacillin for your dog to fight mild-to-moderate infections.
Is Clavacillin a strong antibiotic?
Clavacillin is a strong antibiotic that treats a variety of infections such as wounds. However, it can’t treat every infection and might not be the best option for a serious infection that requires immediate intervention. Your vet could let you know if Clavacillin works for your dog or not.
Is Clavacillin the same as amoxicillin?
Clavacillin contains amoxicillin, but it also contains another ingredient called potassium clavulanate. As a result, it might not be the best option for every situation. Some dogs may be allergic to potassium clavulanate.
What are the side effects of Clavacillin?
Clavacillin typically has mild side effects, like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. You might be able to alleviate these side effects by giving your dog food along with their medication. In rare cases, dogs experience severe side effects like seizures, hives, swelling, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Call your vet immediately if your dog appears to have an allergic reaction to the medication.
