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Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is the veterinary equivalent of Augmentin for humans. It’s a type of penicillin antibiotic with the generic name of amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium.
Clavamox was developed specifically for veterinary use in dogs and cats. It’s given orally—by tablet, or by suspension drops—to fight off bacterial infections and is most commonly used to treat the following conditions:
- Skin infections
- Soft tissue infections (wounds, abscesses, pyoderma, cellulitis, etc.)
- Periodontal infections
- Periodontal disease
This medication is effective against several common bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli, as well as other bacteria that can cause infections. In some cases, your vet might take a culture of the infection prior to prescribing Clavamox to make sure that this antibiotic is the correct choice for the bacteria in question.
Like other antibiotics, Clavamox treats bacterial infections only and is not effective against viral or fungal infections. It’s also not effective against certain types of bacteria or infections caused by Enterobacter or Pseudomonas.
Side Effects of Clavamox for Dogs
The most common side effect of Clavmox is an upset stomach, including vomiting or diarrhea. As with any medication, some dogs may have an allergic reaction. Dogs with a history of allergies to penicillin shouldn’t take Clavamox. Discontinue giving your dog Clavamox and call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include:
Clavamox is generally well tolerated in dogs, but there are some other side effects to watch out for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Change in appetite
- Change in heart or respiratory rate
You should always talk to your vet about possible adverse reactions before administering a medication for your dog. Be sure you have a plan in place with your vet for dealing with an adverse reaction.
Dosage of Clavamox for Dogs
You should only give your dog Clavamox under the guidelines of your veterinarian. If you have questions about the dosage, talk to your vet before making any adjustments, as it could limit the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
You can also compromise the drug’s efficacy by shortening the course of treatment. While it might be tempting to stop giving the drug once your dog starts to get better, especially if you have a dog that’s difficult to medicate, failure to administer the entire course of antibiotics can lead to a relapse. You also increase the chances of the infection becoming resistant, meaning it’ll be harder for your dog to fight off another infection.
How to Give Clavamox for Dogs Safely
Clavamox is a generally safe drug, but there are some things you need to keep in mind when administering any new drug to your dog.
Observe your dog closely for any signs of an allergic reaction or adverse side effects, especially if this is the first time your dog has taken antibiotics. If possible, arrange for someone to check in on your dog if you plan on being away from the house for more than a few hours.
Talk to your vet about the best way to administer the drug and about any possible medication interactions. If your veterinarian prescribes oral suspension drops, remember to refrigerate them, as they’ll spoil very quickly if left out. Call your vet if your dog’s condition does not seem to respond to the drug.
The best way to get answers to questions regarding your pet’s medications is to talk to your prescribing veterinarian. If you have concerns about giving your dog antibiotics or suspect your dog is having an adverse reaction, seek veterinary advice.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.