Antibiotics for Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Treatment types
Antibiotics for Dogs: What They Treat, Side Effects and Safe Use
If you are reading about antibiotics for dogs, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
Antibiotics for dogs are medicines that kill bacteria or stop them growing. Vets prescribe them for bacterial infections of the skin, ears, eyes, wounds, bladder, lungs and other parts of the body. They do not work against viruses, fungi, parasites or allergies.
Choosing the right antibiotic depends on the type of infection, where it is, your dog’s health, and sometimes a lab test. This guide explains what antibiotics can and cannot treat, common side effects, and how to give them safely. It does not give doses.
Important: Never give your dog leftover antibiotics, human antibiotics, or antibiotics made for fish, birds or livestock. The wrong antibiotic or dose can fail to treat the infection, cause side effects, or help resistant bacteria grow. Call your vet straight away for facial swelling, hives, collapse or breathing trouble after a dose.
What Antibiotics Treat in Dogs
Skin Infections
Vets use antibiotics for dogs’ skin infection, such as pyoderma and infected hot spots, when bacteria are involved. Mild cases may only need medicated shampoo. See pyoderma in dogs.
Eye Infections
Antibiotics for a dog eye infection, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, are usually drops or ointment prescribed after an eye exam. See dog eye infection.
Wounds and Bites
Vets may prescribe antibiotics for dogs’ wound infections, deep bites and abscesses. See dog wound care.
Respiratory and Bladder Infections
Bacterial pneumonia, some cases of kennel cough, and urinary infections. See dog coughing.
What Antibiotics Cannot Treat
Viruses
Parvo, distemper, canine flu and many cases of kennel cough are viral. Antibiotics only help if a bacterial infection follows.
Parasites and Fungi
Worms, giardia, mites, ringworm and yeast need different treatments. See dog parasites.
Allergies and Pain
Itching from allergies and joint pain are not infections and do not improve with antibiotics alone.
Antibiotics for Dogs Side Effects
Stomach Upset
Vomiting, diarrhea and poor appetite are the most common side effects. Giving with food can help if your vet agrees. See dog diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions
Rarely, hives, facial swelling, itching or breathing trouble. This needs a vet straight away.
Other Changes
Some dogs drink or pee more, pant, or seem tired. Tell your vet about anything unusual.
Interactions
Tell your vet about all medicines and supplements your dog takes.
How To Use Antibiotics Safely
A Vet Exam First
Your vet confirms a bacterial infection and chooses the antibiotic. For repeat or deep infections, a culture shows which antibiotic will work.
Finish the Course
Give every dose for as long as your vet says, even if your dog seems better, unless your vet tells you to stop.
Never Share or Save
Do not use another pet’s antibiotics or save leftovers for next time.
Gut Support
Ask your vet whether a probiotic is useful during or after a course.
If Your Dog Is on Antibiotics Tonight
Related products
Terramycin Ointment - Bird Eye Infection Treatment
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Antibiotic eye ointment (oxytetracycline and polymyxin B). The manufacturer’s label covers dogs, as well as cats, horses, cattle and sheep, for surface eye infections. Use it only after your vet has examined the eye and directs it: scratches, ulcers, dry eye and glaucoma need different care.
View product →Free shipping on orders $75+. Prices and stock update automatically. Products are listed for education; medicines are used only when a veterinarian directs care. This page does not diagnose or prescribe.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Antibiotics for Dogs FAQ
What is the best antibiotic for a dog skin infection?
It depends on the bacteria and how deep the infection is. Your vet may use a medicated shampoo for mild cases, or choose an oral antibiotic, sometimes after a skin culture.
Can I get antibiotics for my dog without a vet?
In the US, most antibiotics for dogs need a veterinary prescription. Your vet must examine your dog to choose the right one and dose.
Is there a list of antibiotics for dogs?
Vets choose from several families, such as penicillin-type antibiotics, cephalosporins and tetracyclines. The right one depends on the infection, so your vet decides.
What are the best antibiotics for dogs?
There is no single best antibiotic. The best choice depends on the bacteria, where the infection is, and your dog’s health, which is why a vet exam, and sometimes a culture, comes first.
What are the side effects of antibiotics in dogs?
Most often vomiting, diarrhea or poor appetite. Rarely, allergic reactions. Call your vet if side effects are severe.
Are antibiotics used for a dog eye infection?
Sometimes. If your vet finds a bacterial infection and the eye surface is healthy, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed.
Is this antibiotics for dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.