Metronidazole for Dogs: Benefits and Long Term Use

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Metronidazole In Dogs
2. Dogs and Cats
3. What Does Flagyl Treat?
4. Metronidazole For Dogs - Doses
5. How Does Metronidazole Work?
6. Dog Metronidazole Vs. Human Metronidazole
7. Metronidazole For Dogs Side Effects
8. Drug Interactions
9. Types Of Metronidazole For Dogs
10. Natural Metronidazole Options
11. CBD For Dogs
12. CBD For Pain Relief
13. Top CBD Products
14. Metronidazole For Dogs: The Bottom Line

Stomach ailments aren't fun for anyone, and arguably worse for animals, since they can't tell us what's wrong. Thankfully, there are veterinary medications that can help your dog receive relief from the pain and discomfort that comes with gastrointestinal tract and bacterial infections.

Because Metronidazole in dogs is a commonly prescribed medicine by veterinarians, it's worth knowing the health benefits and side effects. Let's take a look into what this medication can provide, as well as other options you may have.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is made to be antiprotozoal and antibacterial. Consequently, Metronidazole works by fighting back against the fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can result in a stomach bug. This medication is often known as Flagyl.

This antibiotic has an effect on the DNA of the microorganism that has invaded your dog, stopping it in its tracks and allowing its body to do away with anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections.

Metronidazole for dogs is an over-the-counter antibiotic drug that is used to treat various infections in dogs. The gel form of metronidazole is more suitable for skin infections. Metronidazole dosage should be decided by the vet according to the weight and severity of infection of the dog.

Metronidazole tablets can be given with food to prevent stomach upset. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to metronidazole and other antibiotics. If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction, please call your vet immediately.

Because of these effects, it's able to treat issues like:

• Trichomonas
• Giardia
• Balantidium coli

Metronidazole is an important medication that can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. It is particularly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, as it can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. However, it is important to note that Metronidazole should only be used under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.

In order to ensure proper treatment, it is essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by your vet. By doing so, you can help your dog to receive the proper care and treatment that they need.

Due to the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, this antibiotic is also able to work on bacteria within the central nervous system making it an effective treatment for neurological symptoms caused by bacterial infections.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, protozoal infections, and peripheral neuropathy. Metronidazole has anti-inflammatory effects and is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Metronidazole may also be used to treat liver disease and liver damage. Metronidazole is available by prescription and is not FDA approved for use in animals. Consult your veterinarian before giving metronidazole to your pet.

Dogs and Cats

Metronidazole is for cats as well as dogs, and it functions in the same way. Especially useful to cats is the ability of Flagyl to seek out anaerobic bacteria and destroy them.

For cats, the medication is often developed as a liquid. It also strives to be more palatable to picky felines so that providing the medication is less difficult. Pregnant dogs and cats should avoid this treatment as their bodies will fight it too much.

What Does Flagyl Treat?

Metronidazole For Dogs Ear Infection and Periodontal Disease

Flagyl is very helpful in dealing with problems involving anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, and some parasites. Oftentimes, it is used to assist inner ear infections, which can be obvious when your dog has a persistent head tilt.

A veterinarian will often use Metronidazole to treat giardia. This parasite is known for destroying intestinal cells, resulting in appetite loss as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

Metronidazole also has the ability to penetrate into bone, which is highly effective in treating oral infections, bone infections, and periodontal disease. While it is a powerful drug, there are times when it should be avoided.

At-risk animals include those who are:

• Lactating or pregnant
• Very young
• Dealing with kidney disease or liver disease

In order to determine the best options, it's wise to make sure your vet knows the entirety of your pet's medical history and has given them a physical exam with a urine sample.

If your pet is dealing with a stomach ulcer, then sucralfate for dogs can be an option. Make sure to gather information on sucralfate doses, sucralfate side effects, and how long sucralfate stays in your dog's system.

Metronidazole For Dogs - Doses

Once the cause and treatment are determined, it's time to consider the Metronidazole dose for dogs. It's also important to keep in mind that while not FDA-approved, it is deemed safe and still prescribed in veterinary medicine.

 

Typically, standard doses for this drug are somewhere between 5mg and 20mg per kilogram of weight.

It should be taken by any oral method, try with food for best results to avoid the bitter taste.

In the event that you suspect an overdose, get your dog to a vet right away. Signs of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. You may also notice neurological signs as well. If your dog has a seizure, the vet can control that relatively easily.

It can also be worth knowing how soon Flagyl for diarrhea will work, to get an idea of how long they'll have to continue dealing with it.

Metronidazole comes in a dose of 250mg, 500mg, 50mg, and even more for big dogs. Ultimately, your vet will know the perfect dose to provide your dog.

How Does Metronidazole Work?

To begin with, it's able to stop organisms like the giardia parasite from invading your dog, effectively halting that invasion from spreading.

In addition, crossing the blood-brain barrier, it seeks out to repair enzymes that are functioning in areas that lack oxygen. This can help in the process of treating central nervous system infections and damaged areas that don't have a lot of oxygen circulation. Overall, it's a drug that is known to be quite effective for a number of situations.

Dog Metronidazole Vs. Human Metronidazole

It's important to keep in mind that like most antibiotics intended for use in humans, it's best to avoid giving anything to dogs that weren't specifically prescribed by a veterinarian.

Veterinarians will be able to provide dosing information that can keep your dog safe and healthy. Never give medications meant for humans to dogs.

Metronidazole For Dogs Side Effects

Before using Metronidazole, it's important to be aware of the side effects.

Related side effects include:

• Seizures
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in urine
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Acute pancreatitis

Metronidazole may cause side effects in cats as well, including diarrhea, depression, and blood in the urine.

In some cases, pets can also experience an allergic risk to this drug. When a reaction occurs, dogs can show signs of rapid breathing, rashes, or hives. Keep in mind that an allergic reaction can become life-threatening, so make sure to get them to a vet if you notice these symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Another important aspect to consider before using Metronidazole is a potential reaction with other prescriptions. This even includes things like supplements and flea medications. Mixing drugs can cause long-term related symptoms like chronic diarrhea, so always speak to your veterinarian before adding new antibiotics.

Some of the drugs that can create negative reactions when combined with Metronidazole are:

• Phenobarbital
• Cimetidine
• Warfarin

While Phenobarbital may not create harm for your dog when used with Metronidazole, it can negate the effects. As a result, your dog doesn't get much relief from its illness.

Types Of Metronidazole For Dogs

Overall, metronidazole is the generic form of the drug. However, some brand names you may find connected to the same active ingredient are Protostat and Metrogel. If you want to know of any other alternatives, your vet will be likely to have that information.

The option that will be best for your dog is going to depend on their unique history and situation. For many dogs, metronidazole will work just fine. However pre-existing conditions and allergies can complicate matters.

Natural Metronidazole Options

While the options for drugs that can do everything metronidazole can are limited, you might be able to find some natural options that can help in the treatment of specific causes.

One thing you can do is visit a holistic vet, who can look over your animal as a whole. They will be able to provide a clearer idea of what treatment will be best without any associated adverse effects that come from some treatments, like diarrhea.

CBD For Dogs

 

CBD is being investigated all over the world for many beneficial health uses. However, as a CBD product manufacturer, we're prohibited from discussing its health uses and are not permitted to suggest that CBD is a treatment method for specific ailments.

But, CBD is a natural option that works well as a supplement even for dogs who are perfectly healthy.

CBD For Pain Relief

Among the other health benefits it can provide, CBD is also used to treat inflammation in the body, which means that pain can be lessened from bacterial infections.

On top of that, dogs cannot get "high" from CBD. When the product is of good quality, there is no THC involved. Instead, pets get to remain their normal self while feeling relaxed and pain-free.

Top CBD Products

To best ensure that your dog gets all the health benefits, it's important to get quality products. Luckily, Innovet offers a number of fine products that are natural and safe.

CBD Oil

When you want something that is very easy to dose and take with food, CBD oil for dogs is a fantastic menu option for your buddy. You can even purchase a container with just the right dosage, from dogs and cats all the way to horses!

 

 

Metronidazole For Dogs: The Bottom Line

We know it can be frightening when your canine companion isn't feeling well. Luckily, there are antibiotics available to help them get through even the nastiest stomach bugs!

While Metronidazole for dogs may cause nausea vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea — CBD therapy can be appropriate to support a healthy long-term recovery without side effects.

Try out this great health supplement, and see exactly what CBD can do for your beloved furry friend!

Sources:

Metronidazole for Dogs
CBD Improves Brain and Liver Function
Endocannabinoids in liver disease
Cannabidiol blocks behavioral consequences