Metronidazole For Dogs: What You Need To Know

Metronidazole for dogs is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat a variety of health issues, including gastrointestinal conditions that cause diarrhea, protozoal parasites such as giardia, and bacterial infections. This powerful antibiotic effectively treats many different types of bacteria, making it a valuable tool for veterinarians to have in their arsenal. In this blog post, we will discuss the uses and benefits of metronidazole for dogs, as well as its potential side effects and how to administer it properly. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of metronidazole for dogs.

What is metronidazole and how does it work?

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal prescription drug used to treat various bacterial and protozoal infections in dogs. It only works against anaerobic organisms since it is active exclusively within anaerobic cells. Metronidazole for dogs also has immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

After taking it, metronidazole efficiently circulates through the entire body and is excreted by the liver.

When is metronidazole used for dogs?

Metronidazole for dogs is the treatment of choice for infections caused by susceptible protozoa (e.g., giardiasis, trichomoniasis) and anaerobic bacteria, such as clostridium and campylobacter which commonly cause diarrhea in dogs. Additionally, it can also be used as adjunctive therapy to manage inflammatory bowel disease by modulating the immune system and providing anti-inflammatory effects.

Although metronidazole is considered "off-label", which means there are no forms officially approved for use in dogs, veterinarians still rely on its use and when used as directed, it is a safe antibiotic to use.

Furthermore, due to the potential of antibiotic resistance, metronidazole should only be used when absolutely necessary. Overuse or misuse can lead to the development of resistant bacteria, making it less effective in treating infections.

What are the side effects of metronidazole in dogs?

Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed medication for dogs, but like any drug, it can have side effects. Below is a list of potential side effects, ranging from common to rare:

• Nausea and Vomiting: These are the most frequently reported side effects.
• Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue.
• Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth.
• Neurotoxicity Symptoms: These can include seizures, loss of coordination (ataxia), tremors, blindness, and disorientation. After discontinuing metronidazole, clinical signs of neurotoxicity in dogs usually start to improve. However, it may take a few weeks or even months for them to fully recover.
• Temporary Loss of Smell: This is a rare side effect that usually resolves within 10 days after discontinuing the medication.

It's important to note that not all dogs will experience these side effects and that they may vary in severity. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your dog after starting metronidazole, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Metronidazole has a very bitter taste and if the pill touches the tongue, you may notice transient hypersalivation due to the bitterness. Therefore, we recommend coating the tablet in canned food or something similar to peanut butter to disguise it.

How is metronidazole administered to dogs?

Metronidazole is typically administered orally to dogs, either in the form of a pill or as a liquid suspension. The exact method of administration and dosage will vary based on the specific condition being treated, as well as the size and weight of the dog.

Please follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian and only administer metronidazole as directed. It's best to give it without a full meal as giving it with food will affect and reduce the absorption and bioavailability (% of unchanged drug that enters the bloodstream to work).

What are the typical doses of metronidazole for dogs?

The typical metronidazole dose for dogs is 10 to 25 mg/kg of body weight, administered two times daily (every 12 hours). The exact dosage will depend on the condition being treated and should always be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Total daily doses that exceed 40 mg/kg in dogs have been linked to an increased risk of metronidazole toxicity with neurological side effects, even when used for short periods of time. When using higher doses or administering the medication for longer periods, it's important to proceed with caution and closely monitor the dog for any signs of neurological issues.

Are there any drug interactions that need to be considered?

Metronidazole has been known to interact with certain medications, including phenobarbital phenytoin, warfarin, and cimetidine.

Using phenobarbital with metronidazole will increase the clearance of metronidazole, making it less effective. Conversely, using cimetidine will decrease the clearance, therefore increasing the chances of metronidazole toxicity.

Please make sure you inform your veterinarian if your pet is taking any of these medications.

When should metronidazole be avoided in dogs?

Metronidazole should not be used in dogs with a known allergy or sensitivity. Additionally, metronidazole should not be used in pregnant or lactating female dogs as its safety is uncertain at this time.

If your dog has liver disease, your veterinarian should reduce the dose significantly as metronidazole is excreted via the liver, therefore, any liver damage may affect the elimination of metronidazole from the body and increase the chances of liver toxicity.

Are there any alternative medications?

Yes, there are drug alternatives available. If your veterinarian were to use metronidazole to treat a gastrointestinal infection, for example, an alternative would be to use tylosin. If your veterinarian were to use metronidazole to treat giardia, an alternative would be fenbendazole.

Is metronidazole safe for use in pregnancy or nursing dogs?

The use of metronidazole in pregnant or lactating dogs should be carefully considered, as it may have serious adverse effects on the development of puppies and can also be passed through milk to nursing puppies.

We typically do not recommend using metronidazole in pregnant or nursing dogs.

FAQs

Metronidazole has been shown to be an effective treatment for various conditions in dogs such as bacterial and protozoal infections and inflammatory bowel disease. Metronidazole should be used cautiously in dogs with liver disease as this can affect the metabolism of metronidazole in dogs. With careful monitoring and proper dosing, metronidazole can be a safe and effective therapy option for many health issues in dogs. By understanding how metronidazole works in treating these common ailments of our furry friends, we can give them the best care possible. If you have any further questions about metronidazole in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.