Metronidazole in Dogs: What to Know

Metronidazole, also known by its brand name Flagyl, is a potent medication used to treat inflammation of the large intestine. It can also deal with other conditions that benefit from killing widespread bacteria.

There has been some controversy over whether Metronidazole is safe for dogs. It can be a powerful remedy against disorders such as giardia and sepsis. It can also take care of various types of infections in dogs and cats.

Metronidazole must be administered in the exact dosage your veterinarian recommends, and no more than that. If you want to know more about Metronidazole in dogs, check out this informative article.

What is Metronidazole?

Almost every pet parent has been in a situation where their dog needs treatment for a condition like diarrhea. Certain medications are prescribed frequently for specific ailments, and Metronidazole is one of those medications. As a pet parent, you may have questions about the medicines prescribed by your vet.

Metronidazole is an effective antibiotic medication commonly prescribed by veterinarians for certain conditions that cause diarrhea in dogs. It treats dogs and cats with infections precipitated by anaerobic bacteria. It is also frequently used to treat giardia in dogs.

Metronidazole can treat certain types of infection:

• Wound
• Liver
• Chest (associated with pneumonia)
• Gallbladder
• Bile ducts
• Oral and dental

Metronidazole may also be used to treat infections of the jaw and bone. Research demonstrates that treatment with this drug can shorten the duration of diarrhea and lessen fecal culture detection of certain bacteria in some dogs. This medication appears to have some anti-inflammatory effects on the bowel.

Metronidazole disrupts the DNA within bacteria, which causes the bacteria to be killed. There is some dispute surrounding the topic of giving pups Metronidazole, which will be explained later in the article. It is imperative to give your pup the exact dose your vet prescribes and not exceed it.

Metronidazole Dosages in Dogs

Metronidazole dosage in dogs can vary depending upon your veterinarian’s instructions. You will need to listen to your veterinarian concerning the dosage. The dosage will typically depend on how much the dog weighs and the cause of the infection:

• Giardia Infections: Twenty-five mg/kg of the pet’s weight two times per day for five days
• Bacterial Intestinal Infections: Forty-four mg/kg of the pet’s weight once on the first day, followed by twenty-two mg/kg of the pet’s weight four times per day for five to seven days
• Trichomoniasis Infections: Sixty-six mg/kg of the pet’s weight each day for five to seven days

The amount of Metronidazole administered will depend on the exact reason why the pup has diarrhea. Your vet will determine how long treatment will continue. It is imperative to remember that even giving your pup a little extra of the drug can harm your dog, and you need to follow directions exactly as they are prescribed from your veterinarian.

What Are the Side Effects of Metronidazole for Dogs?

Any drug can cause side effects. Metronidazole has rare side effects but can occur in dogs at higher doses. It also depends on how your pup’s body responds to the medication. Some of the common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Fever
• Gagging
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of energy
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Metronidazole can also cause irregular heartbeat in dogs. The drug can cause more serious neurological side effects if given at higher doses. Some of these include lack of muscle control, tremors, seizures, and eye twitching. If you see any of these side effects in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If you can not access your veterinarian, call an animal poison control hotline, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center at (888)-426-4435

Why is the Use of Metronidazole in Dogs So Controversial?

While it is true that Metronidazole is effective at killing the harmful bacteria causing your pup’s problems, it will also destroy the good bacteria that their body requires for other functions, such as digestion. It triggers unhealthy bacterial imbalances, and there has been proof to back this up.

This study showed that significant changes in the gut microbiome occurred after a fourteen-day course of treatment with the drug. It decreased beneficial bacteria even after four weeks of stopping treatment. The study suggested a more cautious approach to treating conditions with Metronidazole.

The consensus of the studies is that even though the drug is effective, it can cause serious side effects that can be avoided if caution is taken or another drug is used. There is speculation concerning the overuse of Metronidazole for cats and dogs with diarrhea.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Veterinarian?

Metronidazole can be helpful for some dogs. However, for some pups, it is not the ideal choice. The following includes the questions you may want to ask your veterinarian should they prescribe Metronidazole for your dog.

Is It Necessary for My Dog to Have an Antibiotic?

Regarding diarrhea in dogs, the truth is that most cases resolve on their own within a couple of days. Metronidazole may not be necessary for some dogs, especially in this case, and other possible treatments may be better for your pup. However, there are some more severe health issues, such as giardia, in which your dog could benefit from Metronidazole.

It may come down to the exact situation and weighing the pros and cons. For example, in the case of diarrhea, research has demonstrated that supportive care is a better route than using Metronidazole. Some studies have even revealed that this drug worsened diarrhea by decreasing the gut’s good bacteria and altering intestinal mucus.

What Might Occur Due to Metronidazole?

The side effects of the medication were mentioned earlier in the article. It is important to stress that all dogs respond differently to various medications, and you must be careful about your four-legged family member. Side effects can occur if too much medicine is given. Be mindful of specific signs in case your pup is experiencing nervous system toxicity.

 Should My Dog Take Metronidazole?

Metronidazole may not be appropriate for dogs who are pregnant or young puppies. It may also not be suitable for dogs with kidney or liver disease, neutropenia, or seizure disorders. If your dog has a medical condition, Metronidazole may not be the right drug to give them. If you are giving your pup this medication for diarrhea, be sure to provide them with plenty of water to keep them hydrated.

Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Metronidazole?

It has been indicated that fasting for a day or two can help with many conditions caused by bacteria, because it helps to restore gut flora which is impaired by illness. Even fasting for twelve hours can help, but it all depends on the particular condition your pup is experiencing. You can also talk to your vet about supplements that may help treat your pup.

Conclusion

Metronidazole is a medication that has several different purposes. It is always best to talk to your veterinarian about whether this drug is safe and appropriate for your dog.

For dog parents in the Atlanta, GA region, The Village Vets is here to answer any questions about Metronidazole in dogs. Give us a call today at (404) 371-0111!