Metronidazole Flagyl® for Dogs Dosage Chart
Veterinarians often prescribe Metronidazole for dogs to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This article will cover everything you need to know about Metronidazole for dogs: dosage, side effects, and more.
How much metronidazole can I give my dog?
When used orally, the usual dose of metronidazole for dogs is between 5 and 25 mg per pound of body weight.
It may take a few days for your pet to become free of infection with this medication. However, some dogs may be sensitive to metronidazole and experience adverse effects such as seizures or other neurological problems.
| Dog’s weight (lbs) | Metronidazole dosage (compounded capsule) |
|---|---|
| 10 to 20 lbs | 1 capsule of 100 mg |
| 21 to 30 lbs | 1 capsule of 150 mg |
| 31 to 40 lbs | 1 capsule of 200 mg |
| 41 to 50 lbs | 1 capsule of 250 mg |
| 51 to 60 lbs | 1 capsule of 300 mg |
| 61 to 70 lbs | 1 capsule of 350 mg |
| 71 to 90 lbs | 1 capsule of 400 mg |
NOTE: Your veterinarian will determine the proper dosage based on your pet’s weight and condition.
Metronidazole Flagyl® for dogs reviews
It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Metronidazole reviews are positive, with many pet owners saying that the product is effective and has no side effects. However, some pet owners also mention that it takes several weeks to see results from the medicine.
“Metronidazole was purchased for my 10-year-old dog. She had been suffering from a yeast infection in her ear and the vet recommended Metronidazole. She has been on it for a few weeks now and I am happy to say that she no longer has any infections. The price is very reasonable and the shipping was fast!”
“Metronidazole works wonders on my puppy’s itching, biting, and scratching issues. No more scratching at her ears or paws! It’s great stuff.”
“I have a 7-year-old pit bull, who has been on Metronidazole for one week now. I would recommend Metronidazole to anyone who has a dog with UTI. My dog’s UTI was caused by an underlying condition, but the medication is working well to clear up his symptoms.”
“I have a small dog and he has been on metronidazole for 7 days now. I started him on Metronidazole because he had a skin infection and they were getting worse every day. I did a lot of research on the internet to find out what I could do for my dog and came across Metronidazole. So far, I am very happy with the results.”
How long should I give my dog metronidazole?
This medication is typically used for 7 to 14 days, although your veterinarian may prescribe it for a longer period of time. Do not stop giving this medication without first talking to your veterinarian.
How much metronidazole is toxic for dogs?
The threshold for metronidazole toxicity in dogs is 27 mg per pound of body weight. This is the dose at which clinical signs of central nervous system depression. Acute high-dose exposures may result in hepatic necrosis, and death may occur despite treatment.
If your dog is taking too much metronidazole, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Changes in behavior
- Extreme lethargy
- Aversion to touch or handling
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
If your dog has ingested metronidazole outside of its normal dose range or has shown any signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately for a recommendation.
Can a dog recover from metronidazole toxicity?
Recovery from metronidazole toxicity in dogs depends on how severe the symptoms are. Usually, dogs usually recover completely within a week or two.
If metronidazole toxicity is suspected, discontinuation of the drug should be the first step. Some dogs may recover with just this initial step. Others may need symptomatic and supportive therapy to help them recover.
What is the antidote for metronidazole?
There is no specific antidote for metronidazole overdose in dogs, but you can treat their symptoms and support their bodily functions until they start to improve.
Can metronidazole cause pancreatitis in dogs?
Yes. Prolonged use of metronidazole can cause pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis and you’re giving them this medication, they should be closely monitored.
Can metronidazole cause liver damage in dogs?
Liver damage can occur with this drug. In addition, some dogs may develop neurological problems including disorientation, circling, head pressing, and seizures. These tend to occur with higher doses or longer courses of treatment.
Conclusion of dosing dogs with Metronidazole Flagyl®
It is important to be aware that metronidazole is a medicine that can cause side effects. The most common side effects of metronidazole for dogs are vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
It should be noted that it may take several days before your pet’s symptoms improve after starting treatment with metronidazole. If you notice any side effects while taking metronidazole, talk to your vet as soon as possible.
As with all medications, it is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully when administering this drug to your pet.
