🐾 Clavamox Dosage for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to treating infections in dogs, Clavamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) is a widely used and highly effective antibiotic. It’s commonly prescribed for skin infections, wounds, dental infections, and urinary tract infections. However, understanding the right dosage is crucial to ensure your dog gets the maximum benefit while minimizing potential side effects.

🗝️ Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Clavamox Dosage Questions

• What is the general dosage of Clavamox for dogs? The recommended dose is 6.25 mg per pound of your dog’s body weight, administered twice daily.
• Can the dosage vary depending on the infection? Yes, the length and dosage might change based on the type of infection and your vet’s recommendations.
• Are there different tablet strengths? Yes, Clavamox comes in 62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg tablet strengths.
• Can you break the tablets? Yes, but be sure your dog consumes the entire tablet once it’s broken.
• How long should the treatment last? Typically between 5-7 days, but in severe cases like deep infections, treatment could extend to 21-30 days.

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🔍 How Should You Calculate the Right Clavamox Dosage for Your Dog?

The dosage of Clavamox is determined based on your dog’s weight. The standard recommended dose is 6.25 mg per pound (12.5 mg/kg) of body weight, given twice daily. Here’s a general breakdown of dosing based on weight:

Dog’s Weight	Dose (mg)	💡 Tablet Strength Options
10 lbs	62.5 mg	1 tablet (62.5 mg)
20 lbs	125 mg	1 tablet (125 mg)
40 lbs	250 mg	1 tablet (250 mg)
60 lbs	375 mg	1 tablet (375 mg)
80 lbs	500 mg	2 tablets (250 mg) or 1.5 tablets (375 mg)
100 lbs	625 mg	1 tablet (375 mg) + 1 tablet (250 mg)

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to administer the medication at the same time each day, as consistency helps maintain the drug’s effectiveness in the bloodstream. If your dog has trouble swallowing, Clavamox also comes in a chewable form.

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💉 How Long Should Clavamox Treatment Last for Different Infections?

The duration of treatment depends on the type of infection your dog is battling. Common infections treated by Clavamox include skin and soft tissue infections, as well as dental and periodontal diseases.

1. Skin & Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., wounds, abscesses, pyoderma):
   • Treat for 5-7 days, or for 48 hours after symptoms subside.
   • Deep infections like pyoderma may require 21 days or longer, up to a maximum of 30 days.
2. Periodontal Infections (e.g., gum disease):
   • Treat for 5-7 days, depending on the severity and your vet’s guidance.
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
   • Treatment may last 10-14 days, sometimes longer based on your dog’s response to the medication.

💡 Pro Tip: If there’s no improvement after 5 days, contact your vet for reevaluation. Stopping the treatment early can cause antibiotic resistance, so always follow the full prescribed course.

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📊 Clavamox Dosage Chart for Dogs by Tablet Strength and Weight

To help you better understand how to dose Clavamox based on your dog’s weight and the available tablet strengths, here’s a handy chart:

Dog’s Weight (lbs)	Dosage (mg per day)	💊 Tablet Strength (mg)	💡 Dosing Frequency
10 lbs	62.5 mg	62.5 mg (1 tablet)	Twice daily
20 lbs	125 mg	125 mg (1 tablet)	Twice daily
40 lbs	250 mg	250 mg (1 tablet)	Twice daily
60 lbs	375 mg	375 mg (1 tablet)	Twice daily
80 lbs	500 mg	2 x 250 mg tablets	Twice daily
100 lbs	625 mg	1 x 375 mg + 1 x 250 mg	Twice daily

💡 Pro Tip: Always provide the full course of Clavamox, even if symptoms improve early. Discontinuing the medication prematurely can cause bacterial resistance and a relapse of the infection.

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🛡️ What Side Effects Should You Watch For?

Though Clavamox is generally well-tolerated, there are some side effects that dog owners should be aware of:

• Gastrointestinal upset: Your dog may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea. If this occurs, try giving the medication with food.
• Allergic reactions: As Clavamox contains amoxicillin, a penicillin-based antibiotic, dogs with penicillin allergies might develop hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. These reactions require immediate veterinary attention.
• Lethargy: Some dogs may appear more tired or less energetic than usual while on Clavamox.

💡 Pro Tip: If you notice persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of an allergic reaction, contact your vet right away to adjust the treatment plan.

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🐕 Can You Split Clavamox Tablets?

Yes, Clavamox tablets can be split if necessary to ensure accurate dosing, especially for dogs that fall between available tablet strengths. However, it’s important that the entire tablet is consumed once split to ensure the correct dose is administered.

• Clavamox Chewable Tablets are an easier option for splitting, especially if your dog is picky about taking regular tablets.
• Foil strips should only be opened at the time of use to keep the medication fresh and effective.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog spits out or refuses the tablet, try hiding it in a treat or peanut butter for easier administration.

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📊 Clavamox Dosage for Different Types of Infections in Dogs

Type of Infection	Dosage	💡 Treatment Duration	Notes
Skin & Soft Tissue Infections	6.25 mg/lb twice daily	5-7 days, or 48 hours after symptoms subside	Longer for deep infections (up to 30 days)
Periodontal Disease	6.25 mg/lb twice daily	5-7 days	Treat all symptoms to prevent recurrence
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)	6.25 mg/lb twice daily	10-14 days	Monitor urine health during treatment

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🗂️ Key Takeaways for Clavamox Dosage for Dogs:

• The general dosage of Clavamox is 6.25 mg per pound of body weight, administered twice daily.
• Treatment duration depends on the type of infection—typically between 5-7 days, but up to 30 days for deep infections.
• Clavamox comes in 62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg strengths; your vet will guide you on the right one based on your dog’s weight.
• Side effects like vomiting or diarrhea are possible, but serious allergic reactions require immediate attention.
• Always complete the entire course of treatment to avoid bacterial resistance and ensure full recovery.

By following the right dosage and being mindful of your dog’s health during treatment, Clavamox can effectively help your pet recover from various infections. 🐕‍🦺

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Comment 1: “Can I give Clavamox to my dog if they’re on other medications?”

It’s essential to consult your vet before administering Clavamox if your dog is already taking other medications. While Clavamox (a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) is generally well-tolerated, there are potential drug interactions that need to be considered. For instance, if your dog is on certain antibiotics, like tetracyclines or aminoglycosides, these may reduce Clavamox’s effectiveness. Similarly, if your dog is taking NSAIDs or medications for chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease, your vet may need to adjust the Clavamox dose or suggest an alternative.

💡 Pro Tip: Always provide your vet with a full list of medications, supplements, or treatments your dog is on. This ensures there are no adverse interactions, and your vet can make the most informed decision.

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Comment 2: “What should I do if my dog vomits after taking Clavamox?”

If your dog vomits shortly after taking Clavamox, it may indicate mild gastrointestinal upset, which is a common side effect. You can try giving the medication with food, as this can help reduce stomach irritation. However, if vomiting persists or is accompanied by diarrhea or lethargy, it’s important to contact your vet. Persistent vomiting could mean that your dog isn’t getting the full dose of the medication, which can affect treatment efficacy.

💡 Pro Tip: Administer Clavamox with a small meal or treat, like peanut butter or boiled chicken, to reduce the chances of stomach upset. If vomiting continues, ask your vet about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different antibiotic.

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Comment 3: “Can Clavamox be used to treat all infections in dogs?”

While Clavamox is a powerful and broad-spectrum antibiotic, it’s not suitable for treating all infections in dogs. Clavamox is effective against bacterial infections, such as skin infections, wounds, dental infections, and urinary tract infections. However, it’s ineffective against viral infections (such as canine influenza) or fungal infections. Moreover, not all bacterial infections respond to Clavamox, particularly those caused by resistant strains.

It’s crucial that your vet properly diagnose the type of infection your dog has before prescribing Clavamox. A culture test might be necessary to ensure that the bacteria causing the infection are sensitive to Clavamox.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog’s symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting Clavamox, consult your vet. They may need to switch antibiotics or run additional tests to ensure the infection is properly targeted.

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Comment 4: “Can I stop giving Clavamox if my dog seems to be feeling better?”

No, you should never stop administering Clavamox before the end of the prescribed course, even if your dog appears to be feeling better. Stopping the antibiotic prematurely can lead to antibiotic resistance and allow remaining bacteria to survive and potentially cause a recurrence of the infection. This makes it more challenging to treat in the future and could prolong your dog’s recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if your dog shows signs of improvement, it’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed. This ensures that the infection is completely eradicated, preventing a relapse or antibiotic resistance.

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Comment 5: “Are there any long-term effects of using Clavamox in dogs?”

When used according to your vet’s instructions, Clavamox is generally safe for short-term use. However, prolonged or excessive use of any antibiotic can lead to antibiotic resistance or disruptions in your dog’s gut microbiome. This imbalance could cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea or loss of appetite. Additionally, in rare cases, prolonged antibiotic use can impact liver or kidney function, which is why long-term antibiotic therapy is typically monitored closely by a vet.

If your dog requires long-term treatment, your vet may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor organ function and ensure that Clavamox isn’t causing any complications.

💡 Pro Tip: After completing an antibiotic course, consider giving your dog a probiotic supplement to help restore their gut health and prevent digestive issues caused by an imbalance in beneficial bacteria.

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Comment 6: “Can I crush Clavamox tablets to make them easier for my dog to take?”

Yes, Clavamox tablets can be crushed and mixed with food if your dog has difficulty swallowing pills. However, it’s important to ensure that your dog consumes the entire portion of food or treat containing the medication to get the full dose. If you’re using the chewable version of Clavamox, it can be broken into smaller pieces if needed. Keep in mind that Clavamox tablets lose their effectiveness if exposed to moisture, so don’t crush or break them until immediately before administration.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a small amount of wet food, peanut butter, or a pill pocket to hide the crushed Clavamox tablet. This can make it more palatable for picky eaters, ensuring they consume the entire dose.

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Comment 7: “What happens if I accidentally miss a dose of Clavamox?”

If you accidentally miss a dose of Clavamox, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never double up on doses, as this could lead to an overdose or increase the likelihood of side effects, like gastrointestinal upset.

Missing one dose is not usually a significant issue, but consistency is crucial for antibiotic effectiveness. Antibiotics work best when they’re maintained at a steady level in the bloodstream, so maintaining a regular dosing schedule is key to successfully treating the infection.

💡 Pro Tip: To avoid missing doses, set an alarm or reminder on your phone. This helps ensure that your dog receives the medication at the same time every day, maximizing its effectiveness.

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Comment 8: “How should I store Clavamox to ensure it remains effective?”

Clavamox tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Avoid exposing them to moisture or heat, as this can degrade the medication’s effectiveness. If you’re using the liquid form of Clavamox, it needs to be refrigerated and should be discarded after 10 days, as it will lose potency over time.

Always keep Clavamox out of reach of pets and children, and ensure that the packaging is tightly closed to protect it from environmental factors.

💡 Pro Tip: For maximum effectiveness, follow storage guidelines carefully, and always check the expiration date before giving the medication to your dog.