Q: Can antibiotics be bad for my dog?
A: Most dogs respond very well to antibiotics but, as in people, some dogs may be allergic to certain antibiotics. This is, however, very rare. As long as your vet has prescribed the appropriate antibiotic for the infection that your dog has, your dog should be fine on the medication.
The most common side effects that your dog may develop while he is on antibiotics are diarrhoea and/or vomiting. This is why it is important to ensure that you give your dog his antibiotic with food. Some antibiotics must be given before or after food, so make sure that you closely follow the instructions for the medication your vet has prescribed for your dog. It is also very important to finish the course of antibiotics and not to stop giving your dog her medication when she starts to feel better.
If you are worried that your pet is not responding well to the medication that has been prescribed, contact your vet as soon as possible so that you can be advised appropriately. It is definitely not advisable to just stop giving your pet hid medication without consulting your vet first.
Dr Amanda Haechler, veterinarian
