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Clavamox is a very commonly used antibiotic in veterinary clinics as it can be safely used to treat a variety of infections, including skin infections. If your dog has been recently prescribed Clavamox then you might be interested to find out a bit more about this drug, including its safety, how to administer it, and whether your pet could experience any side effects. We will explore all of this and more!
What is Clavamox?
Clavamox is a brand name for a drug also known as co-amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. It is also sold under a variety of other trade names.
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic containing a mixture of two active ingredients, a type of penicillin called amoxicillin and a substance called clavulanic acid. By using them together it increases the range of bacteria that can be treated when compared to using each component on its own.
This antibiotic drug is effective against a range of infections including those caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E.coli bacteria. It has no effect against viral or fungal infections, however.
Clavamox can be used to treat a variety of skin and soft tissue infections and dental infections in dogs.
When is Clavamox prescribed?
In order to prescribe this antibiotic drug, your veterinarian will first examine your pet and take a history from you, including what symptoms your pet is showing and how long for. Sometimes your veterinarian’s exam reveals an obvious problem, such as a simple skin or wound infection. In these cases, antibiotics may be prescribed without further testing.
However, sometimes diagnostics will be required to work out the most appropriate treatment for your pet. This could involve bacterial culture (e.g urine sample culturing, or culturing of discharge from a wound) to check whether Clavamox is the most appropriate antibiotic to use. Different antibiotics may be more appropriate, depending on the site and type of infection.
What is the dosage of Clavamox?
Your veterinarian will work out the correct dose of Clavamox for you based on your pet’s body weight. This ensures that the antibiotic reaches appropriate concentrations in your dog’s bloodstream.
You must never treat your dog with your own antibiotics at home, as you may under or overdose, as well as potentially be using the wrong drug. Antibiotics can have severe side effects when used incorrectly. Don’t risk making things much worse, always take your pet to a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Using old, out-of-date antibiotics is also risky — they may have become less effective, increasing the risk that some bacteria will survive and learn to ‘beat’ the antibiotic. We call this ‘antibiotic resistance’.
Clavamox usually starts working within a couple of hours but it can take a few days before improvements in your dog’s condition are noticed.
How is Clavamox administered?
Clavamox is usually administered by mouth at home. It is often given in tablet form, though a liquid version exists for small puppies and kittens. With the liquid form, the dose must be accurately measured out with the syringe provided.
Tablets can usually be given with or without food. Some owners find it helpful to hide tablets in a small treat or piece of food, whereas others are happy to administer it directly down their animal’s throat using a pill giver or their fingers.
Clavamox does also come in an injectable form, but this will need to be administered by a veterinarian. It isn’t a long-lasting injection, so your pet will need several injections over the course of treatment. If your pet can’t take antibiotic tablets, we may be able to help by providing the injection at home — we will explain all the options to you when you call.
Where should I store Clavamox?
Keep your pet’s medication somewhere safe out of reach of animals and small children. Liquid medications may need to be kept in the refrigerator, but tablets can be safely stored in cupboards. Don’t allow the medication to get damp, and don’t allow them to experience extremes of temperature.
There shouldn’t be any leftover medication as your vet will try to prescribe enough for the course only. It’s important you finish the course, even if your pet seems to be better — otherwise, you risk some bacteria surviving and learning antibiotic resistance. If you have ended up with some spare, then check with your vet whether you have been dosing accurately. Definitely don’t keep back any doses ‘just in case’, for future ailments or stop the treatment course early.
It’s important you finish the course, even if your pet seems to be better — otherwise, you risk some bacteria surviving and learning antibiotic resistance.
Are there any side effects of Clavamox?
Clavamox is generally safe for most cats and dogs when used at recommended doses. However, as with all medications, there is the potential for side effects.
The most reported side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Many antibiotics can cause tummy troubles as they affect friendly gut bacteria, as well as the nasty ones we are trying to target. If the symptoms are mild, they usually resolve with time. However, speak to your veterinarian if you aren’t sure.
In some rare cases, allergic reactions could occur. If you notice your dog experiencing any facial swelling, rashes, or breathing difficulties after administration of Clavamox then you must call your vet for advice. Some dogs may develop sensitivity over time, so it may not necessarily happen the very first time you give the drug.
People can also be allergic to penicillin-like drugs so if you have an allergy then make sure you tell your veterinarian as you probably shouldn’t be handling this type of medication.
Never give Clavamox or other dog antibiotics to small furry pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice as it can cause severe gastrointestinal issues that lead to death.
Conclusion
Clavamox is a drug used by many veterinarians for a variety of infections. Make sure you follow the dosage regime as instructed to ensure the best outcome and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you think your dog is experiencing any side effects. Above all, only ever use Clavamox on your vet’s instructions, and never dose your dog with your own medication.
FAQ
What is Clavamox used to treat in dogs?
Clavamox is used to treat bacterial infections. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, though sometimes antibiotic resistance can occur which may mean an alternative antibiotic is more suitable.
How long does it take for Clavamox to work for dogs?
Clavamox usually starts working within a couple of hours but it can take a few days before improvements in your dog’s condition are noticed. The drug itself is short-acting and leaves your dog’s system relatively quickly which is why regular dosing is needed to maintain appropriate levels.
What infections does Clavamox treat?
Clavamox can be used to treat a variety of different infections in dogs. This includes a variety of skin and soft tissue infections and dental infections. Sometimes other antibiotics may be more appropriate, so your veterinarian will prescribe the best medication for your pet.
Can Clavamox cause kidney failure in dogs?
This isn’t a listed side effect of Clavamox, and in fact, this drug can be used to treat infections affecting the kidneys and urinary tract. Kidney failure can occur in very sick dogs though, due to their presenting health problem, so it may not be the drug that has caused the damage but your pet’s illness.
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat-coated retriever George!
