Antibiotics for dogs: FAQ
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections in dogs. But you must use them carefully to avoid antibiotic resistance.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are an important medicine used to treat bacterial infections in both humans and animals. The antibiotics work by killing off bacteria and stopping them from spreading.
Your vet can prescribe antibiotics in the form of:
- tablets
- liquid
- cream
- drops
- injections
Antibiotics are not always needed for infections. Many will clear up on their own, or with the use of other antibacterial medications. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
Why does my dog need antibiotics?
Vets will prescribe antibiotics for your dog if they have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection that they think is unlikely to clear up on its own. They may also prescribe them if they think the infection could spread to other animals.
Without antibiotics, some bacterial infections can become more serious and lead to complications.
How do I give antibiotics to my dog?
Your vet will tell you how to give your dog antibiotics. The instructions will also be displayed on the packet. Follow your vet's guidance, and make sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics.
Note
If you think your dog is in pain, or if you are struggling to give antibiotics to your dog, talk to your vet for advice.
Tablets or liquids
Tablets can be easily hidden in a tasty treat (such as cheese). This method works best by giving your dog a plain treat, followed by another treat with the tablet inside. Finish off with one more plain treat to reward your dog.
Some tablets can also be crushed and sprinkled on your dog's daily meal. You can also mix some liquid medicines with their food. Always wear gloves when handling any of your pet's medications.
Your vet may ask you to give antibiotics without food, so check before administering the medication.
Creams, sprays or drops
It's easiest to apply drops to your dog when they're sitting on your lap, or in front of you. Creams can be applied to your dog just before their meal, so they're distracted from licking. You can also use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this.
Note
Injections and drips are always handled by your vet. Once your dog has completed their course of antibiotics, they may need a follow up appointment. If your dog's condition has not improved after the course, contact your vet.
What if I forget to give my dog their antibiotics?
If you forget to give your dog their antibiotics, give them that dose as soon as you remember and then continue their course as normal.
But, if it’s nearly time for their next dose, then skip the missed antibiotics. Never double up to make up for a missed dose. You can contact your vet for further advice on missed doses.
What if I accidentally give my dog a double dose of antibiotics?
If you accidentally give your dog more antibiotics than your vet has told you to, it can make your dog unwell.
While it’s rare for a second dose of antibiotics to cause any serious harm, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact your vet as soon as you can.
Why do vets limit the amount of antibiotics they prescribe?
There is a serious worldwide problem with antibiotics losing their effectiveness. This is called antibiotic resistance.
It's partially caused by the overuse of antibiotics. This means that bacteria have been able to start adapting and becoming resistant. This makes it more difficult to kill off bacteria with antibiotics.
If we continue to overuse antibiotics it will cause problems for both humans and animals in future because they will become less effective. So, treating bacterial infections will become more difficult.
Your vet will have put careful consideration into whether your pet needs antibiotics and exactly how much they need to help them get better. Many infections will resolve naturally, or can be cured by other antibacterial medications without needing antibiotics.
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Reviewed
• 20 January 2025
Next review
• 20 January 2028
