Can You Give Antibiotics to a Pregnant or Nursing Dog?

Published by Doctor Xeeshan on

You may be wondering: Can you give antibiotics to a nursing dog when it’s pregnant or lactating? If so, what antibiotics are safe for pregnant dogs? How do antibiotics work in dogs and what are the side effects of giving them to your nursing dog? 


In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of natural antibiotics for nursing dogs, as well as the side effects of antibiotics. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, feel free to use the reply button to get further answers.


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Antibiotics Side Effects for Nursing Dogs


If your dog is nursing, you should avoid giving them antibiotics while they are still breastfeeding. This is because many antibiotics can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and GI upset. 


If you’re nursing a dog who takes antibiotics, try giving the medicine with food to minimize any possible GI upset. If you still see vomiting or diarrhea after giving antibiotics, contact your vet. 

Your veterinarian may recommend another medication or change the antibiotic to avoid GI upset.

Enrofloxacin


If your nursing dog has recently given birth, it might be time to consider an antibiotic. A broad-spectrum antibiotic called enrofloxacin is used for bacterial infections. This drug works by stopping bacterial cells from replicating. This causes rapid cell death. 


While this may cause diarrhea and vomiting in nursing dogs, the risk of the dog developing renal failure is significantly lower than with other drugs. This is an important consideration before giving any medication to your dog, as he could pass the infection onto you.

What Do Antibiotics Do for Dogs?


Antibiotics in dogs are often given orally. Most are given only once or twice per day, but there are some that require more frequent dosing. Antibiotics should be given with food to minimize their GI side effects. 


You can give pills to your dog by wrapping them in treats, like Pill Pockets. You should also give pills to your dog by gently massaging their throat to encourage swallowing. Liquid antibiotics can be dripped directly into the side of their mouths.

Some dogs can have allergic reactions to antibiotics, like penicillin. This is because amoxicillin is not naturally found in the stomach. The drug can cause an upset stomach, skin infections, and gastrointestinal upset. 


Fortunately, amoxicillin is very effective at fighting bacterial infections, but it can cause liver damage, lethargy, and even seizures. Dogs can develop intolerance to penicillin and other medications that contain the drug.

What Antibiotic is Safe for Pregnant Dogs?


Amoxicillin/clavulanate is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in dogs. The dosage varies according to the type of infection and the dog’s weight. It is generally safe for pregnant and lactating dogs to use. 


This antibiotic is generally safe for dogs, but be sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions. If you suspect that your pet is pregnant, avoid giving her this medicine unless she is displaying signs of pregnancy.

Chloramphenicol and amoxicillin-clavulanate antibiotics are safe for pregnant dogs, but be sure to monitor the dosage and diet. Chloramphenicol can suppress the bone marrow in humans and can cause nausea and vomiting. 


Amoxicillin is not a good choice for pregnant dogs due to its risk to the development of the pup. 

Likewise, cyclosporine and carbenicillin are not safe for pregnant dogs and should be used only with extreme caution.

Natural Antibiotics for Nursing Dogs


While conventional antibiotics can be very effective in preventing and treating infections, there are many other natural antibiotics for nursing dogs. Unlike conventional antibiotics, which can strip the body of healthy bacteria, natural antibiotics can help prevent and treat a variety of bacterial and fungal infections. 


In fact, many of these herbs contain antifungal and antiparasitic properties. If your dog is suffering from an infection, consider using these herbal remedies as a last resort.

Garlic


Garlic is a good example of a natural antibiotic for nursing dogs. Its allicin content helps fight bacteria, parasites, and different strains of E-coli. It’s safe for your dog to ingest a small amount of garlic. 


Olive


Olive leaf extract is another natural antibiotic that is packed with antioxidants. Olive leaf extract also has antibacterial properties, helping to reduce inflammation and heal wounds.

What Antibiotic is Safe for Lactating Dogs?


There are some instances when a dog should not be on medication while nursing, such as mastitis. A bacterial or bladder infection in a nursing dog can have serious consequences for the pups. 


In some severe cases, the infection may even be so bad that hospitalization is necessary. To prevent the condition from occurring, you should clean your dog’s environment frequently. 

Your veterinarian can also prescribe medication to reduce the production of milk.

One antibiotic that is considered safe for pregnant and lactating dogs is Amoxicillin. It is generally safe for dogs to take, but you should monitor your dog closely and make sure that it does not cause gastrointestinal side effects. 


If your dog is still producing milk after the first dose, you should consult a veterinarian for further guidance. Your vet can also prescribe a deworming medication if your dog is lactating.
Categories: Antibiotics For Dogs
Doctor Xeeshan

Doctor Xeeshan

I am Doctor Xeeshan, located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In this blog, I am providing authentic information about dog breeds, diseases, medications, etc.

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