How a dog get pneumonia?

There are three main reasons behind it. The number one is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, the second is irritation or allergies, and the third one is an injury because of any accidental event.

The most common reason is a bacterial infection. Usually, dogs develop a secondary bacterial infection because of the primary cause (viral or fungal infections).

Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are some major types of bacteria that cause Pneumonia (inflammation of lungs) in pets. It’s because they are highly contagious and a canine may get these types of dangerous bacteria into their system through the contaminated or polluted air (during the process of inhaling or breathing), soil, contaminated toys, foods, and from an infected pet.

What do vets prescribe for Lungs Infection (Pneumonia) in Dogs?

It’s an interesting question and many of you obviously wanted to know how a veterinarian deal with pneumonia.

Prognosis or Diagnosis

First of all, a vet will diagnose this life-eating disease through blood tests (if necessary) or may also suggest an X-ray to (instantly) see whether a swelling or inflammation is present in the lungs or not.

If the X-ray results or blood tests confirm the bronchopneumonia or pneumonia, then a vet may take a culture test to precisely figure out the type of bacteria that has caused inflammation on the respiratory tract of the canine.

Medicine

After diagnosing and taking a culture test, a veterinarian definitely prescribes an antibiotic treatment. This antibiotic depends upon the severity of the infection and the condition of a dog.

Sometimes, an oral antibiotic (anti means “against”, biotic means “life or living organisms, more precisely micro-organisms or bacteria”) treatment of 14 to 28 days is more than sufficient to see results and overcome pneumonia.

In severe cases of chronic pneumonia conditions, IV (intravenous) antibiotic drips (convenia injection contains “cefovecin sodium”) are preferable.

Clavamox (Amoxicillin trihydrate and Clavulanate potassium) For Pneumonia in Dogs

Now, it’s time to briefly talk about Clavamox chewable tablets which are available in four different strengths, 62.5mg, 125mg, 250mg, and 375mg, respectively.

It’s a beta-lactam antibiotic drug that contains two chemical compounds; the amoxicillin trihydrate (a penicillin-type antibiotic) and clavulanate potassium or clavulanic acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor salt).

This beta-lactams antibacterial drug is useful against a broad range of bacteria and effectively treats a vast type of bacterial diseases by restricting the growth of susceptible microbes.

Uses

Clavamox medicine is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used against most types of gram-negative, gram-positive, anaerobic, and aerobic bacteria.

Amoxicillin trihydrate and Clavulanic acid combination are used to treat all types of pyoderma (skin infectious diseases in dogs), soft tissue infections, Pneumonia, abscesses, dental infections, paw infection, ear, nose, and eye infections, and others not described here.

Clavamox Dosage For Dogs Suffering Pneumonia

The following Clavamox (amoxicillin trihydrate_clavulanic acid) chewable tablets dosage chart helps to understand the recommended dose for dogs in pneumonia. However, a veterinarian may prescribe the ideal dosage plan for your pet after observing the exact condition.

It’s suggested to give 6mg/lbs/pound to a dog to treat pneumonia or severe lung inflammation.

For instance, the recommended dose for 20 pounds (weight) is 120mg to treat pneumonia.

Effectiveness of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics in Canine

It’s also a very important question to answer because today there are many strong (stronger than beta-lactams) antibiotics are available, then, “Why should we use Clavamox for dog’s pneumonia?“

Answer: There is no doubt that there are so many other cephalosporins (a class of antibiotics) like cefpodoxime proxetil (brand name: Simplicef), Cephalexin (brand name: Rilexine), etc are available which are also FDA-approved to treat various kinds of infectious diseases caused by bacteria.

But as I said before, a veterinarian can prescribe the best antibiotic to treat pneumonia in canines and felines after seeing the culture test results. A culture test is crucial because it shows the susceptible bacteria type that helps the veterinarian to prescribe the right medicine and dosage.

Clavamox treats pneumonia in dogs effectively and gives amazing results. All antibiotics are prescription items that need a valid vet prescription for buying.

Clavamox for Puppies (suffering from pneumonia)

Can Clavamox be used to treat pneumonia in puppies? The answer is Yes! It’s safe to use amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination for puppies. It’s also available in 15ml drops (suspension) form.

Liquid Clavamox suggested dosage for puppies in pneumonia is 5mg/pounds. However, a veterinarian may suggest the best dosage plan for your puppy.

Each 1ml of Clavamox (after preparation) contains 62.5mg amoxicillin trihydrate (a penicillin-type antibiotic) and clavulanic acid (beta-lactamase inhibiting salt).

If you’re not seeing improvements within 2-3 days of using this beta-lactam antibiotic, then, it’s suggested to get back to your dog’s veterinarian and consult again.

If anyone of you, who is reading this piece of article has more questions related to his/her pet, feel free to contact me. You may comment below or email me to get a piece of personal advice.