Amoxicillin/clavulanate (brand names: Augmentin, Clavacillin, Clavamox) is a medicine used in pets to treat skin infections, gum disease, and soft tissue infections such as abscesses and wounds.
This drug contains amoxicillin and clavulanate. The amoxicillin kills the bacteria. The clavulanate helps the amoxicillin work better by blocking the bacteria’s effort to stop it. Amoxicillin/clavulanate doesn’t work for all types of infections. It only treats those caused by certain gram-negative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without the need for oxygen).
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is FDA-approved to treat:
Amoxicillin/clavulanate can also be used off-label or extra-label to treat dogs and cats for respiratory tract infections (infections of their lungs, sinuses, and airways) caused by certain bacteria. Extra-label or off-label means your vet prescribed a drug that’s not FDA-approval for that use, but there’s evidence it’s safe and effective.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is available as a prescription from your veterinarian, or with a veterinary prescription from an online pet pharmacy or human pharmacy. It comes in various dosages as a tablet, chewable tablet, or liquid you take by mouth. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for other dosing options.
It's best to use an amoxicillin/clavulanate product made just for animals, when possible. Its versions meant for people have different amounts of amoxicillin and clavulanate compared to the pet versions. This can make it difficult to give your pet the correct dose if you use the version meant for people.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a tablet, chewable tablet, or liquid taken by mouth. It’s usually given every 12 hours for as long as it’s prescribed. If your vet prescribed the pork liver-flavored chewable tablets, keep them out of reach of your pets and children to prevent accidental taking or overdose.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate may be given with or without food. If your pet’s stomach gets upset after taking it on an empty stomach, try the medicine with a small amount of food or a treat. If your pet takes the liquid form, shake it well and measure it using the dosing dropper or syringe that comes with it. Slowly put the liquid into your pet’s mouth so they get all of the dose.
Always follow your vet’s directions for giving medicine to your pet. Tell them about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies your pet takes. Talk to your vet before stopping any of your pet’s medicines.
Side effects are usually related to the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines). They may include:
If your pet has side effects, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian. They’ll discuss treatment options, depending on what side effects your pet has. They may recommend switching to a different antibiotic, or they may suggest managing their symptoms and staying on the medicine. Your vet may recommend starting a probiotic to help change your pet’s gut flora. That's the good bacteria that live in your pet’s intestines.
While there’s a low risk of severe side effects, too much amoxicillin/clavulanate can cause serious problems. Your pet’s nervous system and liver can be harmed. If your cat stops eating completely, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Keep pork liver-flavored chewable tablets out of the reach of pets and children.
If you suspect your pet is having a serious side effect or they took too much, call your vet clinic right away. If it’s outside regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Be aware you may have higher fees for emergency care. You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426- or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-.
Using more than one medicine at a time with your pet can change how those medicines work. It can also raise your pet’s risk of serious side effects. Tell your vet about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your pet takes.
Before giving your pet amoxicillin/clavulanate, tell your vet if they also take:
Other antibiotics. When other antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides, or tetracyclines, are used with amoxicillin/clavulanate, they can work against each other. They may not be very effective, or your pet may have side effects or a longer infection.
Methotrexate. Methotrexate is a medicine used to treat cancer. It affects how well your pet’s immune system works. When methotrexate and amoxicillin/clavulanate are used at the same time, the methotrexate can reach toxic levels in your cat or dog and cause serious side effects.
Warfarin. Warfarin helps thin your pet’s blood and prevent blood clots. They’re more likely to have serious bleeding when this medicine is used with amoxicillin/clavulanate.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amoxicillin/ clavulanate. Always check with your veterinarian.
The chewable amoxicillin/clavulanate smells and tastes really good to many dogs and cats. They may try to chew their way into the package if it’s left where they can get to it. These tablets should be stored in the original prescription package. To prevent accidental taking, store the package in a secure location out of the reach of your pet. If you suspect your pet took more amoxicillin/clavulanate than prescribed, call your vet or veterinary emergency clinic right away.
If you miss a dose of your pet’s medication, you can still give them that dose if it’s close to the original scheduled time. If it’s closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct time. Don’t double the dose, but make sure your pet finishes all medicine as prescribed.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate tablets and chewable tablets should be protected from light and stored at room temperature. They should be stored in the original packaging until you’re ready to give a dose to your pet, because these tablets don’t do well if they get moist. If you have to split a tablet, place the remaining half-tablet back into the original package. Then place it into a sealed container until it’s time for the next dose. This medicine’s liquid form should be stored in your fridge for up to 10 days. Then, throw away what’s left.
PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.
Amoxicillin is an FDA-approved antibiotic medication commonly used in dogs and cats to treat susceptible infections. This may include urinary infections, respiratory tract infections, some infections of the skin, Helicobacter infections and Lyme disease. Amoxicillin is also approved for infusion into the mammary glands of cows with mastitis.
Amoxicillin is also used in the treatment of susceptible infections in birds, ferrets, reptiles, and fish. The use of amoxicillin in these species is considered off-label. The term off- or extra-label use means that a medication can be used in a way or in a particular species that are not specified on the medication label. Veterinarians can legally prescribe medications for off-label use in certain circumstances. Your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is right for your pet.
It is important to note that amoxicillin is also a prescription medication for humans, frequently with dosages and side effects different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. Due to possible side effects, pets should not be given any medication prescribed for humans. Also, medications intended for use in an aquarium for the treatment of fish should not be used in any other species.
Amoxicillin is classified as a penicillin antibiotic. Antibiotics in this class prevent a susceptible bacterium from creating a necessary part of the cell wall, thereby weakening and destroying it, which causes the bacterium to die.
Amoxicillin is often used to treat urinary tract infections, since it tends to concentrate in the kidney and urine.
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. Amoxicillin can be given with or without food, but giving it will a meal can help to prevent digestive upset. Shake the bottle of amoxicillin suspension well, before administering a dose to your pet.
Amoxicillin oral suspension is a liquid version of amoxicillin and is usually supplied as a powder. Follow the mixing directions closely and note the exact amount of water that should be mixed with the powder to create the suspension. Storing mixed amoxicillin suspension in the refrigerator is preferred. Any unused portion of the powder should be discarded after 14 days.
When using aquarium-safe versions of amoxicillin, add the contents of the capsules into the aquarium as directed for each set of allotted gallons of water. Partial water changes during treatment are often recommended. Speak to your veterinarian regarding prescription instructions and how frequently partial water changes should occur during treatment.
When amoxicillin is administered in cows used for milk production, their milk cannot be used for 60 hours following the last dose. For cattle used for food, a 12-day waiting period following the last dose is recommended.
Missed a Dose?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of amoxicillin. Generally, they may instruct you give the dosage once you remember, or if it is almost time for your next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.
Like all antibiotics, amoxicillin can cause gastrointestinal side effects:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Link to WERVIC
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Penicillin allergies in animals are rare but can happen. Amoxicillin is closely related to penicillin, so allergic reactions can occur and may include:
Skin rashes (especially in the ears)
Watery eyes
Hives (urticaria)
Facial swelling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Anaphylaxis
Amoxicillin should not be given to rabbits and other herbivores, as life-threatening diarrhea can occur in these animals. Additionally, this medication should not be given to pets who have a history of allergic reaction to penicillin.
Human Side Effects
Amoxicillin is also a prescription medication for humans, frequently with dosages and side effects different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-.
If you are allergic to penicillin, talk to your veterinarian about using another medication or ensure that you always wear gloves while in contact with this medication.
Monitoring
No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be on, or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.
Call Your Vet If:
Severe side effects are seen (see above)
Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
You see or suspect an overdose
You have additional questions or concerns about the use of amoxicillin
An overdose of amoxicillin is unlikely to cause toxicity. Amoxicillin overdoses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Large overdoses may cause kidney disease, lack of coordination, and seizures.
Penicillin allergies in dogs are rare but can happen. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic and allergic reactions may occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin reactions, watery eyes, hives (urticaria), facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis. Speak with your veterinarian about whether this medication is right for your pet.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-
Amoxicillin tablets should be stored at a controlled room temperature between 59–86 F. Do not store the dried powder at temperatures above 77 F.
Reconstituted amoxicillin suspension should preferably be stored in a refrigerator and discarded after 14 days.
Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Amoxicillin is generally regarded as safe for use in most dogs and cats. It is a commonly used antibiotic due to the low number of side effects noted with this medication. Your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is right for your pet, based on your pet’s symptoms and circumstances.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a form of amoxicillin that is dispensed by a human pharmacy. You should only utilize a human version of amoxicillin if directly told to do so by your veterinarian. There are many different dosages and formulations of human amoxicillin products available, and many are not suited for dogs. Your veterinarian will determine which is right for your pet.
The active ingredient in amoxicillin for both humans and pets is the same. However, there are differences in available dosages, concentrations, and formulations. There are many sizes of human amoxicillin products available, and many are not suited for dogs. Your veterinarian will determine which is right for your pet. You should only utilize a human version of amoxicillin under the direction of your veterinarian.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
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