Updated Jan 10, 2024
Are you worried about giving your pet too many antibiotics? Are the side effects of antibiotics in dogs something that concerns you? To avoid resistance, there are alternative products and medication to help treat common health issues.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of ailments and harmful bacteria in dogs, but pet owners should be aware that there are some downsides associated with the use of antibiotics. Thankfully, there are alternatives to dog antibiotics as well, so it’s definitely worth taking an integrative approach when it comes to your furry friend’s health.
Your Dog’s Body Could Develop a Resistance to Antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance occurs in humans, but it can also occur in pets. Basically, harmful bacteria that cause disease are able to find ways to resist the dog antibiotic treatment that is prescribed by vets.
Resistance can develop as a result of common antibiotics being over-prescribed and used in instances when they aren’t actually appropriate. Improper duration and dosage could also lead to antibiotic resistance, and low, frequent doses that aren’t strong enough to eliminate all bacteria could result in some of the surviving bacteria developing resistance. The bacteria can then pass that resistance on to other bacteria, rendering the medication ineffective.
Other Drawbacks of Dog Antibiotic Use
In addition to having to receive a prescription from your vet to give your pet an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, there are also side effects that are associated with these antibiotic therapy medications.
Common antibiotic treatment side effects include allergic reaction types, including skin irritations like hives and rashes, as well as digestive problems like stomach irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your pet might even develop secondary infections, such as yeast infections, and might become lethargic or lose their appetite.
Alternatives to Dog Antibiotics
Vetericyn Plus® products, which are recommended by top veterinarians don’t contain any antibiotics, steroids, or tea tree oil, and are safe to use for all animals. They are non-toxic, as well as easy to administer, and they can serve as a bacterial treatment option when antibiotics are not appropriate. Plus, unlike common antibiotics, your pet will not develop a resistance to these products and they can’t be overused.
Learn more about Vetericyn Plus >
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
