For pet owners, a dog’s health is very important, and a sick pet is distressful and worrisome. A veterinarian should be able to properly diagnose and treat a sick animal friend, and Metronidazole is one choice in antibiotics to cure a pet’s infection.
Uses
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can be used for humans, as well as dogs, cats and horses. Metronidazole, in the case of dogs, is usually used to cure bacterial infections, like diarrhea caused by bacteria in the digestive tract, or parasitic infections, such as Giardia. Metronidazole is sometimes used in conjunction with other antibiotics to fight multiple aspects of an infection. If a dog is vomiting, this could be indicative of a bacterial or protozoal infection somewhere in his system, and Metronidazole may be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Function
Metronidazole is a bactericide, which means it kills bacteria that it comes into contact with by destroying the genetic information in the bacteria. This not only kills the present bacteria, but ensures that the infection will not spread. Metronidazole can be taken orally, and is designed in several different flavors so that dogs will be more receptive to eating it.
Benefits
Metronidazole can cure bacterial and parasitic infections in sick dogs.Giving perscription Metronidazole to a dog who is vomiting will be very beneficial if the vomiting is caused by a bacterial infection. If the vomiting is caused by a virus, then neither the Metronidazole nor any other antibiotic will be effective, but a veterinarian can test a dog to determine if the cause of her vomiting is bacterial in nature. If the dog’s vomiting is being caused by a bacterial infection, Metrondiazole should cure the dog within a few days of beginning use.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Metronidazole are nausea and decreased appetite, as well as possible gagging when ingesting the medicine. There are less frequent and more dangerous side effects, which can include weakness, low white blood cell count, and even possibly liver failure. These more severe side effects are rare, but possible. It is important to discuss the risk of side effects with a veterinarian before giving Metronidazole to a vomiting dog.
Warning
Metronidazole should not be given to pregnant dogs, or dogs who are nursing puppies. There have been studies done on Metronidazole that have shown the drug has the potential to cause birth defects, and it can be passed through breast milk to young dogs. The drug should also not be given to puppies who are vomiting, only adult dogs. There are alternative antibiotics that a veterinarian will be able to prescribe if an ill dog is pregnant, nursing or very young.
