Have you ever wondered if antibiotics make dogs tired? As a devout pet owner, I’m sure you’ve considered the idea. So, we’re here to answer that question for you and give you all the necessary information about giving your dog an antibiotic.
Do Antibiotics Make Dogs Tired?
Do antibiotics make dogs tired?Antibiotics fight bacterial infections within your dog’s body. They work by targeting the cell walls of the bacteria to either kill it or prevent it from being able to reproduce and allowing your dog’s immune system to rid itself of the invader.
Although some antibiotics have a direct side effect of making your dog tired, it’s far more likely the tiredness results from other side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, or the extra work your dog’s immune system does.
Why an Antibiotic?
Doctors often use antibiotics to treat infections in both humans and dogs. Still, you may wonder whether this approach is a safe treatment for your dog and if an antibiotic is a correct medicine for the illness your dog is experiencing.
What Are Antibiotics Used For?
Medical professionals use antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Common ailments that may require the use of an antibiotic include:
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin lesions
- Respiratory infections
Bacterial infections can harm your dog in different ways. They can kill cells and surrounding tissues outright. They can multiply so quickly they interfere with healthy cells. And they can release toxins into the body.
Antibiotics come from microorganisms in the soil and fungi. As we stated earlier, they work by targeting the cell walls of the bacteria to either kill it or prevent it from being able to reproduce and allowing your dog’s immune system to rid itself of the invader.
How Long Does My Dog Need to Be on an Antibiotic?
The antibiotic prescribed for your dog will depend on the type of infection your dog has and its severity. The length of time your dog will need to take the antibiotic is variable too, but generally, the average course of antibiotics lasts between 10 to 14 days for general infections.
Whatever your veterinarian prescribes, and however long the course lasts, you must ensure your dog takes every pill on time and completely finishes all of its medication.
Will My Dog Like the Taste of the Antibiotic?
Taking medicine is not pleasing to the taste buds. Just like humans, dogs don’t enjoy the taste of their antibiotics either. Although some dogs may not even notice the unpleasant flavor of the medicine, others might.
If your dog hates the taste of the antibiotic, here are some tips to get your pup to ingest the vital medicine without too much resistance.
- Wrap the antibiotic in your dog’s favorite type of meat or cheese
- Hide the antibiotic in your dog’s food dish, and hope they don’t notice
- Offer a reward after the dog eats the medicine
- Dip the antibiotic in some form of gravy or sauce
- If the antibiotic is in liquid form, try pouring the medication over the dog’s food or treats
What Side Effects Will My Dog Have on an Antibiotic?
The side effects of an antibiotic differ depending on what condition your dog has and how your dog’s body reacts to the medicine.
Some of the most common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, itchy skin, loss of appetite, and behavioral issues. If the side effects become too difficult for you to manage on your own, be sure to reach out to your veterinarian for advice or ensure the medicine is working appropriately.
Will Antibiotics Make My Dog Sick?
A common side effect of antibiotics can be an upset stomach, although this issue is not always the case. Some dogs will develop an upset stomach shortly after taking the antibiotic, but the symptoms shouldn’t last long.
If your dog develops stomach trouble due to the antibiotics, you’ll likely notice these symptoms about a day or two after they start taking the medication.
If this unwanted side effect occurs, try giving the antibiotic to your dog shortly after eating. Taking medicine on an empty stomach can sometimes trigger gastrointestinal discomfort.
What Are Some Common Antibiotics Used for Dogs?
Veterinarians will use many different types of antibiotics to help combat infection in dogs. Some most commonly used antibiotics include amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, and tetracycline.
Amoxicillin
Medical professionals use amoxicillin to treat skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections. It is close to penicillin and is considered the most common antibiotic. This antibiotic is effective when taken orally.
Sulfamethoxazole
Doctors utilize the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole to treat various infections; however, they commonly use it for urinary tract infections in dogs. Sulfamethoxazole is hard on the gastrointestinal tract. Be cautious with this drug, and be sure your dog drinks plenty of water while taking it.
Gentamicin
Gentamicin is the best antibiotic for eye and ear infections and pneumonia. If your dog is experiencing any of these conditions, gentamicin is likely the antibiotic your vet will prescribe. This antibiotic is also suitable for treating redness and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Common side effects of gentamicin are eye pain and discharge.
Tetracycline
When other antibiotics fail, tetracycline is another standard recommendation from vets. Tetracycline works by breaking down protein barriers that protect the bacteria. So, if your dog has been struggling with ongoing infection, tetracycline is likely the antibiotic your vet will prescribe.
Currently, lupus is the most common condition that requires the use of tetracycline to treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with a sick pup, it’s comforting to know antibiotics like these exist. However, it’s difficult to understand how your dog feels while healing from an infection. You must gather as much information as possible on the treatment options and plans your vet outlines.
Antibiotics are a standard solution for dogs battling an infection, so you, as their owner, will want to know everything there is to know about them before agreeing to this medication.
Although antibiotics don’t tire your dog, your should know about other possible side effects. As always, consult your vet before making official decisions regarding your pet’s health.
