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What Are the Uses of Clindamycin for Dogs?

Author
Susana Bradford
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January 12, 2024
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2 minutes
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Expert Reviewed By:
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August 29, 2023
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Vets generally recommend clindamycin for dogs that have soft tissue infections or abscesses. Depending on the type and location of...

Veterinarians prescribe the antibiotic clindamycin for dogs with various types of bacterial infections. Commonly given to dogs with deep tissue wounds or infection of the gums, clindamycin has been approved for canine use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clindamycin may be administered to dogs in liquid form using a dropper, or in tablet or capsule form.

Some elderly dogs may be prone to dental problems and gum infections, which can be treated with the oral antibiotic clindamycin. The antibiotic prohibits the growth of harmful bacteria in dogs, and helps control infections. Periodontal disease in older dogs may be serious, as an elderly dog's immune system may be weakened. In addition to antibiotic therapy, other procedures such as tooth extraction or scaling may be necessary.

Clindamycin for Dogs

Clindamycin is a vital antibiotic that veterinarians commonly prescribe to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs, such as dental infections, skin infections, bone infections, and more. It's available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, and topical solutions. With proper use, Clindamycin can effectively help dogs recover from infections and improve their overall health.

Clindamycin is commonly prescribed for infections caused by an anaerobic organism. This type of organism can multiply and survive without oxygen, causing infection in a dog. The presence of oxygen, however, may actually destroy certain strains of bacteria.

Dogs that develop a soft tissue infection are often treated with clindamycin. When a dog exhibits signs of a soft tissue infection, including discoloration around the gums, vomiting, or difficulty in chewing, a proper diagnosis is needed to determine the course of treatment. Dogs diagnosed with soft tissue infection must receive the full course of clindamycin to ensure full recovery.

When a dog develops an abscess, which generally causes pus and inflammation near a wound site, it can often be treated with clindamycin. Clindamycin for dogs with an abscessed puncture wound may be prescribed for up to three weeks. An oral abscess will generally require a 10-day treatment.

clindamycin for dogs

Canine bone infections can cause serious complications that can be fatal if not treated promptly. A biopsy of the affected bone may be performed in some cases. Veterinarians may prescribe clindamycin for dogs with bone infections that have not metastasized to other areas of the body. Inflammation may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, as well as oral antibiotics.

As with any oral antibiotic, there is a risk of side effects when administering clindamycin for dogs. In most cases, side effects will be mild and may include diarrhea or vomiting, which may resolve after a day or two. Some dogs may experience serious allergic reactions to clindamycin, such as breathing difficulties or seizures. Any unusual side effects should be reported to a veterinarian at once.

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Meet the author:
Susana Bradford
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Susana is an avid animal lover and has been around animals her entire life, and has volunteered at several different animal shelters in Southern California. She has a loving family at home that consists of her husband, son, two dogs, and one cat. She enjoys trying new Italian recipes, playing piano, making pottery, and outdoor hiking with her family and dogs in her spare time.

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