Other frequent metronidazole adverse effects include nausea and vomiting. Gagging. more worn-out than normal.
How do I store metronidazole?
This medication needs to be kept in an airtight container away from moisture, light, and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If using the liquid form, keep it chilled in between doses.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you do. Give the next scheduled dose instead of the missed one if it’s about time for that one instead. Avoid taking this drug in excess as doing so can lead to severe, deadly side effects.
How long will my dog be on metronidazole?
5 to 7 days are the typical length of the treatment. If the infection is not responding as predicted within that time, your veterinarian might want to extend it. It’s critical to keep in mind that your dog needs all of the dosages on time. Even if your dog appears to be feeling better, do not stop before the recommended amount of time has passed.
Can dogs’ diarrhoea get worse after metronidazole?
While it has been demonstrated that metronidazole is an appropriate treatment for some illnesses, it may not always be as beneficial as many veterinarians believe. We advise you to discuss whether metronidazole will be good for your dog with your vet. These are some inquiries to make:
Does My Dog Need Antibiotics?
Frequently, the response to dog diarrhoea is no. Although some medical disorders, such bacterial infections that can be fatal, definitely require antibiotics, other illnesses may be treated successfully with only supportive care.
For instance, dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bloody diarrhoea) are frequently given antibiotics, yet veterinary consensus guidelines state that antibiotics should only be administered in these cases when sepsis is evident. According to studies, even hemorrhagic gastroenteritis responds just as well to supportive treatment as it does to drugs when sepsis is not present.
Metronidazole can actually worsen diarrhoea, according to a number of studies, not just by lowering populations of “good anaerobic bacteria,” but also by changing the intestinal mucous.
What Are The Possible Side Effects of Metronidazole?
Ask your veterinarian what to look out for because the majority of drugs have the potential to produce negative effects. Particularly in cats, metronidazole frequently results in increased salivation, drooling, choking, or frothing at the mouth because to its extremely bitter taste. Pets receiving metronidazole may eat less than usual or refuse meals altogether since the bitter taste may also result in nausea and lack of appetite (anorexia) in both cats and dogs. Diarrhea and vomiting are two additional rather frequent side effects of this medication.
Lethargy, weakness, liver damage, and central nervous system abnormalities are more severe but less frequent side effects of metronidazole in animals. Abnormal eye movements, head tilts, lack of coordination and balance, tripping or knuckling, and even convulsions are clinical symptoms of nervous system poisoning.
Birth defects have occasionally been reported. Low blood counts have been reported occasionally in dogs as idiosyncratic reactions. Metronidazole has been discovered to harm the DNA of lymphocytes (white blood cells), an essential part of the immune system, in cats.
Does My Dog Have Any Conditions that Would Make a Bad Reaction to Metronidazole More Likely?
If your dog has ever had an unfavourable reaction to metronidazole, you shouldn’t use it again. If you think your dog might be pregnant, avoid using metronidazole. Metronidazole should be administered extremely cautiously and in low doses if your dog has liver illness. Additionally, any animal with a weakened nervous system should use it with caution.
Are There Any Supplements I Can Combine With Metronidazole To Improve The Outcome For My Dog?
Some probiotics may boost improved results and lessen negative effects. Probiotics and metronidazole together produced superior overall results than metronidazole alone in a trial of shelter dogs with diarrhoea. In another trial, silymarin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid produced from milk thistle seed, was given along with metronidazole, and dogs receiving the combination had improved appetites, less sporadic vomiting, and less weight loss.
There are still many things you can do to make your dog feel better both before and after treatment, even if you and your veterinarian decide that a course of metronidazole or another antibiotic is necessary in your dog’s situation.
While adding the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to your pet’s food will lessen the likelihood of antibiotic-induced diarrhoea, diarrhoea is a common side effect of many medications. A probiotic called S. boulardii works by promoting healthy gut bacteria and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. The new Gut Maintenance Plus (GMP) supplement from AnimalBiome comprises S. boulardii in addition to the prebiotics Bio-Mos and PreforPro, and was created specifically to assist treat antibiotic-induced diarrhoea in cats and dogs.
And if you and your vet decide to use metronidazole, putting the prescription in an empty food-grade capsule will shield your dog from the unpleasant taste of the medication and lower the likelihood that your dog may experience nausea.
What Are The Alternatives To Metronidazole?
Inquire with your vet about if antibiotic alternatives that treat particular symptoms of your dog’s GI problem would be preferable. Anti-nausea drugs, proton pump inhibitors (to decrease acid production), motility inhibitors (to lessen cramping and the feeling of urgency), bile acid sequestrants (to stop bile acids from being reabsorbed by the body), and vitamin B12 are some examples of such symptomatic treatments (cobalamin, which may be useful in cases of chronic diarrhea). The gut flora of your dog may change as a result of some of these methods, but those changes won’t be as drastic as those brought on by metronidazole.
The prebiotic fibres inulin and psyllium may be helpful since they feed the bacterial populations while also firming the stool because diarrhoea frequently signifies a change in the equilibrium of your dog’s gut bacteria. Another dietary supplement that can assist in resolving intestinal imbalances is S. boulardii.
Our dog supplements, Gut Restore, can help if your dog’s microbiome is seriously out of balance by introducing a large population of beneficial, canine-specific bacteria to the gut.
Becker and Habib highlighted a supplement for diarrhoea in cats and dogs called DiaGel, whose active ingredient is carvacrol, during their Facebook Live session. Carvacrol is a substance having antibacterial characteristics that is found in the essential oils of oregano, thyme, and several other plants. It is a phytonutrient (plant extract). Although there aren’t any studies that directly address how carvacrol affects diarrhoea in cats and dogs, there is some encouraging research on this substance that has been conducted in people and in other animals.
Carvacrol enhanced beneficial bacteria, such as Firmicutes, and drastically decreased “detrimental flora, such as Proteobacteria, according to a study on C. diff infection in mice. Other research suggests that carvacrol may also be somewhat effective against viruses, some types of Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Future research on this substance that focuses on its impacts on cats and dogs is something we’re eager to see.
Should food be consumed together with metronidazole for dogs?
- A canine antibiotic used under veterinary prescription is metronidazole, sometimes referred to as Flagyl.
- Giardia and other disorders that cause diarrhoea are typically treated with metronidazole in dogs.
- Metronidazole frequently causes stomach discomfort, nausea, and decreased appetite in dogs; as a result, it is advised that this drug be administered with meals.
- You should stop taking metronidazole and get in touch with a vet right away if you experience any severe adverse effects, including as neurological signs like rapid eye movement, wooziness, or disorientation.
Why do veterinarians recommend metronidazole?
Metronidazole is given to treat a wide range of diseases and to ease their symptoms since it targets bacterial infections and some parasites. It is frequently used to treat: Giardia (and other parasites) Chronic Bowel Disease (IBD)
How long does Flagyl take to stop canine diarrhoea?
When will it start to work? Even though metronidazole should start to take effect in one to two hours, you might not feel the effects right away. It can take a few days before symptoms start to gradually get better.
How do dogs react to metronidazole?
An antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication known as metronidazole (trade name: Flagyl) is used to treat several anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections, including those brought on by Giardia and Trichomonas. Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues are frequently treated with it.
It is against the law to use metronidazole to treat the majority of other diseases in dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals, including those caused by Giardia. In veterinary medicine, many medications are frequently administered for off-label use. In these situations, pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions and warnings.
How is metronidazole given?
You can get metronidazole as a pill, capsule, or liquid suspension. It can also be made into a formulation (known as metronidazole benzoate) that is easier to give to cats and has a milder flavour. Additionally, your veterinarian can provide the medication at your veterinary facility in an injectable form.
Metronidazole ought to be taken orally together with food. Before usage, liquid forms need to be thoroughly shaken. Due to how bitter metronidazole is, it is important to avoid crushing the tablets before giving them to your pet. Observe your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations. For assistance if you’re having trouble giving the medication, get in touch with your local veterinarian clinic.
This medication should start working within one to two hours, and while results might not be immediately apparent, over the course of a few days, progressive improvements are typically felt.
It is important to take precautions to prevent unintentional exposure to this drug because it may have negative effects on pregnant people. The drug should only be handled while wearing gloves. DO NOT break pills since doing so releases airborne powders that could expose you to the medication through inhalation. When cleaning up after your pet vomits after receiving this medication, wear gloves.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you recall, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, take the medication as usual, and take the next scheduled dose instead. Never administer additional dosages or two doses at once to your pet.
It is crucial to administer the medication for the duration that your veterinarian has advised.
Are there any potential side effects?
Metronidazole’s side effects can include drooling, drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, regurgitation, decreased appetite, and fatigue.
Metronidazole can have neurological side effects, such as weakness, tremors, lack of coordination, vomiting, seizures, and eye twitching. These side effects are typically seen when metronidazole is administered in high dosages or for long periods of time, although they can also happen with lesser doses. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right once.
There can occasionally be liver damage. Inappetence or a yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums may be indicators of liver damage. If you detect these symptoms, get in touch with your veterinarian.
Rarely, the drug metronidazole may result in cutaneous vasculitis, a condition where the skin’s blood vessels swell up. Scaling, hair loss, bruising, swelling, and skin lumps are symptoms of this skin condition. If you detect any of these symptoms, get in touch with your veterinarian.
The effects of this quick-acting medicine should wear off after 24 hours, though they may last longer in animals with liver or renal illness.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Use of metronidazole in animals that:
- a known hypersensitivity, allergy, or medication interaction with it are weakened or incapacitated; are breastfeeding or pregnant
When administering metronidazole to pets that:
Using metronidazole with caution in animals that:
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Some medications, such as some chemotherapy medicines, gastroprotectants (cimetidine), cyclosporine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and warfarin, may interact with metronidazole. If your pet is receiving these medications, your veterinarian will consider the potential dangers of metronidazole. Any medications your pet is receiving, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments, should be disclosed to your veterinarian.
“It is vital to discuss any drugs (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal treatments) that your pet is receiving with your veterinarian.”
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
Check the medication’s effectiveness and keep an eye out for any negative side effects.
Store metronidazole pills, capsules, and oral solution in a container that is well sealed, shielded from light, and kept at or below 30°C (86F). Some unique liquid compositions need to be refrigerated for storage. Follow the product’s storage recommendations if your veterinarian has created a unique formulation.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Call your veterinarian’s office right away if you think your pet may have taken too much medication or is having an unfavourable reaction to it. Follow their instructions for contacting an emergency facility if they are not readily available.
What medications do veterinarians prescribe for canine diarrhoea?
The oral administration of an intestine protectant such as kaolin clay and pectin (KaoPectateTM) or a suspension containing bismuth subsalicylate may be advised by your veterinarian (PeptoBismolTM).
Can flagyl cause stomach discomfort in dogs?
Prescription drugs frequently have some unsettling side effects. And metronidazole does as well. Some of its negative effects are listed below:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- urethral blood
- reduced appetite
- excessive salivation
- seizures and tremors
- abnormal heartbeat
- Fever
- Staggering
- Head incline
- dilated eyes
- Nystagmus (rapid back and forth eye movements)
- muscle rigidity
Veterinary publications have stated that the majority of hazardous cases involve either extremely high dosages or prolonged, lower levels. However, veterinarians frequently prescribe Metronidazole for persistent diarrhea—sometimes for the rest of the dog’s life!
Since metronidazole can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, veterinarians use it to treat infections of the central nervous system. Thus, it may have an impact on your dog’s neurological system. This video demonstrates how one dog reacted to the medication.
Metronidazole also carries dangers over the long term. Heinz body anaemia, a rare illness, can affect dogs. Metronidazole shouldn’t be given to pregnant dogs because it can result in birth abnormalities.
Metronidazole also has the drawback of killing all germs, not just harmful ones. To promote the health of his immune system and digestive system, your dog requires healthy bacteria in his gut. Therefore, this antibiotic may permanently harm your dog’s digestive system. When used to treat persistent diarrhoea, it makes your dog more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues and possibly allergies.
Rather than administering Metronidazole to your dog, consider a holistic approach. These are just a few of the many natural remedies available. They also won’t jeopardise your dog’s long-term health.
