Ciprofloxacin for dogs: Uses, dosage & safety

In this article:

• Uses
• Safety
• Dosage
• How to give your dog ciprofloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin alternatives

In this article

• Uses
• Safety
• Dosage
• How to give your dog ciprofloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin alternatives

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that veterinarians may use off-label in dogs. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which kill susceptible bacteria by interfering with their DNA. Although ciprofloxacin can treat several types of bacterial infections, veterinarians may prefer other antibiotics because ciprofloxacin can have drawbacks in dogs.

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What is ciprofloxacin used for in dogs?

Veterinarians may prescribe ciprofloxacin for bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It may be used for some of the same infections treated with enrofloxacin, a similar fluoroquinolone that is FDA approved for use in dogs and cats. These may include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, eye infections, and certain other bacterial infections.

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Skin and soft tissue infections

Ciprofloxacin may be used for certain bacterial skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria. However, fluoroquinolones are generally considered second-line treatments for canine skin infections. Clinical guidelines recommend using bacterial culture and susceptibility testing to guide treatment when a second-line antibiotic is needed.

Respiratory tract infections

Ciprofloxacin may be used for certain bacterial respiratory infections when testing shows that the bacteria are susceptible to the drug. Fluoroquinolones are among the antibiotics veterinarians may consider for bacterial respiratory disease, depending on the cause and severity of the infection.

Urinary tract infections

Ciprofloxacin may be used to treat certain bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs, including infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Proteus. However, ciprofloxacin is not usually a first-choice antibiotic. Veterinarians typically perform a urinalysis to help diagnose a UTI and may use urine culture and susceptibility testing to identify the bacteria and determine which antibiotics are likely to work.

Eye infections

Ciprofloxacin may be used to treat certain bacterial eye infections in dogs when the bacteria are susceptible to the antibiotic. If ciprofloxacin is prescribed, pet parents may be given ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution or ointment, such as brand-name Ciloxan. Ask a veterinary professional to demonstrate how to administer the medication correctly.

Is ciprofloxacin safe for dogs?

Ciprofloxacin can be used safely in many adult dogs when prescribed by a veterinarian. However, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin can damage developing cartilage, so they are generally avoided in growing dogs unless the veterinarian determines that treatment is necessary. The age at which a dog finishes growing varies by breed, with large and giant breeds taking longer to reach skeletal maturity. Ciprofloxacin should not be given to dogs that have had a hypersensitivity reaction to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, or another quinolone antibiotic.

Dehydrated dogs may be at greater risk of developing crystals in concentrated urine while taking ciprofloxacin, so pet owners should make sure their dog has access to plenty of fresh water.

Side effects of ciprofloxacin in dogs

The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin in dogs are:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Crystalluria (crystals within the urine) or bladder stones

Rare but potentially serious side effects include:

• Seizures
• Cartilage and joint damage in growing puppies
• Kidney damage
• Severe allergic reactions

Contact a veterinarian if a dog taking ciprofloxacin develops concerning symptoms such as unusual behavior, lethargy, excitability, or seizures.

Interactions of ciprofloxacin with other pet meds

Ciprofloxacin has several significant drug interactions. In dogs, an important concern is anything that further reduces absorption of oral ciprofloxacin, which is already absorbed inconsistently. These include:

• Products containing calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium, such as dairy products, mineral supplements, multivitamin supplements, or antacids: Give ciprofloxacin at least two hours before or six hours after these products.
• Sucralfate, a medication used to protect the stomach and intestines: Give ciprofloxacin at least two hours before or six hours after sucralfate.
• Buffered medications: Give ciprofloxacin at least two hours before or six hours after highly buffered medications.

Other drugs that may interact with ciprofloxacin include:

• Blood thinners, such as warfarin
• Immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine or methotrexate
• Bronchodilators, such as theophylline
• Antiarrhythmics, such as quinidine
• The gout treatment probenecid

Ciprofloxacin dosage for dogs

Oral ciprofloxacin is absorbed inconsistently in dogs, so veterinarians cannot always predict how much of a dose will reach the bloodstream. This is one reason ciprofloxacin may not be the first-choice antibiotic for dogs.

A commonly recommended ciprofloxacin dosage for dogs is 20–25 mg/kg by mouth every 24 hours. However, the appropriate dose can vary depending on the infection and the dog’s response to treatment.

Other published ciprofloxacin dosages for specific infections in dogs include:

• Skin or soft tissue infections: 30 mg/kg PO once daily
• Bone infections, blood infections (bacteremia), and resistant infections: 20–25 mg/kg given once daily
• Urinary tract infections: 30 mg/kg once daily
• Middle ear infections: 20–25 mg/kg once daily

Pet parents should give ciprofloxacin only at the dose prescribed by their veterinarian. 

Can dogs overdose on ciprofloxacin?

Dogs can overdose on ciprofloxacin if they receive more than the amount prescribed by a veterinarian. Because the appropriate dose depends on the dog’s weight and other factors, pet parents should consider the prescribed dose the maximum and should not give extra or double doses.

There is limited information about ciprofloxacin overdose in dogs. However, studies of enrofloxacin, a closely related antibiotic, found that very high repeated doses caused vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty walking, and, at the highest doses studied, death.

If an overdose is suspected, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center right away. If the dog develops severe symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care.

Can I give my dog ciprofloxacin every day?

Ciprofloxacin may be given once daily when prescribed by a veterinarian, but the length of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. Pet parents should give ciprofloxacin for the full treatment period prescribed and should not continue it longer than directed. Unnecessary or prolonged antibiotic use can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat. This is one reason veterinarians aim to use ciprofloxacin only when it is appropriate and for the necessary duration.

How to give your dog ciprofloxacin

Because ciprofloxacin is used off-label in dogs, pet parents may receive human ciprofloxacin tablets or a compounded oral suspension. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully when giving any form of ciprofloxacin.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Follow all the veterinarian’s instructions.
• Give each dose according to the prescribed dosing schedule.
• Give ciprofloxacin for the full length of time prescribed, even if the dog starts feeling better, unless the veterinarian says otherwise.

To give ciprofloxacin tablets:

• Give ciprofloxacin tablets on an empty stomach when possible.
• If the dog vomits or develops stomach upset, the next dose can be given with a small amount of food. Avoid dairy products and other foods or supplements that can interfere with ciprofloxacin absorption.

To give ciprofloxacin oral suspension:

• Shake the bottle as directed before each dose.
• Measure each dose with a calibrated oral syringe.

To give a dose of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution or ointment:

• It may help to have one person hold the dog’s head while another administers the medication.
• Gently clean debris from around the dog’s eye before administering the medication.
• Pull down the lower eyelid while supporting the dog’s muzzle.
• Do not touch the tip of the bottle or ointment tube to the eye or any other surface.
• Place the prescribed number of drops or amount of ointment inside the lower eyelid, following the veterinarian’s instructions.

Give a missed dose when remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next dose as scheduled. Do not give two doses at once. There is no need to taper ciprofloxacin when stopping it.

Ciprofloxacin alternatives for dogs

Although ciprofloxacin is commonly used in people, veterinarians may prefer other antibiotics for dogs. One of the main concerns is absorption, which can vary considerably in dogs. Larger dogs may absorb ciprofloxacin less effectively, resulting in lower drug concentrations in the bloodstream and potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Instead of using ciprofloxacin off-label, veterinarians may use other antibiotics in the same class that are approved for veterinary use, including enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin. Enrofloxacin is closely related to ciprofloxacin and is partly converted to ciprofloxacin in the body. It is also used for certain gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary bacterial infections in dogs. These veterinary antibiotics have more established dosing in dogs and may be preferred when this type of antibiotic is appropriate.

Other antibiotics may also be alternatives depending on the type of infection and the bacteria causing it. Options may include:

• Penicillin drugs, such as amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin

A veterinarian may use culture and susceptibility testing to determine which antibiotic is most appropriate.

Bottom line

Ciprofloxacin may be used to treat certain bacterial infections in dogs, but inconsistent absorption can make oral dosing less predictable. Veterinarians may prefer other antibiotics when appropriate. If ciprofloxacin is prescribed, give each dose as directed and complete the prescribed treatment course. Ciprofloxacin is generally avoided in growing dogs because it can damage developing cartilage.