Amoxicillin dosage for dogs: Dosages, safety, and guidelines

In this article:

• How much amoxicillin can I give my dog?
• Maximum dosage
• How often can I give my dog amoxicillin?

In this article

• How much amoxicillin can I give my dog?
• Maximum dosage
• How often can I give my dog amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections in the ear, nose, throat, sinuses, lower respiratory tract, skin, skin structures, and urinary tract. Amoxicillin is generally safe to treat dogs with bacterial infections. The amoxicillin dosage for dogs is usually around 5 mg per pound, given twice daily.

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How much amoxicillin can I give my dog?

Small dogs and large dogs won’t take the same dose of amoxicillin. The standard dosage of amoxicillin for dogs is 5 mg per pound of body weight, twice daily (so twice every 24 hours). The dosage form depends on their weight and age, but is taken by mouth either way. “Larger and older dogs will tend to get the tablet form of the medication, whereas younger and smaller dogs will often get a liquid form,” clarifies Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian and JustAnswer veterinary expert.

As a tablet (aka Amoxi-tabs), amoxicillin can be given without food. After oral administration, the drug is rapidly absorbed and diffused into most body tissues and fluids.

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It’s important to note that amoxicillin can have some side effects in dogs, such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin include fever, rash, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, difficulty breathing, weakness, and unsteady gait. Dog owners should consult a veterinary professional at the first sign of an allergic reaction, as it can lead to more serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis. If the dog has a history of an allergic reaction to this medication or similar medications, it is crucial to talk to a veterinarian before administering amoxicillin.

If and when it’s time to grab the medicine, animal owners can fill pet prescriptions at the vet’s office or at their local pharmacy. With a SingleCare prescription discount card, medications such as amoxicillin can be purchased at a reduced cost. SingleCare is free to use and available to everyone. Registered members can save even more, and it’s fast and free to join.

Soft tissue infections

• First, amoxicillin can treat general bacterial infections in dogs, such as soft-tissue infections. “Bacterial infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria entering the body through wounds, ingestion, or inhalation,” says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant in Orlando, Florida. She adds that symptoms of bacterial infection can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, localized redness, swelling, and discharge. So how does amoxicillin help? She says it’s “a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, thereby killing the bacteria.”
• The human form has the same active ingredient as the pet form of amoxicillin, but that doesn’t quite mean you can give your dog leftover amoxicillin from your cabinet. The form of amoxicillin used in humans can also be used in dogs under a veterinarian’s supervision, according to Dr. Vasudevan. “The formulation, frequency of administration, and dosage in human medications can differ significantly, potentially leading to improper dosing or harmful additives,” she says.
• Standard dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with bacterial infections: 5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours.
• Maximum dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with bacterial infections: The maximum dosage can vary greatly depending on the type of infection and the dog’s size.

Skin infections

• Dogs can develop bacterial skin infections, says Dr. Alleyene. Symptoms may include red, raised bumps on the skin and hair loss. “Amoxicillin can help kill the bacteria, decreasing inflammation of the skin and allowing the skin to heal,” he explains. 
• Between 20% to 75% of cases in the average animal practice are primarily related to skin problems in small animals, according to information compiled in Veterinary Research Forum.
• Pet owners can give their dogs amoxicillin in human form under veterinary supervision, Cox says. “There is no need for a special formulation.”
• Standard dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with skin infections: 5 mg per pound every 12 hours
• Maximum dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with skin infections: 10 mg per pound every 12 hours

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• UTIs in dogs are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the bladder, Dr. Alleyne says. Typically, it’s Escherichia coli (E. coli) that ascends the urinary tract, according to Dr. Vasudevan. Proteus mirabilis is a bacterium and a common cause, too. Common symptoms of UTIs include frequent urination, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and discomfort or pain while urinating. Dr. Vasudevan says amoxicillin “eliminates the bacteria causing the infection, relieving symptoms and preventing complications.”
• Up to 27% of dogs will get a UTI at some point, and they’re more common in female dogs, according to a study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
• The human form of amoxicillin is safe for dogs to take, but only under a veterinarian’s direction.
• Standard dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with urinary tract infections: 5–7 mg per pound every eight to 12 hours for three to five days. A longer course (up to two weeks) may be considered if infections persist or return.
• Maximum dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with urinary tract infections: 10 mg per pound every 12 hours 

Upper respiratory infections

• Upper respiratory infections are caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the trachea or lungs, Dr. Alleyne says. Typical culprits, according to Dr. Vasudevan, are Bordetella bronchiseptica or secondary bacterial infections after a viral infection. Staphylococcus aureus is another bacterium that can lead to this type of infection. Common symptoms of upper respiratory infections include coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and nasal discharge. “Amoxicillin can help decrease the symptoms by killing the bacteria that is involved,” Dr. Alleyne explains.
• Upper (and lower) respiratory tract infections are commonly observed in veterinary offices.
• Dogs can also take human-strength amoxicillin for upper respiratory infections under a vet’s supervision.
• Standard dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with upper respiratory infections: 5 mg per pound every 12 hours for five to seven days 
• Maximum dosage of amoxicillin for dogs with upper respiratory infections: 10 mg per pound every 12 hours

What is the maximum amoxicillin dose for dogs by weight?

The maximum dose of amoxicillin a dog can take depends on its weight. As Dr. Alleyne mentioned earlier, the maximum dose is around 10 mg per pound, regardless of breed. This means the maximum dose for a small two-pound dog could be as low as 20 mg, while a large 120-pound dog would have a maximum dose as high as 1,200 mg.

Dr. Vasudevan adds that the maximum dose can also vary based on the specific condition and health status, which will be individual to each dog. A dog owner’s best bet is to discuss their dog’s health history with a veterinarian. 

Can dogs overdose on amoxicillin?

Unfortunately, dogs can overdose on amoxicillin. The vets say the most common signs are digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, as well as lethargy. 

If any of these symptoms appear after taking amoxicillin, Dr. Alleyne says pet owners should seek medical attention. Dr. Vasudevan agrees and adds another resource: the veterinary toxicologists working with the Pet Poison Helpline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s phone number is (888) 426-4435. There is also the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both are available to advise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How often can I give my dog amoxicillin?

Thankfully, there aren’t too many numbers or amounts to remember, and knowing them is more the vet’s job anyway. “The starting dose and the maintenance dose are typically the same for each of these conditions,” Dr. Alleyne says.

Further, Dr. Vasudevan says that amoxicillin is rarely used chronically, since chronic use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While a dog is taking it, however, be sure to keep the prescription at room temperature.

The maximum dose is usually around 10 mg per pound, but it can also vary.

As far as the dosing schedule for amoxicillin in dogs, Dr. Alleyne says you’re looking at about every 12 hours, while Dr. Vasudevan says anywhere from every 12 to 24 hours. “The exact schedule depends on the infection being treated and the veterinarian’s instructions,” she says. “It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent resistance and recurrence of the infection.”