{"id":59066,"date":"2023-06-28T14:22:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T18:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59066"},"modified":"2026-07-15T15:22:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T19:22:33","slug":"metronidazole-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metronidazole-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Metronidazole for dogs: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metronidazole<\/a> is an antibiotic that treats bacterial and parasite infections in dogs. Veterinarians are likely to give it to a sick dog with gut problems or diarrhea caused by Giardia, amoebas, or bacteria. Metronidazole can also be used for central nervous system, skin, or oral\/dental infections, or used to prevent infections after surgery. Dosages are based on weight, but veterinarians also consider the type of infection in deciding what dose to prescribe and how long treatment should last.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Discount pet meds & resources<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is metronidazole?<\/h2>\n

\u201cMetronidazole<\/a> is an antibiotic medication commonly prescribed for dogs,\u201d says Kathryn Rosalie Dench, DVM, a veterinary surgeon, adviser, and writer at GentleDog Trainers<\/a>, a recognized authority in pet care. \u201cIt belongs to a class of drugs known as nitroimidazoles and is effective against a variety of bacterial and protozoal infections.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with being prescribed for dogs, metronidazole can also be used for humans, horses, and cats<\/a>. Metronidazole has not been FDA approved for small animals, but it can help with various conditions.<\/p>\n

Uses of metronidazole in dogs<\/h2>\n

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can be used for several different reasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal infections caused by certain bacteria or parasites, such as Giardia or Clostridium,\u201d Dr. Dench says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Metronidazole does best with anaerobic bacteria, meaning germs that thrive without oxygen, so they do particularly well helping infections that cause diarrhea. Metronidazole also has anti-inflammatory effects<\/a> within the gastrointestinal system and can help with diarrhea and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.<\/p>\n

If your dog has any infections in their mouth, an abscess, or an infection in any other areas of the body, it\u2019s also possible your veterinarian may prescribe metronidazole to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading further.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Metronidazole dosage for dogs<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe proper dosage of metronidazole for dogs depends on the type and severity of infection being treated,\u201d says Ellen Russell, DVM, MPH<\/a>, a veterinarian at The Malamute Mom<\/a>. \u201cGenerally speaking, it is recommended that a dose of 5\u201310 mg per pound of body weight (10\u201325 mg\/kg) be administered two times daily for five to seven days.\u201d<\/p>\n

The dosage and length of treatment depend on the condition metronidazole is being used to treat. Because the dose is based on the weight of the dog, small dogs will get lower doses while larger dogs will have higher doses. Doses may need to be reduced for dogs with liver problems. Dr. Russell also warned pet parents, \u201cIt is important to never exceed the prescribed dosage, as this can be harmful to the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who should not use metronidazole for dogs<\/h2>\n

Some dogs may not be able to take metronidazole. They include:<\/p>\n