{"id":627868,"date":"2024-04-19T09:41:04","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T13:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627868"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:59:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:59:58","slug":"ciprofloxacin-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ciprofloxacin-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Ciprofloxacin for dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ciprofloxacin<\/span><\/a> is a broad-spectrum <\/span>antibiotic<\/span><\/a> that veterinarians may use <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> in dogs. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It kills bacteria by damaging the bacteria’s DNA without affecting the DNA in animals or humans. Although it’s very effective at killing bacteria, it does have problems in dogs that may make other antibiotics a better choice. Ciprofloxacin can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin infections, bone infections, joint infections, intestinal infections, lower respiratory infections, eye infections, and urinary tract infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on ciprofloxacin<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is ciprofloxacin used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinarians prescribe ciprofloxacin for bacterial infections, usually the same infections they might treat with enrofloxacin, a drug very similar to ciprofloxacin that is approved by the <\/span>U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/a> (FDA) for use in dogs and cats. These include skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and eye infections. Ciprofloxacin is also FDA-approved in humans to treat bone and joint infections, abdominal infections, and intestinal infections, so a veterinarian may also use it for these purposes. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Is it safe to share medication with my pet?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Skin and soft tissue infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many skin and soft tissue infections are caused by bacteria that can be killed by ciprofloxacin, such as Staphylococcus and E. coli. Examples include wounds, abscesses, and lacerations. For many of these infections, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin are a second choice if another drug doesn’t work. <\/span>Clinical guidelines<\/span><\/a> advise vets to identify the bacteria before prescribing ciprofloxacin or similar second-line treatments. <\/span><\/p>\n

Respiratory tract infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ciprofloxacin-susceptible bacteria, including rhinitis, tonsillitis, and pneumonia, may cause upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract infections. <\/span><\/p>\n

Urinary tract infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

As in people, many canine UTIs are caused by bacteria that can be killed by ciprofloxacin, such as Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Proteus. However, ciprofloxacin is <\/span>not considered a first-choice antibiotic for UTIs<\/span><\/a>. Before prescribing an antibiotic, the veterinarian will <\/span>perform a urinalysis<\/span><\/a> to discover the type of bacteria responsible for the infection. <\/span><\/p>\n

Eye infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

Eye infections are caused by many of the same bacteria responsible for skin infections. Ciprofloxacin is also effective against some eye infections. If ciprofloxacin is selected to treat a pet’s eye infection, pet parents will be sent home with a prescription for ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution or ointment such as brand-name Ciloxan. These are eye drops, so ask a veterinary professional to demonstrate the proper medication administration method.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ciprofloxacin should work against any bacteria that can be eradicated with the drug. Many of these, such as Staphylococcus and E. coli, are common bacteria responsible for intestinal or abdominal infections. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is ciprofloxacin safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ciprofloxacin is considered safe for grown dogs, but its effectiveness as an oral medication is variable. Most importantly, ciprofloxacin can damage the cartilage of growing dogs, so it should be avoided unless absolutely necessary in growing dogs. For small and medium-sized breeds, any puppy eight months or younger should not get ciprofloxacin unless it’s critical. Large and giant breeds grow for much longer periods. For large breeds, growth usually ends by the time they’re 12 months old. Giant breeds can grow for as long as 18 months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ciprofloxacin should never be given to dogs with a hypersensitivity reaction to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, or any other <\/span>quinolone antibiotic<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects in dehydrated dogs. Pet owners must ensure that their dog has plenty of water to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of ciprofloxacin in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin in dogs are:<\/span><\/p>\n