{"id":629694,"date":"2024-09-10T09:14:24","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629694"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:45:47","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:45:47","slug":"give-dog-metronidazole-without-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/give-dog-metronidazole-without-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I give my dog metronidazole without food?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metronidazole<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication that’s sold under the brand name <\/span>Flagyl<\/span><\/a>. It’s in a class of medications called<\/span> nitroimidazole antimicrobials<\/span><\/a>. Metronidazole is<\/span> FDA approved<\/span><\/a> to treat a broad range of infections in humans, including skin infections, bacterial infections, protozoal infections, GI tract infections, and vaginal infections. It’s <\/span>used off-label <\/span><\/a>to treat various infections in dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metronidazole is “both an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication that is prescribed for dogs with infections, including those caused by bacteria and protozoans such as Giardia,” says Amy Attas, VMD, veterinarian and author of <\/span>Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian<\/span><\/a>. In particular, the medication is a<\/span> first-line treatment<\/span><\/a> for dog diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, we’ll consider the potential side effects of giving dogs metronidazole without food and how best to administer the medication so that your dog will feel better as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Can you give metronidazole to your dog without food?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vets agree that it’s best to give metronidazole to a dog with food, rather than on an empty stomach. “It is generally recommended to give this medication with food to reduce potential gastrointestinal upset from it,” Dr. Attas says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bethany Hsia, DVM, veterinarian, and co-founder of <\/span>CodaPet<\/span><\/a>, is on the same page. “Most veterinarians recommend giving metronidazole with food to minimize your dog having a stomach ache or gastrointestinal upset,” Dr. Hsia describes. “Metronidazole can be harsh on your dog’s stomach so administering it with food can help reduce stomach irritation and also improve metronidazole’s effectiveness.”<\/span><\/p>\n

While metronidazole could theoretically be given to dogs on an empty stomach, Nita Vasudevan, DVM, veterinary consultant for<\/span> Embrace Pet Insurance<\/span><\/a>, doesn’t recommend this. She says that the potential for an upset stomach is possible for any dog, but certain dogs have an increased risk; “Dogs with a history of digestive sensitivity or past stomach issues may be more prone to experiencing nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite when metronidazole is administered on an empty stomach.” <\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line? It’s better to be safe than sorry, so give your dog their metronidazole with food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of giving metronidazole with food<\/span><\/h2>\n

It’s best to give metronidazole to dogs with food. The main benefit is that it reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, including<\/span> nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/a>. But there are other benefits to consider, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

First of all, metronidazole is “notoriously a very bitter medication,” says Dr. Vasudevan. Taking it with food “acts as a buffer, reducing direct contact between the stomach lining and the medication, which can be irritating,” she describes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other benefits include that your dog will be more likely to swallow the pill with food, and it reduces the likelihood that they will spit it out. “This method is often preferred to ensure the dog’s comfort and compliance,” Dr. Vasudevan says. She warns against crushing pills and adding them to food because this will make the medication less palatable, and the dog may not take the full dose of the drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, in some cases, having your dog take metronidazole with food will ensure effectiveness. “The food combined with the medicine will help enhance absorption so your dog receives the full medical effect of the medicine while minimizing stomach discomfort,” says Dr. Hsia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risks of giving metronidazole to your dog on an empty stomach<\/span><\/h2>\n

While metronidazole is generally well tolerated in dogs, serious side effects are possible. These side effects are more likely to happen if you give metronidazole in high doses. Too much metronidazole can cause metronidazole toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n

​Possible<\/span> side effects of metronidazole<\/span><\/a> in dogs include:<\/span><\/p>\n