Keeping your dog healthy can be a challenge, especially when you have a busy life. Dogs spend most of their time at home or in the yard, which means they’re more prone to catching viruses and getting sick.
When your dog is sick it can be stressful, but there are ways to manage these situations and have peace of mind that your best friend is on the road to recovery. Fortunately, many common illnesses in dogs can be treated with antibiotics.
These medications are also known as antibacterial drugs because they fight bacteria and not viruses. Antibiotics will not treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu but if you think that your dog may have contracted an infection then read on to find out more about buying antibiotics for dogs over the counter and what to look for when choosing them.
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What You Should Know Before Buying Antibiotics for Dogs
Before you go to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics for dogs over the counter, there are a few things you should know. First, some breeds of dogs are more prone to developing infections than others. If your dog is older or has a compromised immune system then they may be more likely to contract an infection than a younger dog.
You should also look out for signs of infection. If you notice any swelling or redness near the eyes, throat or nose, your dog may have an infection and need antibiotics. If your dog is unwell but not showing any signs of infection, then they will likely benefit from taking antibiotics as a preventative measure.
What Are the Different Types of Antibiotics?
The types of antibiotics used to treat infections in dogs are different from the kind used to treat human illnesses. Veterinarians will often tailor antibiotics to treat certain infections in dogs as there are many different types available.
There are two main types of antibiotic: Bacterial (or Broad-spectrum antibiotics)- these kill a wide variety of bacteria and one type of parasite. They are effective against a wide variety of infections and are the most commonly used for dogs.
Specialty antibiotics are used to treat specific diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How to Buy Antibiotics for Dogs Over the Counter
Antibiotics for dogs over the counter are medications that are available without a prescription. Before you buy antibiotics for dogs over the counter, speak to your veterinarian to find out what your dog may need to get better.
If your dog needs antibiotics, your veterinarian will be able to recommend an appropriate drug based on the symptoms and type of infection that your dog is suffering from. There are many different types of antibiotics for dogs, so it’s important to choose the right one for your pet.
You can buy antibiotics for dogs over the counter at a pharmacy, grocery store or online. The most common place to get antibiotics is at a pharmacy.
While it’s important to make sure that you are getting the right type of antibiotic for your dog, there are some other things you should look for when buying antibiotics for dogs over the counter:
- Number of dosage options: are there liquid or chewable tablets available?
- Age-specific dosage: will the dosage be appropriate for your dog’s age and size?
- Indications of what the antibiotic will treat: if you know what your dog has, will the antibiotic treat that specific infection?
What to Look for When Purchasing Over-the-Counter Antibiotics for Dogs
You have to be careful when purchasing antibiotics for dogs over the counter and below are some things to look out for.
Brand name – is the brand name you are buying trustworthy? Be sure to read reviews online to see what other customers think about this particular brand.
Age-appropriate dosage – is the dosage appropriate for your dog’s age and size?
Drug name – is the drug name correct? Sometimes drug names can be confusing and tricky to understand. Be sure to know what the antibiotics will treat and if they are the right type of drug for your dog.
Expiration date – is the expiration date on the bottle legitimate? If possible, try to avoid antibiotics that expire in a year as this is less effective.
FAQ
There are many ways to treat bacterial infections in dogs and antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat serious infections.
Some people use antibiotics as a preventative method to keep their dog’s immune system strong and healthy. It’s important to only use antibiotics when necessary and to know the proper dosage.
Is it safe to give my dog human-grade antibiotics?
Many antibiotics used to treat human illnesses can safely be used on dogs. Be sure to check the dosage and expiration date before giving your dog antibiotics.My dog has been sick for a few days and her symptoms are getting worse.
Should I buy antibiotics for dogs over the counter?
If you think your dog has an infection, then you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even though you can buy antibiotics for dogs over the counter, it’s best to have your veterinarian confirm the diagnosis.
Conclusion
Your dog will thank you for taking good care of them when they are sick. It’s important to seek medical attention when your dog is unwell and antibiotics are a common treatment for many types of bacterial infections in dogs.
When buying antibiotics for dogs over the counter, make sure to read the label carefully to determine the right dosage. Remember that antibiotics are not a cure for the common cold or flu and will not treat viral infections.
If your dog is unwell, it’s best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to get the right treatment.
