Antibiotics for dogs: The complete guide and 16+ types

When your dog develops a bacterial infection, you can help them recover comfortably and quickly by using the right antibiotic. Since these infections  can worsen if not treated timely and effectively, pet parents need to understand how dog antibiotics work, when they’re needed, and why veterinary oversight is crucial to ensure safe and effective care. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the most commonly prescribed dog antibiotics and where you can obtain them safely — entirely online. 

Types of antibiotics for dogs

Just like humans, dogs develop bacterial infections and need antibiotics to feel better. If your dog has an infection, your vet may prescribe any of the following:

1. Cefpodoxime

Vets commonly prescribe Cefpodoxime, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, for canine infections. It effectively treats bacterial infections (including skin infections like wounds and abscesses), bladder infections, and respiratory infections. 

Its active ingredient, cefpodoxime proxetil, stops bacteria from building protective cell walls, helping your dog’s immune system clear the infection. The tablets are uncoated, so you can easily slip them into your dog’s food without them noticing a difference for stress-free dosing. 

Buy Cefpodoxime online with Dutch.

2. Clavamox

Vets frequently use Clavamox to treat dogs with skin infections, UTIs, and respiratory infections. 

Amoxicillin attacks the bacteria’s cell walls, whereas clavulanate potassium blocks the bacterial defenses that make an antibiotic ineffective. Together, they help your pup fight off the infection. 

Vets at Dutch prescribe Clavamox as a pork-flavored chewable tablet or an oral suspension, ensuring flexible and convenient dosing and ship the medication to your doorstep, free of charge. 

Get Clavamox online today.

3. Aminoglycosides

Vets often prescribe Aminoglycosides for dogs with more serious bacterial infections. They’re especially effective in the fight against tough bacteria, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and related species, causing bacterial cell death and stopping the infection at its source.

Get  prescriptions for Aminoglycoside antibiotics, including Gentamicin/Betamethasone topical spray for bacterial skin infections such as hot spots, and Mometamax Otic Suspension for ear infections through Dutch.

4. Cephalexin

This broad-spectrum antibiotic works against various bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Vets use it for skin infections like superficial pyoderma, UTIs, ear infections, and respiratory infections in dogs and cats. Most dogs and cats tolerate this antibiotic well, so it’s a reliable option.

Get Cephalexin online through Dutch.

5. Animax

Animax is a topical antibiotic prescription medication with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-itch properties. Vets prescribe it for skin conditions, interdigital cysts, acute and chronic ear infections, and anal gland infections caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth. 

Its active ingredients — neomycin sulfate, nystatin, thiostrepton, and triamcinolone acetonide — work together to fight off infection and inflammation and alleviate itching and discomfort.

Get Animax ointment through our online pharmacy at Dutch.

6. Fluoroquinolones

This class of broad-spectrum antibiotics prevents bacterial DNA replication, helping resolve stubborn infections that don’t respond to other antibiotics. Baytril (enrofloxacin) is one of the most common antibiotics in this class.

Baytril treats different infections, including skin problems like hot spots and wounds, UTIs, respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections. It blocks the enzymes bacteria need to reproduce and repair, stops the spread of the infection, and supports your dog’s immune system in clearing out the remaining bacteria.

Get a Baytril prescription from Dutch. 

7. Imidazoles

Vets prescribe Imidazoles to address bacterial and protozoal infections. They disrupt DNA and other cellular processes, preventing growth and clearing out infections. Vets commonly give them to dogs with gastrointestinal infections and conditions involving both bacteria and parasites.

Metronidazole is one of the most commonly prescribed Imidazoles. Vets use it to treat IBD, digestive tract infections, colitis, oral and dental infections, and protozoal infections such as Giardia. It targets bad bacteria and parasites, restores balance in the dog’s digestive system, and alleviates common symptoms such as diarrhea.

Buy Metronidazole online with Dutch.

8. Lincosamides

Lincosamides block bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacteria from spreading. Vets commonly use them to treat skin, dental, and bone infections, and in some cases, protozoal infections. Clindamycin, available as Clintabs, is one of the most frequently used lincosamides. 

Vets usually prescribe it to dogs with skin, mouth, or bone infections caused by bacteria, as well as protozoal infections like babesiosis and toxoplasmosis. 

Get Clindamycin online from Dutch.

9. Macrolides

This class of antibiotics blocks bacterial protein synthesis and prevents bacteria from spreading. Vets often prescribe them when a dog has an infection caused by gram-positive bacteria or when another antibiotic isn’t effective. 

Vets use this topical solution for localized skin infections, superficial abrasions, cuts, wounds, hot spots, and minor bacterial dermatitis. It provides targeted treatment without systemic antibiotics. It’s high in alcohol content, which dries out excess oils from the skin, improving the treatment of moist and oily bacterial lesions.

Get Erythromycin 2% topical solution from the Dutch online pharmacy.

10. Penicillins

Penicillins impede bacterial cell wall formation, preventing growth and multiplication. Vets use them for treating different bacterial infections in both dogs and cats. 

Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed type of penicillin. Vets often prescribe it to treat skin, ear, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and respiratory infections. The liquid formulation tastes pleasant and is easy to give, especially if your pet is fussy about capsules.

At Dutch, you can get an online prescription for Amoxi-Drop, a liquid solution, during a virtual vet call. It’s also available in capsule form as Amoxicillin. 

11. Tetracyclines

This broad-spectrum antibiotic class prevents bacterial growth and supports your dog’s immune system in clearing the infection. You can administer it orally or topically, depending on the location and type of infection. 

Vets usually prescribe the ointment for conjunctivitis, inflamed cornea, corneal ulcers, and eyelid inflammation.  They often use the tablets for skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract infections, as well as for tick-borne and protozoal infections. 

Consult your veterinarian about using this medication for pregnant or nursing animals. 

Get prescriptions for Terramycin Antibiotic Ophthalmic ointment and Doxycycline Hyclate tablets through Dutch.

12. Polypeptides

A vet can prescribe polypeptides to treat bacterial skin, ear, and eye infections in dogs. They disrupt the bacterial cell membranes to kill bacteria without affecting healthy cells. 

Vets prescribe Polypeptides as topical or ophthalmic treatments, making them highly effective for localized infections. Although most dogs tolerate them well, mild irritation or redness can happen. If your dog experiences a severe reaction to the medication, consult your vet right away.

13. Sulfonamides

A vet may prescribe these antibiotics for dogs that have a bacterial infection, like a UTI, respiratory infection like bronchitis, gastrointestinal infections, or some protozoal infections, such as coccidiosis. They impede bacterial growth by disrupting folic acid production, which bacteria require for multiplication.

Give the antibiotic to your dog orally, following the exact dosage and schedule your vet recommends. Although most dogs tolerate it well, some pets may experience side effects like decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases, a dog may develop an allergic reaction or a blood-related complication.

Always consult your vet if you notice unusual symptoms in your dog during treatment.

14. Amphenicols

These antibiotics address different bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Vets can prescribe Chloramphenicol for more serious eye, respiratory, and systemic infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. 

Your vet may give it orally or intravenously, depending on the infection’s severity. Proper dosing and monitoring are vital to minimize the risk of serious side effects, including bone marrow suppression. 

15. Cephalosporins

This is a large class of antibiotics that blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis and destroys bacteria. A vet usually prescribes them if penicillins are ineffective or if a dog has a penicillin allergy. 

Vets recommend them for skin infections like wounds, pyoderma, and abscesses, UTIs, ear infections, respiratory infections, and bone and joint infections.  They usually administer them orally, topically, or intravenously, depending on the infection type and cephalosporin used.

Source

What conditions do antibiotics for dogs treat? 

Vets prescribe antibiotics for dogs with bacterial infections — not viral or fungal illnesses — that dogs can’t eliminate on their own. Antibiotics for dogs target infections in various parts of the body, including:

• Skin and soft tissue: Hot spots, wounds, abscesses, and post-surgery infections 
• Urinary tract: Bladder infections and other UTIs 
• Respiratory system: Pneumonia, bronchitis, kennel cough, and sinus infections
• Ears and eyes: Ear infections like otitis or eye infections like conjunctivitis 

• Bones and joints: Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis 

How to use antibiotics for dogs 

Always use antibiotics for dogs under a vet’s supervision. Proper dosing and timing are crucial for treatment success and to prevent antibiotic resistance. 

Your vet will provide exact instructions, but these general tips can help:

• Follow the dosage exactly — never give more or less than prescribed
• Stick to the schedule and administer doses at the right intervals
• Reduce stomach upset by giving antibiotics with food (if recommended)
• Complete the full course even if your dog seems better — stopping early can cause bacteria to return stronger than before
• Store medications properly in a cool, dark place or fridge (check label for specific instructions)

• Don’t share prescriptions between pets or humans

Potential side effects of antibiotics for dogs 

Most dogs tolerate antibiotics well, but some may experience mild, moderate, and sometimes severe side effects. Always consult your vet for further instructions if you notice any of the following side effects:  

• Gastrointestinal upset: Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite
• Allergic reactions: Itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing

• Secondary issues: Signs of yeast infections or digestive changes as a result of the prolonged antibiotic use

Get antibiotics for dogs online with Dutch

Caring for your dog’s health doesn’t have to be time-consuming and stressful. Online vet care makes it easy to get expert assistance, effective treatment, and peace of mind, all from the comfort of your home. 

A Dutch membership comes with many perks, including:

• Unlimited vet calls 
• Licensed vets who can prescribe medication online
• Free standard shipping 

• Affordable monthly membership fee without hidden costs 

Register today and talk to a vet about antibiotics for your dog.

Antibiotics for dogs FAQs

Are antibiotics safe for dogs?

When prescribed and dosed correctly by a licensed veterinarian, antibiotics are generally safe for dogs. Like any medication, they can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Always consult your veterinarian about giving your dog antibiotics.

What are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for dogs?

Amoxicillin, cephalexin, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and metronidazole are some of the most commonly used antibiotics for dogs. Your vet will select the exact antibiotic based on your dog’s age, infection type and location, and overall health. 

What’s the difference between human antibiotics and antibiotics for dogs?

Some antibiotics treat both pets and humans, but vets use different dosages, formulations, and safety guidelines for animals. Human medications can contain ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, so you should never give your dog antibiotics prescribed for humans without a vet’s approval.

Can I get antibiotics for my dog without seeing a vet?

You can’t get antibiotics without a vet prescription. 

This rule ensures pet safety and minimizes the risk of antibiotic resistance. The good news is that you can obtain a prescription from licensed vets entirely online via telemedicine platforms like Dutch. 

Can a dog recover from an infection without antibiotics?

Some minor issues like small wounds or viral illnesses may heal on their own with supportive care, but most bacterial infections require an appropriate antibiotic for effective treatment. Without this medication, the infection may worsen or spread, causing more severe issues for your dog.