Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Dosage Calculator For Dogs
Accurate Veterinary Dosage System Only For Dogs
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Amoxicillin/clavulanate Dosage For Dogs is a combination of two prescription antibiotics, commonly distributed by your veterinarian under the trade names Augmentin® or Clavamox®, that is used to treat bacterial infections in dogs. Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to a group of drugs known as penicillins that work by interfering with the ability of the bacteria to build up protective cell walls, and clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps prevent the reaction of the drug with bacteria-resistant enzymes. In combination, these ingredients act synergistically in the treatment of infections which may be non-responsive to amoxicillin alone.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate for dogs is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it is targeting an extensive spectrum of susceptible bacteria. Commonly prescribed by vets for canine skin infections, soft tissue infections, infected wounds, abscesses, dental infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). May be used for other bacterial infections as determined by a veterinarian in some cases.
The clavulanic acid component is important as there may be bacterial resistance to some antibiotics, which may make them less effective. Clavulanate is not antibacterial, but instead inhibits the activity of the bacterial enzyme beta-lactamases that would otherwise inactivate amoxicillin. This helps the antibiotic to continue to be effective against many that have developed resistance mechanisms.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate dose has a tremendous range of efficacy for many infections in dogs, but not every illness or infection. The dosage will vary according to your dog's weight, health, the type of infection, and the advice of your veterinarian. Taking the incorrect amount of antibiotic or self-prescribing antibiotics without professional advice can make them less effective and can help lead to antibiotic resistance.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the correct amoxicillin/clavulanate dosage for dogs, how the medication works, common uses, potential benefits, side effects, safety precautions, and important administration tips to help ensure your dog receives safe and effective treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Clavamox®) is a broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic medication that is commonly used to treat skin, dental, soft tissue, wound and urinary tract infections in dogs caused by susceptible bacteria.
- The medicine contains two active ingredients: Amoxicillin that helps to kill the bacteria, and clavulanate potassium to prevent the bacteria from developing resistance to the medicine and to make the antibiotic work against more infections.
- Amoxicillin clavulanic acid is generally well tolerated by most dogs, but some can experience some minor side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach upset.
- However, severe allergic reactions are rare, particularly in dogs who have had penicillin allergies. If symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, seek immediate veterinary care.
- Taking the medication the wrong way or for the wrong reasons can add to bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics, and therefore harder to treat in the future.
- Follow veterinary instructions for dosages and schedules, and adhere to the entire treatment for antibiotics, even if your dog looks healthy.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Dosage Chart For Dogs
This quick-reference guide is based on the standard veterinary dosage rate of 6.25 mg per pound (lb) of body weight, administered every 12 hours (twice daily).
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Dog Weight (kg - Approx.) | Target Dose (mg) | Common Commercial Tablet Match |
| 5 lbs | 2.3 kg | 31.25 mg | Requires vet guidance for liquid/split dose |
| 10 lbs | 4.5 kg | 62.5 mg | 62.5 mg tablet |
| 15 lbs | 6.8 kg | 93.75 mg | Requires vet guidance |
| 20 lbs | 9.1 kg | 125 mg | 125 mg tablet |
| 30 lbs | 13.6 kg | 187.5 mg | Requires vet guidance |
| 40 lbs | 18.2 kg | 250 mg | 250 mg tablet |
| 50 lbs | 22.7 kg | 312.5 mg | Requires vet guidance |
| 60 lbs | 27.3 kg | 375 mg | 375 mg tablet |
| 80 lbs | 36.4 kg | 500 mg | 500 mg tablet (or two 250 mg tablets) |
⚠️ Important Safety Reminder: > Pill strengths often come in set sizes (62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg). If your dog’s weight falls between these numbers, never round up or guess the dose on your own. Always consult your veterinarian to get the exact pill breakdown or liquid alternative safely. Ensure your dog finishes the full antibiotic timeline even if they start looking completely healthy early on.
What Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate?
Amoxicillin/clavulanate Dosage For Dogs, known by brand names like Clavamox®, Augmentin® and Clavacillin®, is a prescription antibiotic for dogs and cats that treats a variety of susceptible bacterial infections. It is a part of the penicillin group of antibiotics and is commonly used to treat skin infections, soft tissue infections, infected wounds, abscesses and dental and periodontal (gum) infections. Veterinarians may also prescribe it to treat some types of urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections in cases where the infection is caused by bacteria that can be treated with it.
This medicine has two active ingredients which are combined to fight infection. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by damaging their cell walls, causing the bacteria to break down and die. Amoxicillin is made more effective by clavulanate (clavulanic acid) which inhibits enzymes that bacteria produce that render amoxicillin inactive. This combination is used to treat infections that have become resistant to amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate will not treat all infections; it is only suitable for some gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria. As such, it should only be administered by a veterinarian and according to a prescription.
The drug comes in a number of oral formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspension, so that veterinarians can choose the form best suited for a particular pet. Human formulations typically have different combinations of amoxicillin and clavulanate, so it's better to use a pet-specific formulation for easier dosing. Never give the amoxicillin/clavulanate to pets unless it is specifically prescribed by a veterinarian.
How Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Used in Dogs?
Bacterial infections in dogs are often treated with a broad spectrum prescription antibiotic called amoxicillin & clavulanate, or Clavamox® or Clavacillin®. It is a combination of amoxicillin, an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group that works by destroying the cell walls of bacteria, and clavulanic acid, which makes the antibiotic more easily effective against bacteria that can be affected by it and is necessary to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug.
Veterinarians frequently prescribe amoxicillin/clavulanate for:
- Dermatitis due to bacterial infections of the skin.
- Soft tissue infections, wounds and abscesses.
- Dental infections and periodontal (gum) disease are among the most common dental problems.
- Some UTIs and RTIs in off-label situations
This drug comes in tablet, chewable tablet, and oral suspension forms. Typically it is administered orally on a 12-hour basis and should be administered throughout the entire period prescribed by your veterinarian. Amoxicillin/clavulanate can be administered with or without meals, but may be administered with a small meal or treat to help dogs tolerate it better.
When administering the liquid form, shake prior to each dose, and carefully measure the dose using the provided syringe or dropper. Pet owners should always take veterinarian's advice, and tell their veterinarian if their dog is on any other medications or supplements — and never stop early unless instructed to do so.
Amoxicillin & clavulanate dosage for dogs works against bacterial infections, but not against viral or parasitic infections. Flavored chewable tablets should also be kept safe from pets and children to avoid accidental intake or overdose.
What Are the Benefits of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for Dogs?
When used to treat bacterial infections susceptible to the drug, Amoxicillin/clavulanate has several benefits for dogs. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of common infections of skin, soft tissues, gums, and other areas of the body. The clavulanic acid in Amoxyl combines with the amoxicillin to make it more effective against certain bacteria.
Some key benefits of amoxicillin/clavulanate for dogs include:
- Works on the majority of common bacterial infections in dogs
- Approved for use in animals in dogs by FDA
- Formulated in several different forms such as tablet, chewable tablet, or liquid suspensions for easier administration.
- Starts to work relatively fast, within about 1-2 hours of administration
- Helps overcome some bacterial resistance to increase treatment success
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a commonly used antibiotic in veterinary medicine due to its proven efficacy, ease of administration, and wide spectrum of activity.
Does Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Yes. Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Clavamox®) is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, but may have side-effects and may not be suitable for every pet. Side effects are typically mild and involve the gastrointestinal tract; however, there are rare reports of serious side effects.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are:
- Vomiting
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or not eating as much as usual
These effects are often due to changes in the normal balance of bacteria in the gut caused by the antibiotics. Administration with food may help some dogs to avoid stomach upset and vomiting.
The risks of serious allergic reactions and serious risks.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate's most severe danger is that of an allergic reaction. Do not use in pets that are known to be allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins or similar antibiotics.
An allergic reaction can result in:
- A rash or rashes on the skin around the ears
- Hives (urticaria)
- Watery eyes
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Changes in white blood cell counts
- Anemia
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
If your dog does develop any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary help immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Face, lip or tongue swelling
- Hives
- Collapse
Other Warnings and Precautions
As safety in breeding or pregnant animals has not been fully established, use amoxicillin/clavulanate with caution in pregnant or nursing animals. The medication can also interact with other medications, such as chloramphenicol and tetracycline, so your veterinarian needs to know if your dog is taking other medications, or supplements.
This medication is for use in dogs and cats and is not recommended to be used in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters or other herbivores, as it may result in severe potentially life-threatening diarrhoea.
The need to understand overdose and antibiotic resistance.
Too much amoxicillin/clavulanate may cause serious health issues such as central nervous system and liver effects. If you think your pet may have suffered an overdose, get your vet's advice or go to a veterinary emergency service right away.
The emergence of antibiotic resistant infections is another issue as these infections can develop when antibiotics are used inappropriately or when they are overused. As such, amoxicillin/clavulanate should be used to treat only bacterial infections that are suitable, and as directed by a veterinarian.
If your dog has any strange reactions to amoxicillin/clavulanate, please notify your veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your dog's reaction, your vet may prescribe some symptom management, a probiotic for intestinal health and/or an alternative antibiotic.
Does Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Interact With Other Medicines?
Yes. Some medicines may interact with amoxicillin/clavulanate (Clavamox®), which may have an impact on the way they work or the risk of side effects. Prior to beginning treatment, pet owners should discuss with their veterinarian any prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, mineral, herbal remedies or supplements that their dog is taking.
Some of the key drug-drug interactions are:
- Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid may not work as well with other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines that are used at the same time. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment, or the side effects of treatment, or can make the infection last longer.
- Amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid may interact with a drug known as methotrexate, which is used for treating some kinds of cancer and immune-related conditions and can cause toxic levels of the drug, which in turn can result in serious effects if given with amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid.
- Use of amoxicillin/clavulanate may also interact with the use of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
- When amoxicillin/clavulanate is used together with warfarin (a blood thinning drug), these drugs may make excessive or serious bleeding more likely.
There may be other drug interactions that are not known or listed, so please ask your veterinarian before using amoxicillin/clavulanate with other medications. A careful review of your dog's ongoing treatment can prevent any problems and ensure that the antibiotic will be safe and effective.
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FAQs
Is Pet Owner Safety a Problem?
Yes. Amoxicillin/clavulanate dosage for pets should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Wash hands after giving and do not handle if known to be allergic to amoxicillin, clavulanate, penicillin or other penicillin-type antibiotics. Chewable tablets are flavored, very palatable to pets and should be kept safely so they can't be eaten.
If my dog overdoses on Amoxicillin/Clavulanate what should I do?
Overdose can be serious and should be treated by a vet. Chewable tablets can be appealing to dogs and cats and if left unattended, they can be eaten several times. If you believe that your pet has ingested more than the recommended dose, please contact your vet or emergency vets immediately.
What If I Take a Dose Late?
In case of a missed dose, administer as soon as possible or if close to the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume with the next dose as scheduled. Do not give two doses at the same time, or double doses to make up for missed doses. Follow the complete treatment program as recommended by your veterinarian.
What Are the Instructions for Storage of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate?
Tablets and chewable tablets should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place out of direct light, heat and moisture. Store the medicine in the original container until it needs to be given, as the medicine may not be as stable or effective if exposed to moisture. As much as possible the container should be kept closed.
Oral suspension (liquid) must be refrigerated after being mixed. If some medicine is left, it must be thrown away after 10 days.
Can I Take the Tablets out of the Blister Packaging Sooner?
No. Tablets should still be in the original foil until they are ready for use. The early removal of them may impact the stability and efficiency of the medication.
Are Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Tablets given as half-tables full?
The tablets of Clavamox® are not scored and are not meant to be divided. If it is necessary to split the tablet, following your veterinarian's instructions, the unused portion must be disposed of according to the directions on the product and not kept for long periods of time out of the container.
What If the Liquid Suspension Was Left out of the refrigerator?
After preparing, the liquid suspension must be stored in the refrigerator. If it is not used for a long time, or if there are changes in color or smell, please consult with your veterinarian or pharmacist before using.
May the Liquid Suspension be Frozen?
No. The oral suspension may be affected by the freezing and may not work. Never put the liquid medicine in the freezer.
Time of onset for Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in dogs.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate starts to work in a few hours after it is given. But it may take a few days to see a noticeable improvement in your dog's symptoms, and some infections take up to 5 days to see the clinical improvement. Do not stop giving the medicine, even if your dog seems to be feeling better.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate drugs is used to treat certain types of bacteria.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate has been shown to be effective against numerous susceptible bacterial species, such as strains of E. coli, Klebsiella species, Haemophilus species, Salmonella species, Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus species, and Streptococcus species. The effectiveness will vary depending on the type of infection and bacteria involved. Your vet may take a sample of your dog's urine or feces for a bacterial culture and sensitivity test to determine which bacteria is responsible for the infection and what antibiotic is the best treatment.
Final Thoughts
Clavamox (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a popular antibiotic for dogs that treats bacterial infections of the skin, dental and soft tissue infections. It can be given orally as both chewable tablet and oral liquid, which can be helpful in various cases.
Clavamox medication is generally effective, but can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, in some dogs. Most importantly, inappropriate or unnecessary use can help to create antibiotic resistance, making it more difficult to treat future infections successfully.
When administering Clavamox, always follow your veterinarian's instructions relating to dosage, timing and finishing the prescribed course to ensure the safest and most effective results.
