Azithromycin Brand name (Zithromax®) is a popular human antibiotic medication used to treat certain bacterial infections.
No doubt, Azithromycin is not an FDA-approved medicine for use in dogs. Still, the medicine has a lot of use for veterinary purposes extra-label and has many tonic uses, mainly in Susceptible bacterial infections.
Azithromycin can be used in canines to treat many health issues, including middle ear infections, dermatological infections, respiratory tract infections, intestinal infections, urogenital infections, and pneumonia.
Azithromycin is a prescription medicine for canines and should only be used with a licensed veterinarian’s prescription and cannot be purchased over the counter.
Administration of a safe dose to your puppy is essential because a wrong and incorrect dose of the medicine to a wrong pet may harm more than benefit.
Is Azithromycin safe for dogs?
Azithromycin is not an FDA- approved medicine for dogs; however, it can be used under extra-label safely with the vet’s prescription in the correct dosage. Overdosing can lead to severe health complications and can be fatal.
Azithromycin For Dogs Dosage
The usual dose of Azithromycin for dogs is 5-10 mg/kg 2.5- 5 mg/lbs once or twice a day for one week susceptible bacterial infections. For the treatment of coccidiosis infection in dogs, the treatment can be increased to 15mg/kg once or twice daily. For the treatment of Giardia infection, usually, a maximum of 5 mg/kg of Azithromycin can be given.
The dose of liquid Zithromax for canines 100mg /5ml is 0.25 ml/kg, and 200 mg/5ml is 0.125 ml/kg
The ideal dodge of Zithromax® depends on several conditions, including the type and severity of the health issue, the overall health condition of the pet, and body weight.
Remember, for the ideal dosage of the drug for your pet. You must follow your veterinarian’s advice to avoid any complications.
If your are using the Azithromycin liquid suspension make sure to chose a safe variant that doesn’t contain toxic artificial ingredients or flavorings for your pup such as xylitol etc.
Azithromycin Dosage Chart for Dogs
| Dog Weight kg | Dog Weight lbs | Azithromycin Dosage (Once or Twice daily) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 6 lbs | 15-30 mg |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 25-50 mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 50-100 mg |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 75-150 mg |
| 20 kg | 44 lbs | 100-200 mg |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 125-250 mg |
| 30 kg | 66 lbs | 150-300 mg |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | 175-350 mg |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | 200-400 mg |
| 45 kg | 99 lbs | 225-450 mg |
| 50 kg | 110 lbs | 250-500 mg |
Zithromax 250mg, 500mg, 600mg Tablets Dosage Chart for dogs
| Kg Dog Weight | Zithromax 250mg Tablet | Zithromax 500mg | Zithromax 600 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 1/4 Tablet | 1/8 Tablet | * |
| 15 kg | 1/3 Tablet | 1/6 Tablet | * |
| 20 kg | 1/2 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet | 1/6 Tablet |
| 25 kg | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet | 1/5 Tablet |
| 30 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet |
| 35 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 40 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 45 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 50 kg | 1, 1/2 Tablet | 1/2, 1/4 Tablets | 1/2 Tablet |
| 60 kg | 2 Tablets | 1Tablet | 1/2, 1/3 Tablet |
| 70 kg | 2, 1/4 Tablets | 1, 1/6 Tablet | 1 Tablet |
In the above Zithromax dosage chart for dogs, we have mentioned the possible less and effective dosages. This dose can be increased or decreased to the safe dosing limits with the veterinarian’s advice for best results.
Azithromycin (Zithromax) Liquid For Dogs
| kg Dog Weight | lbs Dog Weight | Zithromax 100mg/ 5ml (20mg/ml) | Zithromax 200mg/5ml (40mg/ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 6 lbs | 0.5 ml | 0.25 ml |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 1 ml | 0.5 ml |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 2 ml | 1 ml |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 4 ml | 2 ml |
| 20 kg | 44 lbs | 5 ml | 2.5 ml |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 6 ml | 3 ml |
| 30 kg | 66 lbs | 7.5 ml | 3.5 ml |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | 8.5 ml | 4.25 ml |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | 10 ml | 5 ml |
Common Uses of Azithromycin in Dogs
Azithromycin is a bacteriostatic and macrolide antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis growth and helps to stop bacterial growth. Usually, the drug is used for the treatment of gram-negative bacteria but is also effective in stopping the growth of some gram-positive bacteria.
In dogs, Azithromycin is used for the treatment of :
- 1) Middle ear infections
- 2) Dermatological infections
- 3) Respiratory tract infections
- 4) Soft tissue Infections
- 5) Intestinal Infections
- 6) Urogenital Infections
- 7) Pneumonia
- 8) Urinary Tract Infections
- 9) Oral Infections
- 10) Rickettsia
- 11) Parasitic infections
Side Effects of Azithromycin in dogs
The commonly reported side effects of Azithromycin in dogs are:
Minor side effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Increase or decrease in urination
- Mouth Foaming
Overdosing Side Effects
- Kidney and liver issues
- Anaphylaxis
- Allergic Reaction
- Severe vomiting or Diarrhea
- Facial swelling or hives
If you observe any side effects after giving the drug to your pooch, stop giving the next dose and contact your veterinarian immediately in case of overdosing, rush to your vet clinic, or can call on the Animal poisoning control center.
Which dogs should not take Azithromycin?
Azithromycin should not be given to dogs having Kindley or liver issues, heart problems, pets sensitive, or allergic to macrolide antibiotics.
Newborn puppies, puppies weighing less than 2kg, and pregnant and lactating dogs should use the medicine first confirmed by the veterinarian.
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How to Give Zithromax to Your Dog?
- Make sure to give a correct dose of Azithromycin to your pet according to your body weight and avoid overdosing.
- If your vet prescribes the medicine twice a day, make sure to keep at least 12 hours gap between the doses. Never give two doses at a time.
- If you miss a dose, give a dose as you remember and then wait for the due time for the second dose.
- You can hide the pill in your canine wet food to avoid administrative complications.
- Never give Azithromycin to a pet categorized in the avoided category above.
