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Clavamox

About Clavamox for Pets

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM

Is it an antibiotic? | What does it treat in dogs? | What does it treat in my cats? | What infections does it treat? | Can you get it over the counter? | Does it make dogs sleepy? | Can it cause diarrhea in my cats? | How quickly does it work? | How often should I give my pet it? | How long should my pet take it? | How long does it stay in my pet’s system?

 

Dog at Vet

Pet parents know when their cat or dog doesn’t feel well—if your pet isn’t acting like their normal self, it is a good idea to get them checked out. It’s important to consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has an infection—the situation can turn dire fast. Your pet will probably need medication to clear it up. With certain bacterial infections, your vet may prescribe Clavamox.  

Are you still looking for a regular vet? Petco offers veterinary services and has a pharmacy to get maintenance prescriptions for antibiotics, antimicrobials and veterinary cat food shipped right to your door. Our health & wellness solutions can also help you find the over-the-counter supplements and remedies needed for lesser health issues. 

Clavamox is a penicillin-like oral medication used to treat a range of bacterial infections in pets. It is the brand name for a blend of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and is very similar to the human medication Augmentin. If your pet has suffered from severe gum disease, a wound infection, a bacterial skin infection that has them scratching or a bladder infection, they may be good candidates for this medication. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian, so be sure to consult them before trying to purchase Clavamox tablets for cats or dogs. 

Is Clavamox an antibiotic?

Yes. Canine and feline Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic explicitly designed for pets. Amoxicillin is a long-lasting antibiotic resistant to stomach acid, and it helps kill bacteria that cause certain infections. Clavulanate potassium helps reduce the bacteria’s defenses against the antibiotic, helping to make the medication more effective.  

The medication comes in the following doses. 

  • Clavamox 62.5 mg tablet for cats and dogs 
  • Clavamox 125 mg tablet for cats and dogs 
  • Clavamox 250 mg tablet for cats and dogs 
  • Clavamox 375 mg tablet for cats and dogs 
  • Clavamox 500 mg tablet for cats and dogs 
  • Clavamox oral suspension for a variety of dosing needs 

Make sure you follow the dosing schedule and instructions provided by your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the appropriate amount of medication. You should always dose the entire course of antibiotics for your pets; otherwise, there is a higher risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.

 

Pet prescriptions available to order at Petco

What does Clavamox treat in dogs?

Clavamox is commonly used to treat skin infections—like cellulitis, abscesses and bacterial infections resulting from lacerations—and oral infections in dogs. Your vet may prescribe this medication for other bacterial infections as well. The dog antibiotic Clavamox also has a common extra-label use in helping treat some urinary tract infections. Extra-label use means the vet is prescribing the medication for a symptom or species for which the drug does not have a specific label indication.

What does Clavamox treat in my cats?

Clavamox for cats is often prescribed for skin infections and urinary tract infections. Your veterinarian may also prescribe this medication in extra-label ways—for instance, they may use Clavamox for cats’ upper respiratory infections in some instances.  

What infections does Clavamox treat?

This medication treats bacteria such as: 

  • Staphylococcus
  • Streptococcus
  • Brucella canis
  • E. coli 
  • Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
  • Other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
  • Infections from gum disease
  • Urinary tract infections

Can you get clavamox over the counter? 

No, Clavamox is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian. In fact, no medication that contains the antibiotic amoxicillin can be bought over the counter. Before recommending Clavamox, your vet will need to ensure that it won’t react adversely to any of their other medications, and that possible side effects won’t cause risks based on any ongoing health issues.

Does Clavamox make dogs sleepy?

No, lethargy, sleepiness or lack of energy are not among this medication’s known side effects. When administering Clavamox for dogs, side effects can include the following: 

  • Diarrhea  
  • Vomiting 
  • Weight loss 
  • Abnormalities in breathing 
  • Drooling  

If your dog is displaying symptoms that are not widely reported or are severe, it’s important to consult your vet immediately. Make sure you inform them of any known allergies your pet may have, along with any medication or supplements—both prescription and over-the-counter—they are currently taking. Clavamox for dogs and cats has been known to interact negatively with certain NSAIDs, tetracycline, blood thinners and chloramphenicol. 

Can Clavamox cause diarrhea in my cats?

Yes. Feline side effects for this medication are similar to those seen in canines. If your pets’ side effects are severe, they may be allergic, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Some signs of an allergic reaction are: 

  • Facial swelling  
  • Fever 
  • Pale gums 
  • Itchy skin and hives 
  • Trouble breathing  
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea 
  • Shock 
  • In extreme cases, a coma 

It’s important to let your vet know if your pet is pregnant, as feline Clavamox can cause adverse reactions.  

If you miss a dose of Clavamox for cats or dogs, give it to your pet as soon as you remember and continue with regular dosing, unless it is close to the time for the next dose. You should not give your pet two doses at once.  

How quickly does Clavamox work?

The medication typically starts to work within one to two hours, but you may not see improvement in your pet for a couple of days.  

How often should I give my pet Clavamox?

Clavamox is often prescribed to be taken twice a day—however, you should always follow your vet’s instructions when administering medication. It comes in either drops or a chewable tablet, and your vet will calculate how many milligrams or milliliters your pet needs per dose.  

How long should my pet take Clavamox?

Clavamox should be taken as long as directed or until your veterinarian instructs you to stop. Read the directions carefully—store and discard as indicated on the package.  

How long does Clavamox stay in my pet’s system?

It generally stops working after 24 hours—unless your pet has kidney or liver issues. Its short-acting effects can be beneficial if your pet experiences adverse reactions. However, this also makes it important to follow the directions issued by the vet and continue to give your pet the medication, even if they appear to be free of infection.  

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