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Fluconazole for Dogs & Cats 

Fluconazole for Dogs & Cats  

What is it used for? |  How does it work? | What is the brand name? |  What strength does it come in? | How much can I give my dog or cat? | Drug interactions?  | Can I get it over the counter? | Side effects? | How do I store it? | Can I use human antifungal cream on my pets?  | What if I miss a dose?  | Interactions

Updated on February 03, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM
dog rolling in grass

Fungal infections in pets can be a common occurrence, especially when it comes to their skin. Many common fungal spores live in soil and thrive in moist, damp places. Dogs in particular love rolling around in the dirtiest places they can find.  

Cats and dogs also use their paws and mouths for grooming and scratching. If your pet scratches and chews a particular area, it can become an ideal breeding ground for fungal organisms to gain a foothold and thrive.

Fungal skin infections are common, but pets can also develop fungal infections in their sinuses, lungs and many other parts of their body. They may also have yeast or other fungal buildup in their ears or in between their paws; in fact, those are some of the most common fungal infections you may see in your pet. If you notice an odorous discharge coming out of their ears or their paws are red and smell bad, this could be a sign of a fungal infection. Other signs include: 

  • Your pet stops eating 
  • Hair loss
  • Fever 
  • Lethargy 
  • Coughing 
  • Sneezing
  • Trouble seeing 
  • Skin lesions, polyps, bumps or swelling 
  • Trouble walking 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Runny nose, which can contain blood 
  • Blood in urine 
  • And more 

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian. If it’s a fungal infection, they may prescribe a drug—fluconazole for dogs and cats.

Pet prescriptions available to order at Petco

What is fluconazole used for in dogs and cats?

Fluconazole for pets is commonly prescribed for both cats and dogs suffering from certain types of fungal infections. You may even recognize the name—fluconazole is often prescribed for humans too. For pets, it comes in capsule, tablet or suspension form, unless otherwise prescribed by a vet. Veterinarians may also have an injectable version they can use during treatment.

How does fluconazole for dogs and cats work?

Your pet’s body normally hosts a variety of fungi. So do humans—it’s a natural occurrence and can sometimes aid in our system’s balance and harmony. Infections develop when a harmful type of fungi begins to override the immune system or invades the wrong part of the body. Fluconazole treats fungal infections by stopping them from multiplying.

What is the brand name of fluconazole?

It may be prescribed to your pet as Diflucan for dogs and cats.

What strength does fluconazole for cats and dogs come in?

Fluconazole comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg tablets for dogs and cats; the same strengths are also available in capsule form. In suspension form, it is available in 10 mg per milliliter and 40 mg per milliliter. This medication may also be used to treat birds, horses, rabbits, iguanas or other species at your veterinarian’s discretion.

How much fluconazole can I give my dog or cat?

Fluconazole dog dosages and cat dosages may differ. When it comes to dosing, always follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Your vet will also want to make sure it will not interact with any other medications your pet is currently taking.

Too much fluconazole can cause serious side effects, so always consult your veterinarian and only give the medication to your pet as prescribed.

If you think your pet might have a fungal infection, another reason it’s important to seek veterinary assistance because certain fungal infections can be passed to other pets or even humans. Your vet can inform you of any sanitation or quarantine procedures you may need to implement or have your pet stay at the vet to prevent the spread of infection.

If your pet has frequent fungal infections, your vet may take other steps besides fluconazole to help clear up the infection and prevent its return. For example, pets with allergies are prone to skin infections that will often keep returning until the allergies are controlled.

Are there any drug interactions when my pet is taking fluconazole?

There are many medications and supplements that can interact with fluconazole. If your vet prescribes fluconazole for pets, make sure you let them know of all medications and supplements they are currently taking, even medication that is over the counter.

Can I get fluconazole for dogs over the counter?

No. Fluconazole is a prescription-only medication because dosing depends on weight, species and type of infection. Administering fluconazole under the wrong circumstances can be dangerous.

What are the side effects of fluconazole for dogs and cats?

Side effects may vary but can include poor appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, dry skin and eye discharge. Side effects don’t occur often and are normally mild, but they can happen. Consult your vet if any side effects occur; because the side effects are similar to signs of fungal infections, what appears as a side effect may actually be a worsening of symptoms.

How do I store fluconazole for pets?

Always keep the medication out of reach of children or pets. If the medication is in tablet form, store it at room temperature, preferably in the container provided by the pharmacy or vet. If the medication is an oral suspension, refrigeration is usually required.

Can I use human antifungal cream on my pets?

Using human medications to treat your pets is never a good idea unless you are specifically directed to do so by your vet. There may be additives and ingredients that can be toxic to your pets.

What if I miss a dose?

When you remember, you can give your dog their dose of medication. However, if it’s close to the time for the next dose, just give them that dose. Do not give your dog two doses at the same time if you missed a dose unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.

Can this medication interact with my pet if they have certain ailments?

Let your vet know if your pet has any health issues, particularly with their liver or kidneys. You should also let them know if your pet is pregnant or nursing. Finally, if your pet has ever had a bad reaction to an antifungal medication, make sure to tell your vet, along with the symptoms they had.

Check out Petco Pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource for your prescription dog antifungal and cat antifungal solutions. We’ll verify your prescription with your vet’s office and ship the medication directly to your door.

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