In many pets, antibiotics can cause lethargy, nausea and/or a loss of appetite, which may make your pet less interested in eating their food.
It’s okay that your dog is taking antibiotics; even the healthiest, most pampered dogs occasionally experience illness. As a result, according to veterinarians, antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications. A dog taking antibiotics may be recovering from anything from Giardia to an ear infection. However, in some cases, the adverse effects of antibiotics on your dog’s digestive system can include diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Although antibiotics are effective at killing the bacteria that makes your dog sick, they frequently also kill the “good” bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract, which is where the vital gut microbiome resides. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for your dog’s overall health and immunity, even if you’ve never heard of it before and it sounds like something from a little green men movie.
In fact, Hippocrates, a highly esteemed Greek physician, stated that “all disease begins in the gut” more than 2,000 years ago. ”.
Antibiotics, also referred to as antibacterials, accomplish what their name implies: they eradicate or inhibit the development of harmful bacteria. The catch-22 is that they also eliminate beneficial bacteria, which throws the gut microbiome out of balance.
A dog may suffer from digestive disorders, allergies, immune system issues, metabolic disorders like diabetes, and even psychological problems like anxiety or depression when there are insufficient “good bacteria,” or probiotics.
Some antibiotics are worse than others, says Dr. Carlson. The antibiotics in the cephalosporin family tend to have a greater impact on the gut than do fluoroquinolones and penicillamines, but all antibiotics have an impact on the gut microbiota. ”.
The side effects that antibiotics cause, says Dr. Carlson, mention the extremely uncomfortable leaky gut syndrome, as well as other symptoms like behavioral problems, nausea, vomiting, itchiness, and more. However, the most typical negative effects of antibiotics in dogs are gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut syndrome.
An even distribution of bacteria in your dog’s intestines is necessary for optimal digestion. Large, partially digested food particles leak into the bloodstream when the intestinal barrier becomes inflamed and permeable due to an unbalanced bacterial environment with too few good bacteria (hence, leaky gut syndrome). The liver is stressed as it tries to filter out these particles, and the immune system recognizes them as foreign bodies and produces antibodies and allergens.
There are a variety of unexpected symptoms associated with canine leaky gut syndrome, but when caused by antibiotics, diarrhea is the most prevalent sign.
When administering antibiotics to dogs becomes necessary, there are a few things we can do to aid in gut microbiome balance restoration and relieve any side effects of antibiotics symptoms.
Use of the right essential fatty acids, such as EPA, DHA, Linolenic, Linoleic, and Arachidonic acid, is crucial for healing the gut lining that has been damaged by antibiotics, according to Dr. Carlson. They consist of a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Probiotics are crucial for the recovery of healthy gut colonies. ”.
The symptoms of allergies and inflammation can be effectively treated with essential fatty acids. Probiotics and prebiotics, which are probiotics’ food sources, help the gut microbiome get back in balance and treat digestive problems.
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) refers to probiotic supplements and fermented foods that contain live bacteria and yeasts as “direct-fed microbials,” which are good for the digestive system. Probiotics can aid in their replacement and the restoration of the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome when “good bacteria” are eradicated by antibiotics. Prebiotics have the function of feeding the beneficial bacteria already present in the digestive system and fostering their growth.
According to Veterinary Practice News, prebiotics have been present in pet food for a long time, but probiotics are heat and moisture sensitive, so they would not survive the production and cooking of dog food. Probiotics and prebiotics are available in:
So don’t stress out about giving dogs antibiotics. Don’t forget to finish the entire dose, and then stock up on probiotics that will improve your gut’s microbiome. Giving your dog pre- and probiotics will maintain a healthy level of “good” bacteria, support the overall health and immunity of the dogs we love, and keep their tails wagging.
Keep Your Dog Away From Other Dogs
Keep them indoors and away from other dogs so they can recover without contracting additional infections. Additionally, this will stop any infection from spreading to other dogs.
Take a few days off from dog parks, and when you see other dogs on walks, cross the street. Even though if your dog is particularly sociable and friendly, they might become sad, a brief period of isolation will be worthwhile in the end.
Take Your Dog to the Vet
It’s crucial to take action and take your dog to the vet or an emergency clinic if the tiredness is excessive. Call your veterinarian if your dog displays any of the following signs:
If you’re unsure of the symptoms, it’s best to be safe and have your dog checked out by a professional because it can be difficult to determine the severity of the situation.
What to Do if My Dog Is Tired After Taking Antibiotics?
There are a few things you can do to make your dog feel better and stay safe while it recovers if it is ill and acting exhausted.
Making sure your dog stays hydrated is among the most crucial things you can do for it. If your dog is having trouble swallowing anything, give it plenty of water and broth. Keep an eye on their water bowl and replenish it as needed.
Give your dog a lot of fresh water so that it can stay hydrated and better able to fight off infections. This may encourage your dog to drink more than usual.
When your pet is ill with an infection, it’s crucial that you keep their environment clean. This calls for routine hand washing, maintaining the cleanliness of their bedding and sleeping area, and Overall, this will help to prevent any additional infections while making the space welcoming and comfortable for your dog.
It’s crucial to track your dog’s symptoms if it appears fatigued or ill while taking antibiotics and to keep an eye on how they change. This will enable you to determine whether you need to take it to the vet for a checkup.
Feel free to jot down notes at the start and end of each day so you can easily recall how they are progressing. This will make it simple to determine whether your dog is feeling better or worse following the antibiotic treatment.
You might need to limit your dog’s activity level while it is taking antibiotics if it is very active. Overexertion can compromise the immune system and make it more difficult for your dog to recover.
Reduce the length of your walks and substitute cuddling for active play when you’re at home. The right amount of activity can go a long way, but too much could make your dog feel worse.
Antibiotics work best when combined with good nutrition. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet while on antibiotics will ensure that it receives all the nutrients it needs.
Additionally, you can feed your dog nutritional supplements like probiotics or fish oil to support its immune system and encourage healthy skin and fur. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that any supplements you give will complement the antibiotics.
Use a cold compress on your dog to lower its temperature if it has a fever. Additionally, you can give your dog over-the-counter fever reducers, but before giving him any medication, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.
Your dog’s fever should be broken by the antibiotics, but if it persists even after treatment, you may need to take them in for a checkup.
Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if its temperature is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit or it is low and listless.
FAQ
What are the side effects of antibiotics in dogs?
The most frequent side effects are allergic reactions, which can cause skin rashes and hives, as well as digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, your pet could experience secondary infections like yeast infections, as well as fatigue or appetite loss.
Is sleepiness a side effect of antibiotics?
Generally, yes. Antibiotics are incredibly efficient at helping fight off diseases. There are risks and benefits to taking them, just like with any drug or medical procedure. Antibiotic side effects like fatigue, drowsiness, and sleepiness aren’t common, but some can have more serious side effects.
Does amoxicillin make dogs drowsy?
He explains that adverse effects and intolerance to amoxicillin can manifest as symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite), lethargy, or behavioral changes.
How long does it take for antibiotics to make a dog feel better?
After the first dose, amoxicillin begins to work within one to two hours. Your dog’s condition should improve within a few days. However, to avoid reinfection and antibiotic resistance, make sure your dog receives the full course of antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian.