Metronidazole for Dogs and Cats

Metronidazole is a trusted antibiotic and antiprotozoal used in dogs and cats. This page helps pet owners access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada. It also supports cash-pay buyers who purchase without insurance.

What Metronidazole Is and How It Works

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial used in veterinary care. It targets anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa, including Giardia. The medicine diffuses into microbial cells and disrupts DNA synthesis. This action stops growth and allows the body to clear infection.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic. Metronidazole from Canada ships to the US through our pharmacy partners. It is often prescribed for intestinal infections, dental or oral infections, and some soft tissue infections caused by anaerobic organisms. It is also used for giardiasis in dogs and cats.

Many cases involve gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea, mucus, or foul-smelling stools. Some veterinary teams combine metronidazole with diet changes or other therapies. For broader infection topics, see our Bacterial Infections category and the article Buy Pet Antibiotics. Metronidazole is prescription-only. A veterinarian determines if it is appropriate.

Who Metronidazole Is For

Veterinarians use metronidazole for dogs and cats with confirmed or suspected anaerobic infections. Common examples include periodontal disease, deep oral infections, and certain skin or wound infections where anaerobes are present. It is also used for protozoal infections such as giardiasis. Some clinicians use it as part of a plan for colitis or inflammatory bowel conditions in pets.

Metronidazole should be avoided in animals with known hypersensitivity to nitroimidazoles. Use caution with significant liver disease, neurological disorders, or severe debilitation. Pregnant or nursing animals may require alternative options. Veterinary guidance is essential before starting therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Veterinary dosing of metronidazole is individualized. Clinicians select dose and duration based on the infection type, body weight, and overall health. Follow the prescribed schedule precisely. If the medicine seems bitter, a flavored suspension or compounded option may help. Giving with a small meal or treat can lessen stomach upset. Never split or crush tablets unless advised by the veterinarian.

For giardiasis, a short course is usually prescribed. For dental and deep tissue infections, treatment may continue longer. Do not stop early unless the veterinarian directs. Stopping too soon may allow relapse or incomplete clearance. If questions arise, consult the prescribing clinic and refer to the official label used by the pharmacy.

Strengths and Forms

Metronidazole is commonly available as oral tablets in strengths such as 250 mg and 500 mg. Veterinary teams may also use compounded oral suspensions at varying concentrations. An injectable form exists for clinical use when oral dosing is not possible. Availability can vary by pharmacy and lot. Equivalent strengths may appear under different manufacturers.

If palatability or dosing accuracy is a concern, ask the clinic about flavored liquids or scored tablets. Pharmacists can advise on options that fit the prescribed dose and frequency.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless the next dose is soon. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. Keeping a simple chart or setting reminders can support accurate therapy.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature and protect from moisture and light. Keep the container tightly closed. Compounded liquids may have specific storage needs; follow the label. For short trips, keep medicine in the original labeled container. Avoid heat in parked cars and direct sunlight. US delivery from Canada uses reliable packaging for prompt shipment. For home storage, place medicines out of reach of children and animals.

Benefits

Metronidazole offers focused activity against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. This helps resolve symptoms tied to these organisms, such as foul breath from periodontal infections or persistent diarrhea from giardiasis. The medicine is widely used in small animal practice and is often well tolerated when dosed as directed. Oral tablets are convenient for many households, and compounding can improve ease of administration.

Side Effects and Safety

• Decreased appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Drooling or lip smacking from bitter taste
• Lethargy
• Darkened urine

Serious or rare risks may include neurological signs such as tremors, incoordination, or seizures, especially with high doses or prolonged use. Liver enzyme elevations can occur. Stop the medication and contact the veterinarian immediately if neurologic effects appear. Report persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, or signs of jaundice. Pets taking insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes may require closer monitoring for hypoglycemia when any illness or appetite change occurs.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Metronidazole can interact with warfarin-like anticoagulants, potentially affecting clotting times. Cimetidine may increase levels of metronidazole. Phenobarbital may reduce its effectiveness. Use caution with lithium or cyclosporine. Provide the veterinarian with a full medication list, including supplements. Do not give alcohol-containing products to animals.

Pets with significant liver disease may need adjusted plans. Very young or geriatric animals need careful monitoring. Follow the clinic’s recommendations and seek guidance before adding or stopping any therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Gastrointestinal symptoms often start to improve within a few days of treatment. Dental or deep tissue infections may take longer to show clear progress. For giardiasis, veterinarians may recommend retesting to confirm clearance. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact the clinic. Completing the full course is important even when signs improve early.

Compare With Alternatives

For anaerobic dental and oral infections, clindamycin is a common alternative. See Antirobe® for a brand clindamycin product used in dogs and cats. For skin and soft tissue infections where gram-positive bacteria are suspected, Cephalexin is frequently used. For giardiasis, many veterinarians also consider fenbendazole as part of a plan. Some clinics pair metronidazole with a dewormer when protozoa or other parasites are present.

To learn more about cephalosporins and tetracyclines in pets, explore the articles Cephalexin For Dogs and Doxycycline For Dogs. These guides compare uses, dosing concepts, and safety points across common veterinary antibiotics.

Pricing and Access

Compare Canadian pricing and see potential savings versus typical US cash costs. Many customers find meaningful value on generic antibiotics. Start an order online and upload the prescription from the clinic. We coordinate verification with the clinic and arrange US delivery from Canada.

Check our current price listings and available strengths on this page. If a different strength or a compounded liquid is needed, contact support during checkout. Encrypted checkout helps protect personal details.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and manufacturers can vary. If a specific strength is not available, a prescriber may recommend an equivalent strength or an alternative agent. Common substitutes for certain indications include clindamycin for anaerobic dental infections and cephalosporins for skin infections. For protozoal infections, deworming agents may be considered based on test results and clinical signs.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Metronidazole is suitable for many dogs and cats with veterinarian-confirmed infections. It may not be appropriate for pregnant or nursing animals, or pets with significant neurologic disease. Those with liver problems require careful assessment and monitoring.

To save on costs, ask the veterinarian about generic options and multi-month supplies when clinically appropriate. Using a consistent pharmacy source can support predictable pricing. Set refill reminders to avoid treatment gaps. If pills are difficult to give, a compounded liquid can improve adherence and reduce wasted doses.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Not applicable. Metronidazole for home use is typically given orally as tablets or liquid. No sharps disposal is required for standard dosing at home.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What infection type is suspected, and how was it diagnosed?
• How long should treatment continue after symptoms improve?
• Which signs should prompt a recheck before finishing the course?
• Is a flavored suspension or smaller tablet preferred for dosing?
• Are follow-up tests needed to confirm clearance, especially for Giardia?
• What interactions should be considered with current medicines or supplements?
• When should activity, meals, or other routines be adjusted during treatment?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Metronidazole Tablets

Health Canada DPD: Metronidazole

Merck Veterinary Manual: Nitroimidazoles

Explore Related Options

For Giardia cases that need broader parasite coverage, some clinicians recommend Panacur Suspension as part of treatment. For broader veterinary needs, browse Pet Medications or revisit our Bacterial Infections category for additional antibiotics and supportive products.

Start an order today for US shipping from Canada. This content is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed veterinarian.