Clavamox (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate)

Clavamox is a prescription antibiotic used in veterinary medicine to treat certain bacterial infections in dogs and cats. This page explains how Clavamox for dogs is typically used, what forms exist, and what safety issues are most common. Ships from Canada to US through a cash-pay process that can help families without insurance.

Information below is general and should be checked against the label directions and the veterinarian’s plan for the specific infection.

What Clavamox for dogs Is and How It Works

This medicine combines amoxicillin (a penicillin-class antibiotic) with clavulanate, which helps protect amoxicillin from beta-lactamase (an enzyme that can inactivate some antibiotics). The combination is used when a veterinarian suspects bacteria that may resist amoxicillin alone. It is commonly discussed for skin and soft-tissue infections, wounds, dental infections, and some urinary tract infections, depending on culture results and clinical findings.

Dispensing is handled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. For practical background on typical veterinary uses and precautions, see the resource Clavamox Uses And Safety. The treatment works only against susceptible bacteria, so non-bacterial problems (such as allergies, inflammation, parasites, or many viral illnesses) will not respond.

Who It’s For

Veterinarians may prescribe amoxicillin/clavulanate for dogs or cats when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed and the organism is expected to be susceptible. Decisions often consider infection location, severity, recent antibiotic exposure, and whether a culture and sensitivity test is appropriate. Browsing the Bacterial Infection hub can help compare common therapies used across infection types.

Clavamox for dogs may be considered for infections where a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic is appropriate. It is not appropriate for pets with a known allergy to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics (such as cephalosporins) unless the prescriber determines otherwise. Extra caution is often used in pets with a history of drug hypersensitivity, significant kidney disease, or repeated gastrointestinal intolerance to antibiotics.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is set by the veterinarian and is typically based on the pet’s weight, the infection being treated, and the specific formulation. Many veterinary regimens use twice-daily administration (about every 12 hours), but schedules vary. Tablets are usually given by mouth, and oral suspensions are measured in mL using a dosing device. If the medicine is given with a small amount of food, stomach upset may be less likely.

When required, we confirm prescription details with the prescribing clinic. For a broader discussion of common antibiotic schedules and practical administration points, the guide Cephalexin Uses And Dosage may be useful for context.

Clavamox for dogs is generally intended to be taken for the full course prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier. Stopping early can allow bacteria to persist and may contribute to resistance. If a dose is missed, instructions on the label or from the clinic should be followed rather than doubling the next dose.

Quick tip: Keep a written dosing log to reduce missed or duplicated doses.

Strengths and Forms

This antibiotic may be supplied as chewable tablets, standard tablets, or an oral suspension (“liquid”) that is measured in mL. Some prescriptions are written for the brand, while others specify the generic drug name, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. Availability can vary by pharmacy, country, and current supply.

Clavamox for dogs is commonly discussed in chewable tablet strengths such as 62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg, along with a reconstituted liquid form for smaller dose adjustments. The exact product selected depends on the prescribed dose and what is stocked.

Storage and Travel Basics

Storage instructions depend on the form dispensed and whether a powder has been mixed into a suspension. Many tablets are stored at controlled room temperature, protected from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the container closed and store it out of reach of children and pets to reduce accidental ingestion.

Liquid formulations may have additional requirements after reconstitution, including refrigeration and a limited beyond-use date printed on the pharmacy label. For travel, keep the medicine in the original labeled container and avoid leaving it in hot vehicles. If refrigeration is required, a cooler pack may help maintain temperature during short trips.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects relate to the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting, diarrhea, softer stools, gas, or reduced appetite can occur, especially early in therapy. Mild effects sometimes improve with continued dosing or giving the medicine with food, but persistent symptoms should be reviewed by a veterinarian. Yeast overgrowth or changes in normal gut flora can also occur with antibiotics.

Clavamox for dogs can rarely cause more serious reactions, including allergic responses such as hives, facial swelling, severe itching, or breathing difficulty. Severe or bloody diarrhea, marked lethargy, repeated vomiting, or collapse warrants urgent veterinary assessment. Any prior history of penicillin allergy should be shared with the clinic before starting treatment.

• Common: stomach upset, loose stool
• Less common: drooling, appetite changes
• Serious: swelling, breathing trouble
• Seek care: severe diarrhea, collapse

Why it matters: Early recognition of hypersensitivity can prevent rapid worsening.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Drug interaction risk depends on the pet’s full medication list, including supplements. Veterinarians may consider timing or selection changes when other antibiotics are used at the same time, particularly drugs that slow bacterial growth (which can reduce the effect of some penicillins in certain situations). Pets on anticoagulants or complex chronic regimens may require closer monitoring.

Caution is often advised in pets with significant renal impairment because dosing intervals may need adjustment by the prescriber. Pregnancy and lactation decisions should be individualized by the veterinarian. If a pet has previously reacted to penicillins or cephalosporins, the clinic should evaluate cross-reactivity risk before use.

• Bring a full med list
• Note past antibiotic reactions
• Report severe GI symptoms
• Ask about timing with food

Compare With Alternatives

Choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected bacteria, the site of infection, and local resistance patterns. For some skin, urinary, or soft-tissue infections, clinicians may also consider cephalosporins or other oral options. In some cases, culture-guided therapy helps narrow treatment to the most appropriate drug.

Common alternatives discussed in veterinary practice include cephalexin and doxycycline, as well as enrofloxacin (Baytril) or clindamycin (Antirobe) for selected indications. Each has different coverage and risk considerations, so switching between them is not interchangeable without veterinary direction. For related background, see Doxycycline Pet Antibiotic Guide and Baytril Antibiotic Guide.

Product references for comparison include Cephalexin Details and Doxycycline Details. These links are provided to help review different drug classes and dispensing formats, not to indicate suitability for a specific infection.

Pricing and Access

Pricing can vary by strength, dosage form, and the quantity dispensed. Clavamox for dogs may be requested through our prescription referral workflow, which supports cash-pay access when coverage is limited. US delivery from Canada is available based on prescription and dispensing requirements.

The platform routes prescriptions for dispensing by licensed Canadian pharmacies and may verify information with the prescriber when needed. The Pet Medications and Infectious Disease browse pages can help locate related therapies by category. For current site-wide programs, see Promotions. The service can support cash-pay access across borders, including for households without insurance.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable directions and safety details, consult the dispensing label and your veterinarian’s written instructions. When questions come up about ingredient names, approved uses, or regulatory context, official and professional sources can provide helpful background beyond retail summaries.

For U.S. regulatory labeling context, use the FDA’s veterinary drug database: Animal Drugs @ FDA database. For stewardship principles that explain why correct antibiotic choice and duration matter, see the AVMA overview: AVMA antimicrobial use and resistance.

To submit a prescription request through the site, follow checkout steps and select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping if available.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.