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Clavamox: Dog & Cat Antibiotic for Skin, UTI, Dental Infections

Published on September 10th, 2024
Updated on October 15th, 2025

Clavamox is a potentiated penicillin-based antibiotic used to treat many infections common in dogs and cats.

Clavamox®

Summary

Used For:

Infections in skin, gums, urinary tract, genital tract, liver, lungs  and soft tissue

Brands:

Clavamox®

Species:

Dogs, Cats

Other names:

Clavaseptin® (not available in the U.S.)

Drug type:

Antibiotic

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Generally recognized as safe.

Side effects:

Mild occasional GI upset, especially when taken without food
 

General description

Clavamox® is an antibiotic that combines the penicillin derivative amoxicillin with clavulanic acid to give it a broader spectrum of activity against common bacteria. Clavamox® is used frequently in veterinary medicine to treat a wide variety of respiratory, soft tissue, urogenital, and skin infections.

Uses

Urinary tract infections, bacterial pneumonia, respiratory infections, tooth root abscesses, pyometra, pyoderma, soft tissue infections, infectious hepatitis, and others

How it works

With emerging resistance to many penicillin-based antibiotics, Clavamox® proves to be effective against a wider spectrum of bacteria than drugs like penicillin or amoxicillin alone. Clavulanic acid confers additional benefits over amoxicillin alone in that it specifically fights a compound released by bacteria of the Staphylococcal family.

Dosage

* Dogs: 13.75 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 12 hours * Cats: 62.5 milligrams by mouth every 12 hours Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient.

Forms

Clavamox® tablets for oral use in 62.5, 125, 250, and 375 milligram sizes; Clavamox® drops contain 62.5milligrams of Clavamox® per milliliter

Storage information & handling

See label for instructions specific to the product. General recommendations are listed below.

* Tablets: Keep dry * Drops: Refrigerate

What results can I expect?

Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to Clavamox®, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.

Missed Dosage

If a dose is missed, administer as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dosing time, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time. Do not administer doses back-to-back. Never discontinue treatment without first consulting your veterinarian.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdosage is rare, and Clavamox® is generally well-tolerated.

Side effects

* Gastrointestinal upset (decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea) Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see one or more of the side effects below: * Rashes (rare) * Fever (rare) * Blood abnormalities (rare) * Lymph node enlargement (rare) * Anaphylaxis (rare)

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity or allergic reaction * Discuss any previous reactions your pet has had to any antibiotics with your veterinarian particularly penicilin like drugs. * Do not give oral antibiotics to compromised patients * Do not give to rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, and similar species

Drug interactions

Traditionally, use of Clavamox® with bacteriostatic antibiotics (i.e. chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracyclines, etc.) has been avoided due to concern that one drug may lower the effectiveness of the other; however this is questionable and controversial topic to discuss with your veterinarian. Clavamox® may reduce the excretion of methotrexate and therefore increase the possibility of toxicity with this chemotherapeutic. Probenecid, a drug used to treat gout in reptiles, increases serum levels and therefore half-life (time to excretion) of all penicillins. Probenecid is not in common use in dogs and cats. Ensure your veterinarian is aware of all prescriptions, supplements, vitamins etc. your pet is on to help avoid any contraindications.

Precaution

Considered to be generally safe to use during pregnancy and lactation. Clavamox® has a wide safety margin and overdoses are extremely rare.

Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.

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