My dog is on metronidazole. Can it cause runny stools or diarrhea?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jenny, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 31st, 2017

  That is a very common antibiotic that is prescribe for loose stool especially if there is blood present. Every medicine has side effects, but the short term use of that particular one has minimal. Most side effects are from prolonged use and often at very high doses.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 10th, 2018

  Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is my recommendation that you keep Loki on all the medications prescribed by your vet. If you want to change the medications you should discuss your concerns with your vet. They have all her medical history and know why they prescribed the medications they did, etc. Any drug can have side effects and be dangerous. I would not classify Metronidazole as dangerous; it really doesn't cause much in the way of side effects unless they are given a very high dose. There is a huge issue in veterinary medicine with owners not following through with the entire course of medications they are given: #1 this causes bacterial resistance and then when we really need these drugs they don't work and #2 the infection is not completely resolved so when you stop the drug the dog will often come down with the same issue because the infection was not properly cleared. Metronidazole is an antibiotic, has anti-protozoal properties and is also an anti-inflammatory for the colon. It is not an anti-diarrheal. The diarrhea resolves because the Metronidazole is killing the protozoan parasites, kills any overgrowth of specific bacteria that cause diarrhea and by reducing colonic inflammation. Please continue all the medications as directed and call your vet on Monday if you want to discuss stopping the Metronidazole. Hope this helps. Best wishes and I hope Loki gets better soon!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful