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Is metronidazole safe for my nursing dog and her new puppies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 55 lbs

Loki had 7 pups 12 days ago, and I took her to the vet a few days ago and they said she had parasites. So they gave us metronidazole to give her along with a couple other things. We’ve been giving it to her 250 mg 2 daily, and are supposed to until the 18th. Do you think this is okay? What kind of effects could this have on Loki and her nursing pups?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

I'm curious as to why your vet prescribed metronidazole to Loki. It can be excreted in breast milk and should not be prescribed to nursing mothers. It's also not safe for young puppies. I personally do not recommend giving it to her based on this, and I would withhold that medication until you can speak to your vet about it and its safety in nursing mothers. You can also take Loki into another vet for a second opinion. I hope this helps!

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My nursing mother was given metronidazole. Is it safe for her 5 1/2 week old kittens to nurse?
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