Is Metronidazole safe for my dog? Can I stop it if diarrhea stops?

Question

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 250mg 2 daily for 14 days, diawin 1 1/2 3 daily for 5 days, and ciprofioxacin 250 mg 2 daily for 14 days. I hear metronidazole can be dangerous, but what about the others? Also my dog stopped having diarrhea, so can I stop giving her metronidazole, is that all it’s for? My vet doesn’t open till Monday, and I would like to take her off as soon as possible. Thanks. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 55 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

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!

Is Metronidazole safe for my dog? Can I stop it if diarrhea stops?

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