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My small dog ate another dog's antibiotic. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 5 lbs

My 5lb dog ate my 75lb dogs antibiotic, Ampicillin 250MG. He spit it out and my little dog snagged it and ran, hid and ate it. Will he be okay? Or what are the next steps I should take?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 7th, 2017

Oh no, that was naughty of Baxter! He took about five times the recommended dose of ampicillin. This will likely cause a reaction in the form of vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, but more serious effects such as tremors or seizures. If you see tremors or seizures, Baxter will have to see a vet immediately. Should you see vomiting and diarrhea, withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed him a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet.

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