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Dog skin infection: Can I use human amoxicillin if I can't afford vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 years old | 70 lbs

I'm pretty sure my dog has a bacterial or yeast infection on his skin I can't afford to take him to the vet , in small doses can I give my dog human prescribed ammoxicillan

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 26th, 2018

I would not advise giving your pet human doses of amoxicillin. Mainly because this kind of pulse therapy can actually create resistant bacteria on your pets skin and create an even bigger problem. Also you aren't treating the fungal infection at all, so the itchiness and irritation will still be there. There are also stronger antibiotics for skin out there that can help reduce the chance of creating resistant bugs and also are more effective. Here are some financial resources that I hope can help you afford to take Ruger in to your vet for proper treatment of his skin. Red Rover: https://redrover.org/find-financial-assistance-veterinary-care Best friends: http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets AVMA: https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html PAWS: https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/ Your dogs friend: http://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/need-help-paying-vet-bills/ AFRP: https://www.animalfriendsrescue.org/financialassistance.html Speaking for Spot: http://speakingforspot.com/?p=Financial%20Assistance%20for%20Veterinary%20Care 3 options for financing include www.carecredit.com, www.scratchpay.com and www.vetbilling.com. The first two companies have low interest APR rates (starting at 5%) and allow you to pay for a vet bill over 6-24 months. The last company offer a billing option for veterinary clients through automatic bank account drafting on a predetermined date at the time of service. Care Credit checks your credit but Scratch Pay does not, making it a good choice for owners who may have been declined for Care Credit in the past. Hopefully one of these will work for you and your pet Ruger. In the meantime it is best to just wash his skin in an antiseptic shampoo, such as Duoxo shampoo that helps reduce both bacteria and yeast on the skin. Here is a link --> https://www.amazon.com/Ceva-DOU03604-Chlorhexidine-Climbazole-Shampoo/dp/B07B18LYLY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1545821460&sr=8-4&keywords=duoxo+shampoo Best wishes with Ruger and his skin. I hope it improves soon! Take care.

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