Baytril is an antibiotic that's effective in treating a wide range of infections. If your dog has an infected wound or gets a lung or urinary tract infection, your vet may prescribe Baytril as treatment. Baytril is generally safe, but there are safety issues to be aware of.
Using Baytril
Baytril is the commercial name for enrofloxacin, an antibiotic that works by interfering with bacteria's DNA and killing it off. Never administer Baytril (or any other medication) to your dog without the vet's advice. If your vet recommends treating your dog with Baytril, follow her instructions; continue the medication until it runs out or for the length of time prescribed, even if your dog feels noticeably better beforehand. Baytril is available in pill form or injection form administered by the vet. Baytril also comes in a form of ear drops that contain an antifungal medication to treat ear infections.
Safety Concerns
People and animals occasionally develop allergies to some medications. If your dog has an allergy or hypersensitivity to Baytril, administering the drug to her can be harmful and possibly fatal. Baytril can interact with iron supplements and some antacids and other stomach medications. It is dangerous to use on puppies younger than 7 months as it can damage the cartilage in their joints. PetPlace.com reports that in extremely rare cases your dog's behavior may change or she may experience a seizure.
Moderate Side Effect
Baytril is commonly prescribed because of the wide range of conditions it treats as well as for the low incidence of side effects. Although there is a short list of safety concerns, the only moderate side effect the drug has is diarrhea, and even this occurs only occasionally. VetInfo.com advises making sure your dog has access to plenty of water if she is taking Baytril to counteract the dehydrating effect diarrhea can have on her system.
Banned for Avian Use
If a red flag goes up in your mind when your doctor prescribes Baytril for your furry friend, it's probably because you read somewhere that it had been banned. It's true that the use of Baytril was banned for turkeys and chickens due to the possibility of the drug causing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Because an issue like that could lead to similar dangerous issues in humans, Baytril is no longer used for treating chickens and turkeys, but you can feel safe using it to treat your dog if the vet prescribes it for her.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
