🐾💊 Clindamycin for Dogs and Cats: Vet Infection Treatment Guide for 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Clindamycin is a trusted antibiotic used in veterinary medicine to combat a wide range of bacterial and protozoal infections. Whether your pet is dealing with a dental abscess, a skin infection, or even bone involvement, this medication is often a go-to solution. 🐶🐱💊

This 2025 guide explains how clindamycin works, when it's prescribed, what side effects to watch for, and how to give it safely. 🧫🩺

🔬 What Is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin hydrochloride is an antibiotic from the lincosamide class. It works by targeting bacterial ribosomes—blocking the ability of bacteria to produce essential proteins, which halts their reproduction or kills them outright. 📉🦠

Because bacterial ribosomes are significantly different from animal ribosomes, this drug is effective at destroying bacteria without harming your pet’s own cells. 🧬✅

📦 Brand Names & Formulations

Clindamycin is available under several brand names, including:

• 🧪 Clindadrops®
• 💊 Antirobe®
• 🩺 Cleocin®

It comes in multiple forms:

• 💊 Capsules: 25 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg
• 🍼 Oral suspension (liquid)

Note: The liquid version is very bitter—especially problematic in cats. 🐱😖

💡 When Is Clindamycin Used?

Clindamycin is commonly prescribed for:

• 🦷 Dental and periodontal infections (very effective in the mouth)
• 🐾 Skin infections (especially Staphylococcus)
• 🦴 Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• 🧬 Protozoal infections such as Toxoplasma and Mycoplasma
• 🧪 Anaerobic infections (bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments)

📅 Dosing Instructions

Clindamycin is typically administered once or twice daily. It can be given with or without food, though giving it with a small meal may help reduce digestive upset. 🍽️

❗ Important Note for Tablets or Capsules

To avoid irritation or burns to the esophagus, follow these steps:

• 💧 Always give with water or food afterward
• 🐕 Especially important in small dogs or cats

Missed a dose? Do not double up—just give the next scheduled dose as usual. ⏰

⚠️ Side Effects

Most side effects are mild, but it’s important to monitor your pet closely. Common side effects include:

• 💩 Diarrhea
• 🤢 Vomiting
• 😾 Refusal to take the medication (due to bitter taste)

🚨 Serious Concerns:

• 🩸 Bloody diarrhea
• 🍽️ Loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing (possible esophageal damage)

In case of these reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately. 📞🆘

💊 Drug Interactions

Clindamycin should not be combined with certain medications without veterinary approval:

• ⚠️ Erythromycin – reduced effectiveness of both antibiotics
• ⚠️ Chloramphenicol – similar interaction issue
• 📉 Cyclosporine – reduced blood levels
• 💊 Phenobarbital – can reduce clindamycin’s effectiveness
• 🧬 Ketoconazole – may increase blood levels and side effects

📋 Monitoring During Treatment

If clindamycin is used for more than 30 days, regular blood work may be recommended to check:

• 🧪 Liver enzyme levels
• 🩺 Kidney function

Short-term use typically does not require routine lab monitoring unless your pet has a pre-existing condition. 🧾

🚫 When Not to Use Clindamycin

This medication is NOT safe for:

• 🐇 Rabbits
• 🐭 Rodents
• 🐑 Ruminants (e.g., goats, sheep, cows)
• 🐎 Horses

It may cause life-threatening digestive upset in these species. ❌

📦 Storage Guidelines

Store clindamycin at room temperature, away from light. The oral liquid does not need refrigeration, making it convenient for travel or daily use. 💼🌡️

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Nursing

Clindamycin crosses the placenta and is transferred to nursing young. It may cause digestive upset in neonates. Use only under direct veterinary supervision in pregnant or nursing animals. 🍼

📞 When to Contact the Vet

Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice:

• 🐾 Difficulty swallowing
• 🩸 Blood in stool or vomiting
• 😿 Extreme lethargy or anorexia

📲 24/7 Support via Ask A Vet

Need help understanding medication interactions or side effects? Use the Ask A Vet app for instant advice from licensed veterinarians—any time, any day. 💬🐶🐱

Whether it’s antibiotic safety or care coordination, Ask A Vet is here to guide you. 🩺📱

✅ Final Thoughts

Clindamycin is a reliable, powerful antibiotic used to manage a wide variety of infections in dogs and cats. Its effectiveness against both anaerobic bacteria and protozoa makes it especially versatile. 🦠💊

With proper administration, support for your pet’s digestion, and regular monitoring, clindamycin can help your pet recover quickly and comfortably. 🐾💖

– Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

💡Need help with your pet’s antibiotic plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to connect with licensed vets now!