Vet Guide to Clavamox® in 2025 🐾

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc—founder of Ask A Vet. In this updated 2025 guide, we explore Clavamox®—a trusted combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid—used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. You’ll learn about its action, when it’s used, proper dosing, potential side effects, and best practices to support your pet's recovery. 🐶🐱

📘 What Is Clavamox®?

Clavamox® combines amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, with clavulanic acid, which blocks bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes—making the antibiotic more effective against resistant bacteria :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

✅ Common Uses in 2025

• Skin and soft tissue infections—wounds, abscesses, cellulitis, superficial/deep pyoderma :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Periodontal (gum) infections in dogs :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Respiratory infections—pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Periodontal and soft tissue infections in cats; UTIs in cats :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

📐 Proper Dosing & Administration

Chewable tablets:

• Dogs: 6.25 mg/lb (≈13.75 mg/kg) every 12 hours—usually for 5–7 days for mild infections, extending to 21 days for deep pyoderma, not exceeding 30 days :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Cats: 62.5 mg per cat every 12 hours—typically for 5–7 days (or up to 14 days for UTIs) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Liquid suspension: Shake well, refrigerate, and discard after 10 days :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Give with food to reduce GI upset; store tablets in foil until use :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

⏰ Onset & Treatment Duration

Clavamox® starts working within 1–2 hours, though improvements often appear over 2–5 days :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. Always complete the full course to avoid recurrence or resistance :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

⚠️ Side Effects & Allergies

• Gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy are the most common :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Allergic reactions: in penicillin-sensitive pets—rash, hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulty—rare but serious :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Contraindications: avoid in rabbits, guinea pigs, and herbivores due to fatal diarrhea risk :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

🔗 Interactions & Precautions

• Avoid concurrent use with other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins) without veterinary guidance :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Inform your vet of supplements or medications as Clavamox® may have interactions :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Human Clavamox/Augmentin should only be used under veterinary direction due to different dosages :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

🩺 Monitoring & Vet Follow-up

• Expect visible improvement in 2–5 days. Recheck if no response within 3–5 days.
• Monitor GI signs, appetite, behavior daily; report severe reactions.
• Culture & sensitivity testing may be warranted in recurrent or deep infections :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

⏳ Missed Dose & Overdose

• Missed dose? Administer as soon as noticed, unless it's near the next dose—do not double up :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Overdose signs: vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss; rare: kidney issues, seizures—seek veterinary care if concerned :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

🏡 Typical Use Cases

🐶 Dog with Skin Abscess

• 6.25 mg/lb BID for 7 days. Expect improvement in 2–3 days; finish the full course to prevent recurrence.

🐱 Cat with Respiratory Infection

• 62.5 mg BID for 7 days. Monitor for appetite or GI issues; use probiotic if vet approves.

❓ FAQs

Can Clavamox® treat fungal or viral infections?

No—it only treats bacterial infections. Viral or fungal infections need appropriate alternatives :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

Why not stop when symptoms improve?

Stopping early risks incomplete infection elimination and antibiotic resistance. Always complete full course :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

Is Clavamox® safe during pregnancy or lactation?

Use only under vet supervision due to limited safety data :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Can it be used long‑term?

Usually reserved for short courses (≤30 days). For chronic infections, vet may reassess and consider culture guidance.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Clavamox® is a broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase–protected antibiotic reliable for many common bacterial infections.
• Proper dosing by weight—dogs at 6.25 mg/lb BID, cats at 62.5 mg BID—is critical.
• Give with food, monitor for GI upset or allergies, complete full course.
• Culture before use in recurrent or deep infections; avoid in herbivores or penicillin-allergic pets.
• Consult your vet for dose adjustments, side effects, or lack of improvement.

Considering Clavamox® for your pet’s infection? Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized dosing schedules, treatment reminders, GI tracking, and 24/7 veterinary guidance. Together, we’ll support your pet’s path to recovery. 🐾❤️