A wrong dose can cause serious problems. Vets commonly use metronidazole for GI infections, anaerobic bacterial infections, and protozoa like Giardia. Dosing varies with the condition, the dog’s weight, and overall health. Typical veterinary ranges are 10–15 mg/kg every 12 hours for routine bacterial infections, and higher doses around 25–30 mg/kg once or twice daily for Giardia or some protozoal infections. Treatment usually lasts 5 to 14 days depending on response.
Never give metronidazole without veterinary advice. Human doses and formulations differ. Some tablets are for people and contain different strengths or additives. Your vet will pick the right strength or a liquid form and set a safe schedule.
Watch for side effects. Mild signs include nausea, drooling, reduced appetite, or soft stool. High doses or long use can affect the nervous system and cause wobbliness, head tilt, tremors, or seizures. If you see any of those, stop the drug and contact your vet right away.
Certain dogs need extra care. Dogs with liver disease, pregnant or breeding dogs, and animals on other medications require a vet review. Metronidazole breaks down in the liver, so doses may need adjusting. Also tell your vet if your dog takes anticonvulsants, steroids, or other long term drugs.
How to measure doses at home: calculate mg by multiplying the dog’s weight in kg by the prescribed mg/kg. Example: a 5 kg dog at 15 mg/kg needs 75 mg. A 15 kg dog needs 225 mg. Many pharmacies provide 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, so your vet will tell you how to split or use a liquid.
Avoid long, unsupervised use. Overuse can promote resistance and harm the liver or brain. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days, recheck with the vet. Bring stool samples or any medical history to speed diagnosis.
Call immediately for severe vomiting, bloody stool, sudden collapse, seizures, or marked ataxia. Call sooner if your dog is young, old, or has other health issues. A quick phone call can stop a bad reaction before it gets worse.
Keep meds in a safe place and finish the course unless your vet says otherwise. Never mix with alcohol or human remedies without vet ok. If cost or access is an issue, ask your clinic about generic options or compounding. Good records of weight and previous drugs make dosing safer next time.
When in doubt, call your vet, dosing is specific and mistakes can hurt. Injectable metronidazole is used in hospitals and doses differ; your vet will explain. Compounded liquids make accurate small doses easier. Keep pill cutters or pharmacy-divided tablets to avoid wrong amounts.
Record how your dog responds each day. Note bowel movements, appetite, energy, and any wobble or strange behavior. Share these notes at recheck so your vet can adjust dose or stop medication. Proper monitoring keeps treatment effective and reduces risks.
Questions? Call your vet, they can help today.
