Drug guide
Amoxicillin-clavulanate for Dogs: Dosage, Contraindications & Safety
In dogs, amoxicillin-clavulanate products in the sources are oral formulations containing amoxicillin with clavulanic acid or clavulanate potassium, and dog labels describe twice-daily dosing.[1][2][3][5]
In dogs, label uses described in the sources include periodontal infections, skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, deep pyoderma, and urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of E. coli.[1][4]
The Clavacillin and Kesium labels state that therapy may be initiated before bacteriological and susceptibility results are available, but a culture should be obtained before treatment and therapy may be reevaluated after susceptibility results and clinical response are known.[4][5]
Overview
- Oral antimicrobial combination: In dogs, amoxicillin-clavulanate products in the sources are oral formulations containing amoxicillin with clavulanic acid or clavulanate potassium.[1][2][3][5]
- Semisynthetic penicillin component: Amoxicillin-clavulanate products contain a semisynthetic penicillin, amoxicillin.[2][3][4][5]
- Dog uses in the sources: In dogs, label uses described in the sources include periodontal infections, skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, deep pyoderma, and urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of E. coli.[1][4]
Dosage by species
| Species | Dose | Route | Frequency / duration | Product / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 10 mg amoxicillin /2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kg body weight | Oral | twice a day; in severe infections, the dose may be doubled to 20 mg amoxicillin/5 mg clavulanic acid/kg body weight twice daily; 7 days for the treatment of periodontal infections in dogs | Summary of product characteristics; 1 tablet per 4 kg body weight every 12 h.[1] |
| Dog | 6.25 mg/lb (1 mL/10 lb) of body weight | twice a day; skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections should be treated for 5-7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided; if no response is seen after 5 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated; deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days; the maximum duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days | Clavacillin label.[4] | |
| Dog | 6.25 mg/lb of body weight | Oral | twice a day | Kesium Chewable Tablet; the dose should be prescribed using a combination of whole tablet strengths (62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg).[5] |
Indications
- Periodontal infections: A summary of product characteristics gives a 7 day duration for the treatment of periodontal infections in dogs.[1]
- Skin and soft tissue infections: The Clavacillin dog label describes treatment of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections.[4]
- Deep pyoderma: The Clavacillin dog label states that deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days.[4]
- Urinary tract infection: Clavacillin is indicated for urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of E. coli.[4]
Contraindications & warnings
- ❌ Contraindicated in animals with penicillin or cephalosporin allergy — Amoxicillin-clavulanate is contraindicated in animals with a history of an allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins.[2][4]
- Pregnant or breeding animals: Safety of amoxicillin-clavulanate use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined.[2][4]
- Species limitation on one label: The Clavacillin label states that Clavacillin is for use in dogs and cats only.[4]
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions: Amoxicillin-clavulanate products contain a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and have the potential for producing allergic reactions.[2][3][4][5]
- If an allergic reaction occurs: If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids.[2][3][4][5]
- Post-approval reports: Post-approval reports for amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets in dogs and cats list anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea in decreasing order of reporting frequency.[2][5]
Clinical notes
- Weigh accurately: The summary of product characteristics states that body weight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid under-dosing.[1]
- Culture before treatment: The Clavacillin and Kesium labels state that a culture should be obtained prior to treatment to determine susceptibility.[4][5]
- Early start before results: The Clavacillin and Kesium labels state that therapy may be initiated prior to obtaining results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies.[4][5]
- Reevaluate after results: The Clavacillin and Kesium labels state that following susceptibility results and clinical response to medication, therapy may be reevaluated.[4][5]
- No response after 5 days: For dogs receiving Clavacillin for skin and soft tissue infections, if no response is seen after 5 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated.[4]
- Tablet handling: The tablet labels state not to remove the tablet from the foil strip or foil blister until ready to use.[2][5]
- Kesium tablet handling: The Kesium label states to pierce the foil blister cavity to access the tablet, and even if the tablet is broken, the entire tablet should be consumed.[5]
- Suspension appearance: The oral suspension label states not to use the product if it is discolored.[3]
Frequently asked questions
What is the labeled dose of amoxicillin-clavulanate in dogs?
One summary of product characteristics recommends 10 mg amoxicillin /2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kg body weight twice a day by the oral route in dogs, i.e. 1 tablet per 4 kg body weight every 12 h.[1] The Clavacillin and Kesium dog labels recommend 6.25 mg/lb of body weight twice a day, and the Clavacillin label also expresses this as 1 mL/10 lb.[4][5]
How long should dogs receive amoxicillin-clavulanate?
For periodontal infections in dogs, one summary of product characteristics gives 7 days.[1] The Clavacillin dog label states that skin and soft tissue infections should be treated for 5-7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided, and deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days with a maximum duration of treatment that should not exceed 30 days.[4]
Can amoxicillin-clavulanate be started before culture results in dogs?
The Clavacillin and Kesium labels state that therapy may be initiated prior to obtaining results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies.[4][5] The same labels state that a culture should be obtained prior to treatment to determine susceptibility and that therapy may be reevaluated following susceptibility results and clinical response to medication.[4][5]
What adverse effects are reported with amoxicillin-clavulanate in dogs?
Amoxicillin-clavulanate products contain a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and have the potential for producing allergic reactions.[2][3][4][5] Post-approval reports for amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets in dogs and cats list anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea in decreasing order of reporting frequency.[2][5]
Is amoxicillin-clavulanate contraindicated in penicillin-allergic animals?
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Ask WeVet about thisMedically reviewed by
Dr. Ankush Mayani, M.V.Sc.
Veterinarian · Reviewed 27 Oct 2026
References
- summary of product characteristics
Passage read from this source
Revised: May 2026 AN: 03736/2025 Page 4 of 7 3.9 Administration routes and dosage For oral administration. To ensure the correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid under-dosing. The recommended dose of the product is 10 mg amoxicillin /2.5 mg clavulanic acid per kg body weight twice a day by the oral route in dogs and cats, i.e. 1 tablet per 4 kg body weight every 12 h, according to the following table: Bodyweight (kg)Number of tablets twice daily[ 1.0 - 2.0 ]½[ 2.1 - 4.0 ]1[ 4.1 - 6.0 ]1 ½[ 6.1 - 8.0 ]2 In severe infections in each target species, the dose may be doubled to 20 mg amoxicillin/5 mg clavulanic…
- AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM tablet, coated
Passage read from this source
CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of this drug is contraindicated in animals with a history of an allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins. - WARNINGS WARNINGS: Safety of use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined. Store at controlled room temperature, 68-77°F (20-25°C). Do not remove from foil strip until ready to use - ADVERSE REACTIONS ADVERSE REACTIONS: Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets contain a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids. Post-Approval Experience (July, 2017):
The following adverse events are based on the post-approval adverse drug experience reporting. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/CVM. It is not always possible to reliably estimate the adverse event frequency or establish a casual relationship to product exposure using these data. The following adverse events reported for dogs and cats are listed in decreasing order of reporting frequency for amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets: Anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet, contact Covetrus at 1-855-724-3461. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae. - DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
Each 375-mg tablet contains amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 300 mg of amoxicillin activity and 75 mg of clavulanic acid as the potassium salt. For use in dogs only. - SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION Dispense according to recommendations outlined in Dosage and Administration section. Augmentin is a trademark owned by GlaxoSmithKline. Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-702 Questions? (855) 724-3461 Distributed by: Covetrus North America 400 Metro Place North Dublin, OH 43017 covetrus.com Made in India - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC: 11695-6991-1 Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets 62.5 mg For use in dogs and cats Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. 210 tablets (15 strips, 14…
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral ... - DailyMed
Passage read from this source
Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension contains a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids. To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet, contact Cronus Pharma LLC at 1-844-227-6687. For additional information about adverse experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.
NDC 69043-024-11 Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension Drops For veterinary oral suspension For use in dogs and cats When reconstituted each mL contains 50 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate and 12.5 of clavulanic acid as the potassium salt. Do Not Use if Product is Discolored Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-709 15 mL AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM DROPS amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium suspension | Product Information | Product Type | PRESCRIPTION ANIMAL DRUG | Item Code (Source) | NDC:69043-024 | Route of Administration | ORAL | | Active Ingredient/Active Moiety | Ingredient Name | Basis of Strength | Strength…
- CLAVACILLIN- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder ...
Passage read from this source
Urinary tract infections (cystitis) due to susceptible strains of E. coli. Therapy may be initiated with Clavacillin prior to obtaining results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies. A culture should be obtained prior to treatment to determine susceptibility of the organisms to Clavacillin. Following determination of susceptibility results and clinical response to medication, therapy may be reevaluated. - CONTRAINDICATIONS: The use of this drug is contraindicated in animals with a history of an allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins. - WARNINGS: Safety of use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined. For use in dogs and cats only. - ADVERSE REACTIONS: Clavacillin contains a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If…
To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance, or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet, contact Dechra Veterinary Products at (866) 933-2472. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae - DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Dogs: The recommended dosage is 6.25 mg/lb (1 mL/10 lb) of body weight twice a day. Skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, cellulitis, wounds, superficial/juvenile pyoderma, and periodontal infections should be treated for 5-7 days or for 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. If no response is seen after 5 days of treatment, therapy should be discontinued and the case reevaluated. Deep pyoderma may require treatment for 21 days; the…
- Label: KESIUM- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet ...
Passage read from this source
Therapy may be initiated with Kesium prior to obtaining results from bacteriological and susceptibility studies. A culture should be obtained prior to treatment to determine susceptibility of the organisms to Kesium. Following determination of susceptibility results and clinical response to medication, therapy may be reevaluated. - DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The dose should be prescribed using a combination of whole tablet strengths (62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, 375 mg). Do not remove from foil blister until ready to use. Pierce the foil blister cavity to access the tablet. Even if the tablet is broken, the entire tablet should be consumed. Dogs: The recommended dosage of Kesium Chewable Tablet is 6.25 mg/lb of body weight twice a day.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Kesium contains a semisynthetic penicillin (amoxicillin) and has the potential for producing allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction occurs, administer epinephrine and/or steroids. Post-Approval Experience (July, 2017): The following adverse events are based on post-approval adverse drug experience reporting. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/CVM. It is not always possible to reliably estimate the adverse event frequency or establish a causal relationship to product exposure using these data. The following adverse events reported for dogs and cats are listed in decreasing order of reporting frequency for amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium: Anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Each 375-mg tablet contains amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 300 mg of amoxicillin activity and 75 mg of clavulanic acid as the potassium salt. For use in dogs only. Dispense according to recommendations outlined in Dosage and Administration section. - SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-749 Augmentin is a trademark owned by GlaxoSmithKline. Marketed by: Ceva Animal Health, LLC, Lenexa, KS 66215 Kesium trademark is the property of Ceva Santé Animale S.A. Made in Germany Rev # 11/23 Package Code # C66210B 08-A1-v1 23002177 - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 62.5 mg Tablet Blister Pack Carton 62.5 mg Chewable Tablets Kesium® (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets) Antimicrobial For Oral Use In Dogs and Cats Each chewable tablet contains…
- amoxi❖tabs® (amoxicillin tablets), USP Veterinary ...
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Dogs: The recommended dosage is 5 mg/lb of body weight twice a day. Dosage should be continued for 5–7 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided.
- Clinical particulars - Clavudale® Tablets
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The dosage rate is 10 mg amoxicillin/2.5 mg clavulanic acid/kg body weight twice daily. The tablets may be added to a little food. To ensure a ...
- Relative Oral Bioavailability of Two Amoxicillin-Clavulanic ...
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by J Moczarnik · 2019 · Cited by 11 — Each dog received a single oral dose of each formulation containing 500:125 ... Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination* / administration & dosage ...
- Pharmacokinetics of the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid ...
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by F Yang · 2019 · Cited by 13 — A total intravenous or oral dose at 12.5 mg/kg of AMX and CLV (4:1) is ... Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / administration & dosage ...
- Dosages of Antistaphylococcal Antimicrobials
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Dosages of Antistaphylococcal Antimicrobials ; Amoxicillin-clavulanate. 13.75 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 5–7 d ; Oxacillin. 22 mg/kg, PO, q 8 h for 14–21 d.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.