My cat had antibiotics twice. Is a third treatment safe this year?

My short answer is no. Cats are very small compared to humans and the dosing is completely different. This is not a safe approach. Plus, antibiotics should never be given without a prescription by a veterinarian, as inappropriate use can lead to bacterial resistance, which can cause more serious problems. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend making sure he does not have an underlying disease that may be predisposing him to these infections. Test him for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at your veterinarian's clinic to rule these possible causes out. Some cats will have chronic viral infections their entire life and we just treat these as they come. If you are not giving lysine supplementation and not giving Purine Fortiflora, I would definitely recommend doing so as both of these have been shown to lessen the severity and duration of the herpes virus flare ups. I would also consider an upper respiratory culture to make sure that there are no other bacterial causes that may be resistant to the antibiotics currently being given. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

On average we will prescribe this medication for 10-14 days, and anything over 21-28 days is not ideal due to the possible permanent effects on the bacterial flora in the gut. I hope that this helps! Take care. : )

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Given that the same clinical signs have come back a second time, I recommend that you have Pink re-evaluated by your veterinarian. Assuming that you perhaps were referring to a urinary tract infection, your veterinarian may choose to do a longer course of the antibiotics or proceed with a culture to treat according to the culture results. Good luck!

Hello! It sounds like Tessa may have an underlying herpes virus infection, this allows upper respiratory infections to attack more easily. Herpes is common in cats and not a huge issue, other than occasional infections like you describe. I would ask you vet about some cat lysine to boost her immune system and do another course of antibiotics...but I would have her seen just in case she needs as stronger antibiotic. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. The answer is, it depends. We need more information. When was the refrigerated amoxicillin reconstituted? If it was longer than 14 days ago then it is no longer good. Is this formulation the same mg/ml as the one you got from the veterinarian? It is best for you to repost with that information so we can help you better. Honestly, though, if he is only sneezing, has no other symptoms and is eating/drinking well I would not bother with the antibiotics. Usually a URI is due to a mixed infection of bacteria and viruses - you cannot treat the viral portion with antibiotics and typically after 10 days the bacterial portion is under control. You are better off letting his own immune system kick in. I recommend you use something like Imuquin to help boost his immunity instead of using antibiotics. ( https://www.chewy.com/nutramax-imuquin-beta-glucans-marine/dp/572566 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Antibiotics are used very commonly to treat infections and infectious diseases in dogs, just like in people. There should be no problem with using them when they are needed, even if she has needed antibiotics before multiple times in the past - most antibiotics are very safe and pose little risk, even with long-term use.