Can I give my old dog human penicillin for an infection on a growth?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The most important aspect of treating an ear infection is applying the appropriate medication (determined based on ear cytology, or looking at a sample of ear discharge on a microscope slide) directly into the ear canal as a topical treatment to the infection. Sometimes, particularly if the eardrum is ruptured, a dog may be put on an oral course of antibiotics and/or antifungals (depending on the type of infection), but penicillin would not be a usual antibiotic choice as it is unlikely to address the more common causes of ear infections. Therefore, injectable penicillin is not a typical component of treating an ear infection. I recommend you have Aerial seen by your primary veterinarian, and they can help guide you on an appropriate treatment of the infection; injectable antibiotics should never be used without the guidance of a veterinarian.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Candy. Yes, you should take her in and not give her any penicillin you have in the home. Dogs have a lot of bacteria in their mouth, and she could have developed an abscess from this bite. She will be in pain, and she needs pain medication and correct antibiotics to treat this. Please take her into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

I would not recommend treating your dog without an examination by the veterinarian, to ensure that mastitis is the issue and to ensure an appropriate antibiotic is chosen. We do not normally use penicillin to treat this infection, a first line antibiotic commonly used is Clavamox.

Hello. It is unfortunately impossible for us to recommend using human medication without knowing there is a real problem with your pet. At best, you may be giving an unnecessary medication & at worse, you may be treating inappropriately & causing a simple infection to become much worse. It is best to consult with your vet who knows your pet better & see if this antibiotic is appropriate based on her symptoms. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry that Hank is injured. It would not be safe for you to give Hank an injection for a dog bite. He likely needs wound care and antibiotics that only a veterinarian can prescribe. He may also need pain medication and because there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs you will need to get a safe medication from a veterinarian. I recommend taking Hank to see your veterinarian as soon as possible so he can receive the appropriate care for his wound. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I hope Hank is on the mend soon.

No, unfortunately it cannot. Infections require antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a vet. Copper does have to see a vet for treatment. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, this is a common antibiotic used in dogs for a variety of infections. I prescribe it routinely in my patients! I recommend giving it according to your vet's recommendations. The specific mg dose will be determined according to your dog's weight, and without that information I can't verify the specific dose - but I do not worry about this medication harming the kidneys. Hope this helps!