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My dog has UTI symptoms. Is old amoxicillin safe without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 90 lbs

I'm about 99.9% sure my dog has a UTI, has all the symptoms. I don't have a vet for her currently, and have leftover amoxicillin pills 500mg, would it hurt to give her one, or half of one...

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jyothi Alagappan

Answered By Jyothi Alagappan

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

I am sorry to hear your pup Zarina may have a urinary tract infection (commonly known as UTIs). Before I explain why, it is not a good idea to start antibiotics.

UTIs are frequently caused by bacteria in the urinary bladder or the urethra. Female dogs are more prone to developing UTIs but any dog can be pre-disposed to UTIs if they have any urinary stone formation.

Given that we are unsure if Zarina has a UTI, I would recommend a veterinary visit to confirm that she does in fact have one. They typically take a urine sample and look for bacteria and cells. If they see crystals or evidence of possible stone formation, they may recommend a radiograph of her bladder as well.

If she does have UTI, it is important to choose the right antibiotic with the right dose and frequency. Typically, dogs are treated for UTIs with a 10-14 day course of antibiotics.

Since UTI's can be painful and irritating, I recommend finding a veterinarian sooner rather than later to confirm and get the proper treatment. I hope this is helpful and feel free to start a consultation if you need more information! Good luck and I hope Zarina feels better!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 5th, 2019

    Giving her an antibiotic without knowing if it if the right kind for the condition she has is what creates resistant bacteria, and, if her problem is urinary crystals or stones, it will be ineffective. It will also masl symptoms from your vet if it worsens and she needs to be seen urgently. I suggest making an appointment with your vet for an exam and urinalysis as soon as possible.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My dog has a UTI. Are her symptoms from the infection or amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin usually does not cause dogs to become lethargic or have decreased urine output. It can sometimes cause a decrease in appetite. The symptoms you described seem typical of a UTI. Other differentials would be kidney disease or dehydration from not drinking. If Suzy is not improving on the Amoxicillin, I recommend that you take her back to the vet and have them do a full urinalysis with culture and possibly bloodwork to make sure her kidneys are functioning properly. They should also check her hydration status and administer fluids if needed. Sometimes I have to put dogs on a different antibiotic like Bactrim to get rid or their UTI. Or the UTI is due to a yeast and they need an antifungal agent to treat it. Your veterinarian can switch her meds if needed. The urine culture will tell you what drugs the infection is sensitive to. I hope this has helped. Thank you for using pet coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Can I give my dog human antibiotics for a urinary tract infection?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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Dog UTI: Will one antibiotic pill affect vet tests? Can dogs take AZO?
One pill shouldn't alter the results, so that will be fine. AZP should not be given to dogs, it's not a medication that can be safely used in this species. The best way to prevent infections is to make sure Amelia drinks lots of water, and you take her out to urinate frequently. The longer she holds her bladder, the more chance bacteria has to build up in the bladder leading to infections.
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My dog took Azo Standard for peeing. Is it safe? What do I do?
An immediate check up at your local veterinarian is required as this drug could cause toxic side effects. The signs you are describing are compatible with urinary tract infection/inflammation and Piper should be investigated and treated for it, starting from urine analysis and possibly an ultrasound of the bladder. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog has UTI symptoms and is leaking urine. Is this an emergency?
As long as he can urinate and is acting otherwise normally, it is likely not an emergency situation. Consider allowing your veterinarian to collect a sterile urine sample to submit for a culture and sensitivity panel. This may identify the bacteria responsible for Red's infection as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Stones in his bladder or kidneys and masses may be ruled out with the ultrasound. He may need to be on long term or pulsed (alternating weeks or month on/off meds) antibiotic therapy.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My dog has a UTI. What safe over-the-counter pain relief can I give?
Hi. Unfortunately there are no safe over the counter medications for cats or dogs. They metabolizes medications very differently from humans, so many of them can be toxic. You will need to get a pain medication and diagnosis from your veterinarian. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why does my dog's UTI keep coming back after antibiotic treatment?
Many times there is an underlying cause of recurrent UTI-like symptoms. Daisy likely needs additional diagnostics, like: Urine sediment exam: to look for crystals in the urine Abdominal x-rays: to look for bladder stones that cause inflammation and can create an environment for UTI Abdominal ultrasound: to look for possible tumors Urine culture: to look for resistant bacteria, this will also help your vet determine the best antibiotic to use. Other medications to consider are anti-inflammatories, prescription urinary diets, and bladder support supplements; you can discuss this with your veterinarian.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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