My dog has a UTI. Is SMZ TMP safe and what's the correct dosage?

Unfortunately, we are legally prohibited from providing a dose in the absence of a physical exam and VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship). It is important to have a UTI diagnosed by your veterinarian. A sterile urine sample can be collected and submitted for culture and sensitivity. This may identify the organism responsible as well as the best antibiotic to use in treatment. The SMZ-TMP tabs you have may not be effective against the bacteria. Additionally, inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to resistant bacteria and may complicate any underlying condition which could delay diagnosis.

The average dosage of SMZ-TMP for dogs is about 13mg per pound given once daily. For a 50 pound dog this would be about 650mg daily. However, if you need to give a medication such as SMZ to your dog it is best to contact your local veterinarian for the correct dosage and usage information as this dosage can vary depending on your dog's personal needs or illness. Antibiotics should only be given under direct veterinary supervision as the antibiotics you have on hand may not be the correct dosage or even type for your dog's current condition. Giving a medication in the wrong dosage or frequency may make the illness worse or cause side effects that are detrimental to your dog.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Love Saki’s name! You are correct in your calculation, but 250 mg is not too much for Saki. Clavamox is only available in certain tablet sizes, including 125mg and 250mg. We never want to under-dose antibiotics, so we will often round up to the next best tablet size. As long as Saki is taking the antibiotic with food, GI side effects should be minimal. I hope this is helpful!

The typical dose of enrofloxacin for dogs is 2.5 to 10 mg per pound (5 to 20 mg/kg) orally per day. The total daily dose may be given once a day or divided into twice daily doses. So, the dose she was prescribed is on the high end of the dosing range for her weight but still within the recommended dosage. If you are concerned I suggest you call your vet for clarification. 31 pounds / 2.2 pounds per kg = 14kg 14kg x 20 mg/kg (high end of the dosing range) = 281.8 mg 281.8mg / 135mg tablets = 2 tablets

Dosage would depend on weight (so please indicate it in a further post). We would not be allowed to tell you this drug is fine as it is for human beings and ideally an equivalent for dogs should be administered first. 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This depends solely on her weight. If she truly is 105 pounds like it says on her profile, then this should be fine as that would be actually a low dose. The use of antibiotics without a proper veterinary evaluation is not recommended as it can result in antibiotic resistance, especially if the patient is underdosed chronically. If Bella has not been evaluated by a veterinarian, I would recommend she is before continuing any antibiotics. Good luck and have a good night!

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!