Penicillin for dogs: Should I inject IM or Sub-Q for my dog's safety?

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.

Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to give the dose information for any drug without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for Bear. I do not recommend giving him any antibiotics for this infection unless specifically prescribed by a vet. You will need to take him into the vet to discuss using antibiotics. The vet cannot put him down without your permission, so that should not be a worry. Best of luck.

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.

In order to give it subcutanelously, the skin should be lifted to form a tent. At the base of the tent, the needle should be inserted at close to an angle parallel with rockey's back. If the injection was done intramuscular accidentally, there is not likely to be any significant side effects. The vaccine will still be absorbed appropriately. Hope this helps.

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.

Hello. Your vaccine vial or package should indicate the route of administration. If not, call the retailer that sold you the vaccine & ask what the manufacturer recommends. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!