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Pets Health

Best Dog and Cat Antibiotics

Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Baytril (Enrofloxacin) Tablets for Dogs and Cats
Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
Tablets for Dogs and Cats
Broad-spectrum

Baytril is a reliable broad-spectrum antibiotic used for veterinary purposes for more than 2 decades and is highly effective at treating numerous moderate to severe infections.

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Broad-spectrum
Bottom Line

Baytril is a reliable broad-spectrum antibiotic used for veterinary purposes for more than 2 decades and is highly effective at treating numerous moderate to severe infections.

Pros

Broad-spectrum, and targets and treats numerous types of infections including persistent upper respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections. Highly effective for most dogs and cats.

Cons

Side effects are possible, and may include digestive upset and behavioral changes. Only available in pill form. Pets shouldn't eat foods containing dairy within 2 hours of dosing.

Best Bang for the Buck
Amoxi-Tabs (Amoxicillin) Tablets (or Solution) for Dogs and Cats
Amoxi-Tabs (Amoxicillin)
Tablets (or Solution) for Dogs and Cats
Most Versatile

Although it's not the strongest or most broad-spectrum antibiotic available, Amoxicillin is frequently prescribed for mild to mid-grade infections and is tolerated well by most pets.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Although it's not the strongest or most broad-spectrum antibiotic available, Amoxicillin is frequently prescribed for mild to mid-grade infections and is tolerated well by most pets.

Pros

A moderate-spectrum antibiotic that's used to treat a wide range of infections in dogs and cats. Not as likely to cause digestive upset as some stronger antibiotics. Works well for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. Available in pill and liquid forms.

Cons

Falls in the penicillin family, and some dogs and cats may have an allergic reaction. Liquid is best for cats, as they tend to spit out the pills.

Animax Ointment for Dogs & Cats
Animax
Ointment for Dogs & Cats
For the Ears and Skin

A Neomycin-based treatment that works well for various skin and ear issues. If you need an antibiotic for ear infections in your cat or dog, this ointment works well and is easy to administer.

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For the Ears and Skin
Bottom Line

A Neomycin-based treatment that works well for various skin and ear issues. If you need an antibiotic for ear infections in your cat or dog, this ointment works well and is easy to administer.

Pros

An ointment form of antibiotic that is prescribed to treat severe or persistent ear infections. May also be used to treat canine infections of the anal glands, and some inflammatory skin conditions. Also contains Nystatin, which treats some fungal infections.

Cons

Made with a steroid ingredient that could cause side effects in sensitive animals, including excessive urination. Not recommended for long-term use.

Neo-Poly-Bac (Generic) Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs & Cats
Neo-Poly-Bac (Generic)
Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs & Cats
Treats Eye Infections

An effective treatment for pet eye infections that is tolerated well by most dogs and cats. Makes most pets' eyes feel better as it fights infections.

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Treats Eye Infections
Bottom Line

An effective treatment for pet eye infections that is tolerated well by most dogs and cats. Makes most pets' eyes feel better as it fights infections.

Pros

Formulated with neomycin, Polymyxin, and bacitracin to treat numerous types of eye infections in dogs and cats. Soothes irritation and calms swelling. Ointment is easy to use.

Cons

Rare incidence of allergic reactions noted. May sting slightly, but this sensation tends to fade fairly quickly for most pets.

Clindamycin HCI (Generic) Oral Drops for Cats and Dogs
Clindamycin HCI (Generic)
Oral Drops for Cats and Dogs
Targets Oral Infections

Despite some potentially troubling side effects, Clindamycin is very effective when prescribed, and works especially well for various infections of the mouth and gums.

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Targets Oral Infections
Bottom Line

Despite some potentially troubling side effects, Clindamycin is very effective when prescribed, and works especially well for various infections of the mouth and gums.

Pros

This potent antibiotic is primarily used to treat oral and bone infections. Often prescribed prior to or after dental surgery. Can treat respiratory infections. Comes in drops that are easy to administer to most pets.

Cons

Stomach upset and diarrhea may occur during treatment. May interact with some other drugs, so advise your vet about other medications your pet is taking if prescribed.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
November 09, 2021
30
Models
considered
16
Hours
researched
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Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Updated March 2024

Dogs and cats can acquire numerous types of infections that require treatment with antibiotics. Ear, mouth, skin, upper respiratory, urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and eye infections are some of the most common that usually respond well to these veterinarian-prescribed medications. Some antibiotics target certain infections and types of bacteria, while others are broad-spectrum. These drugs can be administered to the eyes and ears, applied topically, or given orally. The type your vet prescribes for your pet will depend on several factors, including the diagnosis, his age, and size. Keep in mind that you will need to follow the dosing instructions closely for proper treatment, otherwise the infection could worsen or reoccur. Many of these antibiotics require a prescription from your vet in order to place the order.

Our Top Picks
Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
Best of the Best
Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
Tablets for Dogs and Cats
Bottom Line
Baytril is a reliable broad-spectrum antibiotic used for veterinary purposes for more than 2 decades and is highly effective at treating numerous moderate to severe infections.
Shop Now
Amoxi-Tabs (Amoxicillin)
Best Bang for the Buck
Amoxi-Tabs (Amoxicillin)
Tablets (or Solution) for Dogs and Cats
Bottom Line
Although it's not the strongest or most broad-spectrum antibiotic available, Amoxicillin is frequently prescribed for mild to mid-grade infections and is tolerated well by most pets.
Shop Now
Animax
Top Pick
Animax
Ointment for Dogs & Cats
Bottom Line
A Neomycin-based treatment that works well for various skin and ear issues. If you need an antibiotic for ear infections in your cat or dog, this ointment works well and is easy to administer.
Shop Now
Neo-Poly-Bac (Generic)
Top Pick
Neo-Poly-Bac (Generic)
Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs & Cats
Bottom Line
An effective treatment for pet eye infections that is tolerated well by most dogs and cats. Makes most pets' eyes feel better as it fights infections.
Shop Now
Clindamycin HCI (Generic)
Top Pick
Clindamycin HCI (Generic)
Oral Drops for Cats and Dogs
Bottom Line
Despite some potentially troubling side effects, Clindamycin is very effective when prescribed, and works especially well for various infections of the mouth and gums.
Shop Now
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