I watch Maggie and Jake like a hawk and would never have known that Maggie had adolescent UTI (Urinary Track Infection).  She did not show any signs of being sick, urinating frequently, straining to urinate, having accidents in the house, blood in the urine (I used a white Scott towel to collect her urine and did not see blood), licking, or dribbling until I noticed her urine was cloudy and showed strings of mucus.  I called our vet immediately and took her in along with her urine sample.  Unfortunately, she had an infection (fortunately no bladder stones) and he put her on Clavamox 250 mg twice a day for 7 days.  Although our vet is very thorough in explaining medical issues, terminology, medications, and dosages, I was curious about Clavamox as I have never heard of it before.  

Your pets fecal matter and urine can sometimes tell if there is a health problem.  You may have a pet that has a higher pain tolerance than you realize and does not show outward signs of pain or infection.  It’s so important to pay attention, detect abnormalities whether small or large and take action by calling your vet.  It’s also important to pay attention to the side effects to medications and address those as well.  Keeping a record of your pets medical history can help you, your pet, and your vet.  

Before our dog, Bella, passed away, she was diagnosed with diabetes.  I kept a record of every shot, her glucose levels, the time of day the shot was given, the meds taken that day, her eating and drinking schedule and bathroom breaks.  I watched her activity levels in comparison to previous days and logged that as well.  It was all in a notepad that I would take to the vet during checkups.  He appreciated it and said it was of great help to him.  

​I searched the web to find clarification on this drug and found PetMed Express, Inc. to be very helpful.  PetMed Express, Inc. also known as 1-800-PetMeds, is an online pharmacy, based in the United States, that sells drugs for pets.

What is Clavamox?
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, used for infections caused by bacteria. It is available as chewable tablets or regular tablets in four different strengths:  62.5 mg, 125 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg.  It is also sold in Clavamox Drops.  Clavamox is sold by the tablet, and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.  The brand name is Clavamox (Zoetis) and the generic name is Amoxicillin along with clavulanic acid.  The drug should be given for at least 7 – 10 days to be effective. 

It is important to tell your vet if your pet as ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin.  Make sure to tell your vet if your pet has liver or kidney disease, if your pet is pregnant or lactating or if your pet could become pregnant during treatment.  

How should Clavamox be given?
This medication should be given exactly as your vet prescribes it and make sure the entire prescription is given.  Clavamox should be given with food. Keep water available for your pet. It’s important that they get enough water to flush the toxins and crystals out.  Providing a drinking fountain for pet is something to think about which may encourage them to drink more.  The usual dose of Clavamox in dogs is 6.25 mg/lb of dog’s body weight twice a day, and in cats it is 62.5 mg (1 ml) twice a day. 

What are the potential side effects of Clavamox?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences diarrhea that is severe and lasts longer than 3 days. Stop giving Clavamox and seek emergency veterinary medical care if your pet shows any signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, rash, or fainting).

Other less serious side effects such as mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or yeast or fungal infection may be more likely to occur. Continue to give Clavamox and notify your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.  Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, rash, drowsiness, hyperactivity, or kidney problems.  If you miss a dose, give as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose.  Do NOT give a double dose unless is is directed by your vet.  

What other drugs will affect Clavamox?
Before giving Clavamox, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given another antibiotic (for the same or a different infection), allopurinol or probenecid. You may not be able to give Clavamox or you may need to have the dosage adjusted. Clavamox may react with these drugs:  Antacids, other forms of penicillin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol.