What are Antibiotics Allergies?
A variety of different antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infection in dogs. These drugs either kill bacteria outright (bactericidal) or they make it more difficult for the bacteria to grow and reproduce (bacteriostatic). Some antibiotics are broad-spectrum, meaning they are effective for a variety of different diseases, while others are narrow-spectrum since they mainly target one type of bacteria or infection. Antibiotics fall into different classes, based on their chemical structure and the mechanism with which they target bacteria. The most common and well known are the beta-lactam antibiotics, like penicillin, which prevent bacteria from forming a cell wall. Other classes of antibiotics can affect DNA synthesis or the production of necessary proteins in certain bacteria.
Any drug has the potential for side-effects or allergic reaction. Side-effects refer to the negative effects the drug may have on the body, while allergic reaction describes an immune system response that targets the medication as a threat. Allergic reactions can occur based on individual sensitivity to a specific medication. While these reactions are uncommon, antibiotics do tend to cause more allergic responses in dogs than any other group of drugs. Most symptoms are typical of other histamine producing allergies; dogs may develop an itchy rash, and watery eyes or nose. Swelling of the face or even the respiratory tract is possible. In rare cases, dogs can have a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock. This can cause collapse, difficulty breathing and even death.
Most owners won’t be aware of an allergic response until the antibiotic is prescribed to their dog. This is why it is important to watch dogs carefully anytime a new medication is started and get immediate treatment for symptoms that appear unusual or severe. All previous allergic reactions should be communicated to the veterinarian before an antibiotic is prescribed. If your dog has an allergic response to one antibiotic, it’s likely that he will experience a similar problem with other medications in the same class.
Antibiotics help to eliminate harmful bacteria and are some of the most important medications for dogs, however they are also one of the more common causes of allergic drug reaction. Symptoms range from mild rash and watery eyes, to rare, but life-threatening, anaphylaxis.
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Symptoms of Antibiotics Allergies in Dogs
Look for these symptoms if your dog is taking an antibiotic for the first time.
- Rash (maculopapular lesions)
- Redness (erythroderma)
- Other types of skin lesion (blisters or scaling skin)
- Itchiness (pruritus)
- Incessant scratching
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Swelling and hives (uticaria-angiodema)
- Purple rash caused by bleeding into the dermal tissue (purpura)
- Anaphylactic shock which is rare (vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, death)
Types
Following are some common antibiotic medications that could be prescribed to your dog. Penicillins and sulfonamides have the highest rates of allergic reaction.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics – group of bactericidal drugs that inhibit the formation of the cell wall including penicillin and cephalosporins
- Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) – a group of bacteriostatic drugs, one of the most common antibacterial agents prescribed to dogs because of their low cost and relative effectiveness in treating typical bacterial infections; examples are sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, and succinylsulfathiazole
- Tetracyclines – broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agents that get their name because of their chemical structure with four rings; Oxytetracycline, Minocycline, and Doxycycline are some examples used in dogs
- Quinolones and Fluoroquinolones – a group of bactericidal antibiotics that interfere with the bacteria’s ability to make DNA; some examples are ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin and difloxacin
- Aminoglycosides – this is a group bactericidal antibiotics that stops the production of necessary proteins in the bacteria, Gentamicin and Amikacin are two examples used in dogs
- Macrolides – bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit the production of bacterial protein; Azithromycin is the main example used in dogs
Causes of Antibiotics Allergies in Dogs
These are some causes and risk factors for antibiotics allergies.
- New antibiotic prescribed to your dog
- Dog develops a new allergy
- General tendency toward allergic reactions
Diagnosis of Antibiotics Allergies in Dogs
Antibiotic allergies are typically diagnosed because owners notice an unusual response when their dog begins a new medication. Rarely, dogs could also develop a new allergy to an antibiotic which previously didn’t cause a problem. There isn’t any way to test for an antibiotics allergy without actually giving the drug to your dog.
You should call the veterinarian if you see abnormal symptoms in your dog, especially when these correspond with the start of a new mediation. The veterinarian will be able to tell you if this is a typical side-effect, part of the original infection, or a more dangerous response. Life-threatening symptoms like collapse or difficulty breathing should be treated as an emergency.
Treatment of Antibiotics Allergies in Dogs
With any drug reaction, the first important treatment is to stop taking the medication. If the reaction was mild, your dog’s symptoms will likely clear up on their own and no further treatment will be necessary. However the veterinarian may still need to prescribe another antibiotic to treat the original infection.
Creams and topical ointments may be necessary for severe rashes and skin infections. This can help them heal and reduce the chances of further infection. Affected areas may need to be clipped of hair and covered with a bandage. Antihistamines or corticosteroids could be given to reduce symptoms and make your dog more comfortable.
Anaphylactic shock will need more aggressive treatment. Immediate epinephrine injection can reduce life-threatening symptoms. Additional oxygen, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and other emergency measure could also be necessary.
If symptoms continue after the antibiotic is discontinued, this suggests the allergic reaction was likely related to another trigger. You should discuss this with the veterinarian and research other possible causes.
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Recovery of Antibiotics Allergies in Dogs
Most dogs recover from an allergic reactions to antibiotics. Life-threatening symptoms are rare, and even anaphylactic shock can be treated as long as your dog gets emergency care in time. Your dog will likely have the allergy for life, however, so this will need to be managed. Any new veterinarian should be informed of all your dog’s known allergies. Discuss side-effects and the possibility of an allergic reaction anytime a new medication is prescribed, so you know what symptoms to watch for in your dog. If your dog has had an anaphylactic reaction to medications or other triggers, ask the veterinarian about getting a dog Epipen so that you have something on hand to use in case of another crisis.
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Antibiotics Allergies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Schnauzer
12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
I gave my dog the prescribed antibiotics last night and this morning and his whole body’s has now turned red. The meds were given to him for what the doctor said was an skin infection.
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like he may be having a reaction to that antibiotic if everything is turning red. It would be best to not continue that antibiotic, and call your veterinarian as soon as they open on Monday morning. They will be able to figure out another antibiotic if needed, or treat him for what is going on. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 18, 2020
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Husky mix
Sadie
Six Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizures
My female husky was prescribed cefpodoxime for a bacterial infection on the skin around her paws. Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours after she had her first dosage, she had what was either a head tremor or partial seizure, two of them in about 20 minutes. I rushed her to emergency; however, blood work and CT scan did not indicate anything abnormal. She continued to have tremors/seizures for the following 3 days. She was then put on metronidazole, prednisone and Keppra. If she had experienced an allergic reaction to the cefpodoxime after only 1 pill, is it possible that her reaction may have lasted a few days (tremors/seizures)? Of note, this all occurred within the week after being at a dog kennel for the very first time (both female and male dogs came home with bacterial paw infections and giardia; female also had the tremors/seizures - still going through tests to determine why).
Sept. 4, 2018
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American Staffordshire Terrier
Star
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy&Moping
My dog was given Doxycycline 100mg to take twice a day for treatment of possible Kennel cough and rash which was separate from his little hack he had for a few days. On the 7th day he broke out in hives and areas were red and itchy. Would this be from the medication?
Aug. 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
Generally we normally see adverse reactions / side effects within a few hours or a day of starting treatment but in theory they may occur at any time; hives are a possible side effect of doxycycline. You may give Benadryl at 1mg/lb to Star to see if it improves the hives; there is no drug interaction between doxycycline and Benadryl. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 9, 2018
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Blue Heeler
Max
8 Weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Floppy Ears
I gave my puppy 1 dose of antibiotics about 150mg his ears became slightly swollen and he simpered for a while u til he went to sleep, this morning his ears are not swollen but they are floppy and he just isn’t himself he did eat and drink a little and he has peed several times and had a good poop how long until he comes back to his happy self and his ears stand up
June 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing more about Max, what antibiotic he is on and why he is on it, I'm not sure that I can answer your question, but if he has been seen recently by a veterinarian to give him the antibiotics, you should be able to call them and ask how long it should take before Max is back to normal.
June 30, 2018
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pit bull terrier
Indie
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy Wheezing Cough
I took my one year old dog to the vet due to diarrhea, her not wanting to move, and just acting completely out of character. She had a fever of 105 and a high white cell count. They ran tests & they said she had an infection, but wasn’t sure of a definitive one. They prescribed doxycycline, rimadyl, and carafate.. She weighs 87 pounds & they said to give her the carafate to help coat her stomach, then to wait 30 minutes and give her two doxy with food twice a day; 1&1/2 rimadyl once a day. Which to me seemed like a lot! But I have listened. However; today is day 3 and she is developing a wheeze and cough and over all trouble breathing that didn’t start until after we started the medicine & seems to get worse after doses... She is beyond lethargic. I am very concerned & im not sure if this is part of an allergic reaction to something or not.. I am not sure what to do next or think. Any advice?
May 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure of the doses of the medications, as I don't know the strengths that she was given. That does not sound like an allergic reaction, however. It seems that her infection may be changing or getting worse, or she may have an infection that isn't responding to her medications. It would be best to have her re-checked by a veterinarian, as she should not be continuing to deteriorate this way. I hope that she is okay.
May 17, 2018
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Antibiotics Allergies Average Cost
From 435 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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