Signs Your Pet Might Need Antibiotic Medication

May 14, 2025

Caring for a pet means staying alert to their health needs, including recognising signs of illness or discomfort. Antibiotics can be essential for treating certain conditions in pets, such as infections, but it’s important to recognise when they’re needed and how to identify the right medication.

Here we’ll discuss how to distinguish symptoms between dogs and cats, when to see your veterinarian, and the warning signs that your pet may require pet antibiotic medication.

Identifying Signs of Infections in Pets

Pet infections can show up in a variety of ways. Regardless of whether your pet is a dog or a cat, it's critical to know what to look for in order to identify the issue early and seek the right care. Typical signs of infection include:

Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits - A noticeable shift in your pet's eating or drinking is one of the first indications that they could require antibiotics. An underlying infection may be the cause of your pet's sudden refusal of food, water or excessive drinking. Such symptoms may result from infections that impact the kidneys, bladder, or digestive system.
Unusual Smell or Odours - they may start to develop an odour. Odours coming from the mouth, ears, or skin may be a sign of bacterial infection developing. For instance, bad breath may indicate an oral infection, or a strong, noticeable scent coming from your pet's ears may indicate an ear infection.
High Temperature or Fever - In pets, fever is a typical reaction to infection. Your dog or cat may have a fever if they appear uncomfortable, feel warmer than normal, or are lethargic. If they require medical assistance, it can be a good idea to take their body temperature and consult a veterinarian for advice if they seem unusually hot or warm.
Wounds That Don’t Heal Quickly - Infected cuts, scrapes, or scratches that don’t heal, show increased redness, swelling, or discharge can be a sure sign of infection. Pets will frequently lick their wounds and spread bacteria, which can exacerbate the infection. To avoid increased risk, dog antibiotics or cat antibiotics may be required if a wound isn't healing as it should.
Lethargy or Noticeable Discomfort - An infection could be the cause of your pet's abnormal fatigue, refusal to play, or pain when touched. Inflammation brought on by infections can be uncomfortable, and it’s considered a warning sign if your pet is in pain or exhibits unusually high levels of tiredness and lethargy.
Continual Coughing or Sneezing - Pets with respiratory infections, especially dogs, might cough or sneeze for an extended period of time. Respiratory infections such as pneumonia or kennel cough typically call for antibiotics to treat the infection. If their coughing becomes more frequent or is accompanied by nasal discharge, consult your veterinarian immediately.

When Antibiotics For Pets Are Needed

When taken as directed, antibiotics for pets are the most effective treatment for bacterial infections. In certain situations, especially if your pet is at high risk, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection following surgery or trauma. However, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial before any medication is administered to your pet.

When Is It Time for Antibiotics For Pets?

Your veterinarian may suggest pet antibiotics in the following situations:

Bacterial Infections: If your pet has a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will probably recommend antibiotics for pets to help eliminate any bacterial infections, such as respiratory, skin, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Post-Surgical Care: Antibiotics may be administered to pets following surgery in order to avoid infections at the site of the incision, particularly if the procedure was extensive or involved an open wound.
Chronic Infections: Recurrent ear infections in dogs or frequent UTIs in cats may require a longer course of dog antibiotics or cat antibiotics to manage the infection.
Wound Infections: It's essential that you monitor your pet's wounds for signs of infection following the surgery or incident that led to the wound. Antibiotics for dogs or cats are frequently used to treat infected wounds to lower the chance of further complications.

Only your vet can determine whether pet antibiotics are the right treatment for your dog or cat’s condition, so always ensure you have a complete overview and monitor your pet regularly for any signs of infection.

Dog vs. Cat Symptoms: How to Spot the Difference

There are some major distinctions in the way symptoms manifest in dogs and cats, even though many infections are similar in both animals. You will be able to recognise an infection early if you have the right knowledge about the differences and how to spot them.

Dogs: Dogs often show clear signs of infection, including:

Excessive chewing or licking of a certain area (may indicate a skin infection)
Increased urination and being extremely thirsty, which can suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Coughing, laboured breathing or difficulty with breathing when active (especially in breeds prone to respiratory infections like bulldogs or pugs)
Visible swelling or pus coming from cuts or wound sites
Shaking of the head or rubbing ears on the floor or furniture can be a sure sign of an ear infection

Cats: Cats are typically more subtle with signs of infection, making it more difficult to spot issues. Common symptoms include:

Loss of appetite, refusing food and water or disinterest in grooming, which can be signs of an infection
Bad breath or excessive drooling and loss of saliva, which may indicate oral or dental infections
Lethargy or hiding more than usual, a typical symptom of cat infections
Frequently visiting the litter box with little result is a common sign of urinary infections (UTI’s)
Swelling or abscesses around injury or bite areas is a cause for concern and sign of infection

Vet Advice: Consult Before Using Antibiotics

It's important to speak with your veterinarian before giving your pet any kind of antibiotic. Antibiotic misuse can result in resistance, which makes treating infections more difficult in the future. To ascertain whether a bacterial illness is present and which medications will work best for your pet, your veterinarian will do a comprehensive examination and conduct necessary testing to ensure the best outcome.

Why Human Antibiotics Aren't Safe for Pets

Antibiotics or leftover medication from past human prescriptions should never be given to your pet. These medications are not formulated to be administered to animals and can be potentially fatal. Use antibiotics only as directed by your veterinarian to guarantee proper dosage and care.

Dosage Information: Administering Antibiotics to Your Pet Correctly

When your veterinarian prescribes antibiotics for your dog or cat, it's essential to carefully follow the dose guidelines. While underdosing might not completely cure the infection, overdosing can have negative side effects as well. The following general advice can help you give your pet antibiotics:

Follow the schedule prescribed: Most antibiotics require a specific frequency of administration; even if you think your pet is fully recovered, you need to finish the prescribed course. Stick to the schedule to ensure consistent medication levels in your pet's system.
Use the full course: Your pet may show signs of improvement within a few days, but even if your pet starts feeling better, it’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Monitor for any side effects: Side effects are usually rare, but they can occur. Watch for signs of stomach upset, like vomiting or diarrhoea, and talk about any concerns with your vet immediately.

Ensure Your Pet Receives The Right Antibiotic Medication

Timely treatment is essential. Recognising the signs that your pet might need pet antibiotics is the first step in ensuring they get the right care when they’re unwell. Whether it’s dog antibiotics for a skin infection or cat antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, getting the appropriate treatment is crucial. Always consult your vet before starting any medication, as they can provide the best advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Keep a watchful eye for signs of infection in your furry friends and seek veterinary advice when needed. After all, a healthy pet is a happy pet! Contact our expert team today and set your pet on a path to better health to avoid complications from pet infections.