Metronidazole for Dogs: Is CBD a Viable Alternative?

person Larry Ostrovsky
calendar_today Oct 31, 2022

Metronidazole is a medication commonly prescribed by vets for infections in dogs. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and parasites.

However, while it is effective for many dogs, it can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In some cases, these side effects may be severe enough to warrant looking for an alternative medication.

CBD oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could make it a viable alternative to metronidazole for some dogs. [1] (Click to tweet)

In this article we will break down the following:

1. What Is Metronidazole and How Does It Work?
2. What Does Metronidazole Treat in Dogs?
3. Is Metronidazole the Same for Animals and Humans?
4. Why Do Vets Prescribe Metronidazole?
5. Side Effects of Metronidazole
6. CBD Oil as An Alternative to Metronidazole for Dogs
6.1 How Does CBD Work for Pets?
7. Liposomal CBD Oil: More Bioavailable than Other Forms of CBD
8. The Benefits of Using CBD Oil as An Alternative to Metronidazole for Dogs
9. How to Administer CBD Oil to Your Dog
10. In Conclusion

1. What Is Metronidazole and How Does It Work?

Metronidazole pills are frequently administered to dogs under off-label usage.

Metronidazole (also known as Metizol, Flagyl, Metrogel, or Protostat) is an antibiotic well-known as a course of treatment used for bacterial illnesses in humans. However, it is frequently used to treat conditions like intestinal tract infections in dogs. [2][3]

The FDA has not authorized metronidazole for animal usage, but veterinarians frequently administer human medicines to animals under defined circumstances known as extra-label or off-label usage.

Metronidazole kills bacteria and protozoal parasites by interfering with their DNA synthesis, thus stopping them from growing and multiplying.

It is also used to treat inflammatory diseases in the digestive tract and is thought to accomplish this by blocking specific inflammatory mechanisms.

2. What Does Metronidazole Treat in Dogs?

What does metronidazole treat in dogs?

While metronidazole is commonly used to treat both acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs, it is also prescribed to pets for:

skin and joint problems
bacterial infections
protozoal parasites such as giardia
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
oral and dental infections
sepsis (full-body inflammatory response to infection)
tear staining (medial canthus syndrome)

3. Is Metronidazole the Same for Animals and Humans?

While metronidazole is commonly used in both humans and animals, there can be some differences in how it is metabolized. The dosage for metronidazole is based on how much your dog weighs and varies depending on what’s causing its infection.

Is metronidazole the same for animals and humans?

In general, metronidazole is considered safe for dogs and cats, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for use in animals, so it is considered an off-label medication.
Veterinarians are allowed to prescribe human medications for animal use under specific circumstances, but it is important to remember that just because a drug is safe for humans doesn't mean it is automatically safe for animals.
Increased adverse effects from the drug may occur in pets with liver disease, kidney disease, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), and epilepsy.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog metronidazole.

4. Why Do Vets Prescribe Metronidazole?

Metronidazole is prescribed to dogs to treat various conditions and has the advantage that it can be administered in many ways.

Metronidazole comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid form and can also be administered as an injectable by a licensed veterinarian in either a veterinary hospital or clinic.

Metronidazole comes in capsule, tablet, liquid, and injectable forms.

It is also available as metronidazole benzoate, which has a milder flavor than its counterparts and is easier to take.

5. Side Effects of Metronidazole

Metronidazole is relatively safe, and most side effects are associated with large doses or long-term use. However, it is important to know its limitations and possible side effects.

It cannot be prescribed for puppies, pregnant females, or dogs that suffer from the following conditions:

liver disease
kidney disease
neutropenia ( low white cell count)
seizures

It can also interact with other medications so it is recommended to give your vet a full list of medications your dog is on before they consider prescribing metronidazole.

The most common side effects of metronidazole are gastrointestinal and include:

vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
gagging

Most Common Side Effects of Metronidazole

Metronidazole can also cause neurological side effects such as: [4]

ataxia (loss of coordination)
seizures, and
tremors

Though uncommon, these side effects can be severe or even deadly. If your dog starts exhibiting any of these symptoms, please call their vet right away.

Metronidazole overuse can also result in:

tremors
stiffness
dizziness, and
irregular heartbeats in dogs

If any of these occur, your pet should be taken to a veterinarian right away.

6. CBD Oil as An Alternative to Metronidazole for Dogs

Recent studies have shown that CBD may be a safer and healthier alternative to metronidazole for dogs as CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as inhibit the growth of bacteria. Additionally, CBD oil is non-toxic and has no adverse effects. [5] (Click to tweet)

6.1 How Does CBD Work for Pets?

CBD is derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant and is known for its numerous health benefits to both humans and pets.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is thought to work for pets in the same way it does for humans–by interacting with the body’s EndoCannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, and throughout the body that are responsible for maintaining homeostasis–or balance.

When CBD interacts with the ECS, it could help alleviate pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with various illnesses and injuries. (Click to tweet)

7. Liposomal CBD Oil: More Bioavailable than Other Forms of CBD

CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, concentrates, topicals, capsules, and edibles.

However, the most bioavailable form of CBD is liposomal CBD oil. [6]

Liposomal CBD oil is made up of microscopic bubbles known as liposomes.

These bubbles are filled with CBD and other beneficial nutrients which are then absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the walls of the gut.
This bypasses the liver, which can break down CBD and other cannabinoids before they have a chance to work their magic.

This makes liposomal CBD oil a more effective way to get the benefits of CBD into your pet’s system–they will feel it faster and at a lower dose!

8. The Benefits of Using CBD Oil as An Alternative to Metronidazole for Dogs

1. Since CBD oil is non-toxic and is known to have no adverse effects, it could offer a safe, long-term solution to keep pets from getting sick in the first place. (Click to tweet)

2. CBD oil is a healthy alternative to metronidazole for dogs, as CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as inhibit the growth of bacteria. (Click to tweet)

3. CBD is believed to assist with pain, inflammation, and other symptoms caused by a variety of diseases and injuries when it interacts with the ECS–a network of receptors responsible for maintaining equilibrium in the body. [7]

RELATED: CBD Oil for Dogs 101

9. How To Administer CBD Oil to Your Dog

To administer CBD oil to your dog, first determine the dosage that is right for them. The recommended dosage for CBD oil depends on the weight of your dog so follow the dosage guidelines offered on the product or consult your vet.

Once you have determined the dosage, you can give your dog CBD oil by either adding it to their food or giving it to them directly in their mouth. If you are adding it to their food, you will want to make sure it is a smoothie or something they will eat without any difficulty.

If you are giving it to them directly in their mouth, put a few drops on your finger and let them lick it off.

Some dogs may not like the taste of CBD oil, so if this is the case you can try mixing it with some peanut butter or honey until they get used to it.

10. In Conclusion

Metronidazole may be a popular medicine in the treatment of certain diseases in dogs, but it doesn't negate the fact that it has several drawbacks. With its therapeutic properties, CBD may be a safer and more natural option for pet owners looking to find something to keep their pets healthy. (Click to tweet)