Azithromycin for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Azithromycin is used in dog for Respiratory infections, Bartonella, skin, Papillomatosis, Mycobacterial infections, Kennel cough (Bordetella adjunct). Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Azithromycin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Zithromax
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24h | 5-7 days, or pulse therapy q48h for chronic conditions | Respiratory infections, Bartonella, skin | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24h | 10 days | Papillomatosis | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24h | Months (in combination with other antimycobacterials) | Mycobacterial infections | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24h | 5-7 days | Kennel cough (Bordetella adjunct) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Concentrates in tissues with long half-life.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED orally in rabbits and guinea pigs (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Long tissue half-life means prolonged effect after discontinuation.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Antibiotic drugs with dog dosing
Azithromycin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Azithromycin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.