Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Metronidazole is dosed at 10–15 mg/kg IV q12h in dogs, per Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01).. Metronidazole is used in dogs for Severe anaerobic infections, peritonitis, Hepatic encephalopathy adjunct, Diarrhea (acute, non-specific), Dental/periodontal infections (anaerobic component). Routes documented in dogs: IV, PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 7 cited dose rules for Metronidazole in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Flagyl
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | Until oral feasible | Severe anaerobic infections, peritonitis | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 7.5–10 mg/kg | q12h | Chronic as needed | Hepatic encephalopathy adjunct | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | 5-7 days | Diarrhea (acute, non-specific) | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | 7-10 days | Dental/periodontal infections (anaerobic component) | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | 5-7 days for Giardia; 14-28 days for IBD | Anaerobic infections, Giardia, IBD | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | 7-14 days | Colitis (large bowel diarrhea) | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.902 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q8-12h | 10-14 days | Clostridial infections, C. difficile colitis | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed — Metronidazole, DOGS, 'Anaerobic infections (extra-label): a) For less severe anaerobic infections: 10 - 15 mg/kg PO every 8 to 12 hours', printed p.875 (corpus PDF p.902); corroborated by Papich, Metronidazole, Dogs: 'Anaerobes: 15 mg/kg q12h or 12 mg/kg q8h PO', printed p.526 (corpus PDF p.554) |
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Disrupts DNA structure in anaerobic organisms via reduction of nitro group, forming cytotoxic intermediates.
Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Metronidazole dose ranges in dogs, with cited source references: IV 10–15 mg/kg q12h; PO 7.5–10 mg/kg q12h; PO 10–15 mg/kg q12h; PO 10–15 mg/kg q12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Metronidazole in dogs: IV, PO.
Cited course lengths for Metronidazole in dogs include: Until oral feasible; Chronic as needed; 5-7 days; 7-10 days. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Metronidazole is indicated in dogs for: Severe anaerobic infections, peritonitis, Hepatic encephalopathy adjunct, Diarrhea (acute, non-specific), Dental/periodontal infections (anaerobic component), Anaerobic infections, Giardia, IBD, Colitis (large bowel diarrhea), Clostridial infections, C. difficile colitis.
These are general warnings for Metronidazole across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Why a species-specific page? Metronidazole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dogs — 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.