Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.25, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Baytril is the brand name for enrofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. It's used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in pets. In dogs and cats, Baytril is typically used for respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections and gastrointestinal disease.
Baytril functions by inhibiting the replication of bacteria’s DNA, which prevents the bacteria from multiplying and spreading the infection.
Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian when administering Baytril to your pet. The dose for dogs and cats may be administered either as a single daily dose or divided into two (2) equal daily doses administered at twelve (12) hour intervals. The dose should be continued for at least 2-3 days beyond cessation of clinical signs, to a maximum of 30 days. Ensure your pet has consistent access to water while on this medication.
Overdose:
The symptoms of an overdose may vary between dogs and cats. If you suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.
Baytril is not recommended for use in growing animals due to the risk of abnormal cartilage development.
While Baytril is effective in treating infections, it may cause side effects in some animals, including:
Severe side effects are generally rare but it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet might have side effects including:
Store Baytril at or below 25°C, away from moisture and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Before starting Baytril, your veterinarian may recommend testing to ensure the bacteria causing the infection is susceptible to enrofloxacin. Regular monitoring during treatment may also be advised.
Can Baytril be used for any other pets besides cats and dogs?
What should I do if I miss giving a dose to my pet?
Can I stop giving Baytril if my pet seems better?
What should I do if my pet experiences severe side effects?
For more information and guidance, always consult your veterinarian. Remember, the well-being of your pet is our top priority at PetDirect.
We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Baytril for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.