Dog on antibiotics

lisa701

The vet has recently put our pup on antibiotics for an infection in his paw (he cut it).

Is is good to give him a probiotic to make up for the good bacteria the antibiotics will kill off? If so, what is best?

Thanks

heartbreak_star

Personally, I wouldn't - he'll re-regulate quickly enough. I've not had this happen to my pup though, so someone who knows more may come along shortly

HBS x

Person_one

I wouldn't worry too much. If the dog needs probiotics then the vet will prescribe them, usually on the form of a tube of paste you have to squirt into their mouth, which is fun and games for all concerned!

Mine have had cut paws a few times and its always been a very short course and low dose anyway, more to be on the safe side than anything ele I think.

heartbreak_star

I actually gave Mum a quick call before checking back here and she said the same as you, Person_one - freakily enough one of hers cut his paw and split the nail the other day. He's got no probiotic, the vet just gave antibiotics.

She's had to put a little fabric shoe over the paw, he looks like he's got a hoof bless him!

HBS x

lisa701

Thanks everyone. He was given antibiotics previously by a different vet and they also prescribed probiotics but my regular vet hasnt on this occassion. Maybe the other practice have a different policy.

We did try putting a sock on his foot but gave up after he pulled it off for the 5th time lol

krlyr

You could probably buy a few sachets of probiotics over the counter at your vet, or order online from somewhere like www.animeddirect.co.uk (might be a bit close to Christmas now though). It wouldn't really harm, as a precaution.
I keep a stash of dog boots in the house for things like this, they stay on fairly well. An alternative could be to use a longer sock and then use some cohesive bandage (Tesco stock this, I've picked up some in Poundworld too), which is basically a rubbery, stretching bandage that sticks to itself - so it won't stick to the dog's fur like plaster-style bandaging will. You could use this to have a firm (but ensure circulation is not compromised) bandage keeping the sock in place.
I did similar when my GSD had a lick granuloma on his wrist, I loosely bandaged with crepe bandage over the granuloma so it didn't 'sweat' but applied cohesive bandage above and below this bandage to hold it all in place. Didn't foil him, and that included some unattended periods while I was at work too

paddypaws101

personally I WOULD give a probiotic....you could happily use a human version if you have one at home (adjust dose for weight) or even a few meals of plain probiotic yoghurt which most dogs like.

Katiehound

I too would give my dog a probiotic- a dollop (or two depending on the size of dog) of natural probiotic yoghurt at each meal on the regular food. Mine love yoghurt anyway!