Clindamycin for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
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PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.
Key Takeaways
- Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic for dogs that is used to treat certain bacterial infections.
- Clindamycin is commonly prescribed for skin, dental, and wound infections.
- Clindamycin is FDA-approved for dogs, with some uses prescribed off-label.
- Clindamycin should be given exactly as directed by a veterinarian to reduce side effects and antibiotic resistance.
What Is Clindamycin Used for in Dogs?
Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used in dogs to treat susceptible bacterial skin infections, wounds, abscesses, and oral infections related to dental disease.
Is Clindamycin FDA-Approved for Dogs?
Yes, clindamycin is FDA-approved for use in dogs to treat certain bacterial infections and is available in several oral formulations.
FDA-approved veterinary brand-name products include clindamycin capsules (Antirobe), tablets (Clintabs), and oral solution (Antirobe Aquadrops), as well as generic clindamycin products.
In September 2025, the FDA approved the first chewable generic formulation of clindamycin for dogs, which may make the medication easier for some dogs to take.
In addition to its labeled uses, veterinarians may prescribe clindamycin for conditions not listed on the drug label. This is known as extra-label or off-label use, and veterinarians can legally prescribe medications this way when appropriate.
Your veterinarian will determine whether clindamycin is the right treatment for your dog based on their specific condition.
Compounded Clindamycin for Dogs
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of clindamycin.
Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They’re created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs.
Clindamycin for Dogs Considerations
Clindamycin may not be appropriate for all dogs. Your veterinarian will determine whether it’s safe based on your dog’s health history and current medications.
Clindamycin should be used with caution in dogs who:
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Have severe kidney disease
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Have very severe liver disease
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Have had a previous allergic reaction to clindamycin
Clindamycin may interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your veterinarian about all medications, vitamins, and supplements your dog is taking.
The safety of clindamycin has not been fully established in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs, so extra caution may be needed in these cases.
How Does Clindamycin Work in Dogs?
Clindamycin is in the drug class of lincosamide antibiotics. It blocks the formation of crucial proteins in susceptible bacteria, which prevents the bacteria from multiplying and growing. This helps the body clear the infection.
How To Give Clindamycin to Dogs
Follow the directions on the drug label for the liquid, capsules, or tablets or as provided by your veterinarian.
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Clindamycin can be given with or without food.
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Giving clindamycin with food may help reduce stomach upset. The medication has a bitter taste, which can cause drooling.
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After giving tablets, your veterinarian may recommend offering a small amount of water or food to help the medication go down smoothly.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Clindamycin?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of clindamycin.
Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
What Are the Side Effects of Clindamycin in Dogs?
Clindamycin is generally tolerated well but may cause digestive side effects, including:
Human Side Effects
Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets, and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use. Clindamycin frequently has dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention in person or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your dog’s individual needs, other medications that may be prescribed, and/or the issue that initially caused your dog to be placed on this medication.
When To Call Your Vet
Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of clindamycin:
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Severe side effects (above)
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Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
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You see or suspect an overdose
What Happens if a Dog Overdoses on Clindamycin?
Overdoses of clindamycin are very rare. Long-term overdoses could include:
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Loss of appetite
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Vomiting
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Liver irritation
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Kidney damage
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Gallbladder disease
If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
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Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435
How To Store Clindamycin for Dogs
Keep the following storage tips in mind for this medication:
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Always confirm storage temperatures by reading the label.
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Commercially available formulations of clindamycin should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68–77 F (20–25 C).
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Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.
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Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Clindamycin for Dogs FAQs
How long should a dog be on clindamycin?
The length of time your dog is on clindamycin will depend on what type of infection your dog is being treated for and the location of the infection.
Some superficial skin infections may take only a week or two to treat, but deeper infections, like abscesses, wounds, and dental infections, may take up to four weeks.
How fast does clindamycin work in dogs?
Clindamycin can take anywhere from one to two hours to start working, but it may take up to several days for your dog to feel better, depending on their type of infection, underlying medical conditions, and individual health status.
Is clindamycin safe for all dog breeds?
Clindamycin is generally considered safe for most dog breeds. Speak with your vet first to ensure this medication is appropriate for your dog’s infection.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
