Clindamycin for Dogs: Uses and Side Effects
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Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used in dogs to treat certain bacterial infections, including skin, dental, wound, and abscess infections. It is FDA-approved for dogs, although veterinarians may also prescribe it off-label for certain conditions.
Here’s what to know about clindamycin for dogs, including how it works, how to give it, possible side effects, and important safety information.
Key Takeaways
- Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections in dogs.
- It is commonly prescribed for skin, dental, wound, and abscess infections.
- Clindamycin is FDA-approved for dogs, although veterinarians may prescribe it off-label for certain conditions.
- Give clindamycin exactly as directed by your veterinarian to help 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 infections, including:
- Skin infections
- Wounds
- Abscesses
- 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 products include:
- Antirobe capsules
- Clintabs tablets
- Antirobe Aquadrops oral solution
- 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 veterinarian may recommend a compounded formulation of clindamycin.
Compounded medications may be prescribed if:
- Your dog has trouble taking the commercially available formulation.
- The required dosage strength is not commercially available.
- Your dog is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They're created by a veterinarian or licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient's particular needs.
Clindamycin Considerations for Dogs
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:
- Have severe kidney disease
- Have very severe liver disease
- Have had a previous allergic reaction to clindamycin
Medication interactions: Clindamycin may interact with other medications, so tell your veterinarian about all medications, vitamins, and supplements your dog is taking.
Breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs: 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 works by blocking susceptible bacteria from making crucial proteins, which prevents the bacteria from multiplying and growing.
Clindamycin belongs to a class of medications called lincosamide antibiotics. By preventing susceptible bacteria from growing and multiplying, clindamycin helps the body clear the infection.
How To Give Clindamycin to Dogs
Give clindamycin exactly as directed by your veterinarian. It can be given with or without food.
Administration tips:
- Follow the directions on the drug label for the liquid, capsules, or tablets, or those provided by your veterinarian.
- Giving clindamycin with food may help reduce stomach upset.
- Clindamycin has a bitter taste, which can cause drooling.
- 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?
If you miss a dose of clindamycin, speak with your veterinarian about what to do.
Generally, your veterinarian may instruct you to give the missed dose when you remember.
If it is almost time for your dog's next dose, they may recommend skipping the missed dose and resuming the normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
What Are the Side Effects of Clindamycin in Dogs?
Clindamycin is generally well tolerated in dogs but may cause digestive side effects, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
Human Side Effects
Humans should never use medication dispensed for their pets, and pets should not be given medication dispensed for human use. Clindamycin doses for people may differ from those prescribed for pets by a veterinarian.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
No specific monitoring is required for clindamycin, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your dog's individual needs, other medications that may be prescribed, and the condition being treated.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
Call your veterinarian if:
- Your dog develops severe side effects.
- Your dog's condition worsens or does not improve with treatment.
- You see or suspect an overdose.
- You have additional questions or concerns about the use of clindamycin.
What Happens if a Dog Overdoses on Clindamycin?
Clindamycin overdoses are very rare, but long-term overdoses may cause serious side effects.
Signs and effects of a long-term overdose may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Stomach ulcers
- Liver irritation
- Kidney damage
- Gallbladder disease
If you suspect your dog has received an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
How To Store Clindamycin for Dogs
Commercially available formulations of clindamycin should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68–77 F (20–25 C).
Storage instructions:
- Always confirm storage temperatures by reading the medication label.
- Keep the container tightly closed to protect the medication from moisture and light.
- Store compounded medications according to the compounding pharmacy's label.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Clindamycin for Dogs FAQs
How long should a dog be on clindamycin?
Dogs may take clindamycin for about one to four weeks, depending on the type and location of the infection.
Some superficial skin infections may take only one or two weeks to treat, while deeper infections, including abscesses, wounds, and dental infections, may take up to four weeks.
How fast does clindamycin work in dogs?
Clindamycin can start working within one to two hours, but it may take several days before your dog starts to feel better.
How quickly symptoms improve depends on the type of infection, underlying medical conditions, and your dog's individual health status.
Is clindamycin safe for all dog breeds?
Clindamycin is generally considered safe for most dog breeds.
Speak with your veterinarian first to make sure clindamycin is appropriate for your dog's infection.
Can dogs take clindamycin with food?
Yes. Clindamycin can be given with or without food.
Giving clindamycin with food may help reduce stomach upset.
What infections does clindamycin treat in dogs?
Clindamycin is used to treat certain susceptible bacterial infections in dogs, including skin infections, wounds, abscesses, and oral infections associated with dental disease.
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.
