Antibiotics are medications made from living organisms such as molds and are prescribed often to treat a variety of conditions.  There are several classes of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfa.

Some common side effects of short term antibiotic use include vomiting, diarrhea, and (rarely seen in pets) allergic reactions.  However, animals usually do not improve with antibiotic use and secondary yeast infections often occur.  There are several reasons for this:

1. Incorrect diagnosis – only diseases that are caused by bacteria will respond to antibiotics.
2. Underlying problems – pets with allergies and thyroid disease often have chronic bacterial skin infections.  Antibiotics will only help clear up the bacterial infection then once the medication is stopped, it will likely reoccur.
3. Incorrect antibiotic – sometimes the prescribed antibiotic doesn’t work and the diagnosis needs to re-addressed.
4. Incorrect dosage – the correct amount is needed for it to be effective.
5. Improper treatment time – sometimes the medication is stopped too early (by the owner or the doctor) because the animal looks and/or feels better.  If this happens, a relapse can occur if the bacteria was not completely killed.

Homeopathic antibiotics called nosodes, which are diluted remedies containing the bacteria causing the problem can be used to treat an infection and work to stimulate the animal’s body to help it fight the bacteria infection itself.

Acupuncture can also be effective. It works by stimulating the immune system and helping the body to heal itself.