You’ve been to the vet, you’re very worried about your dog, but the antibiotics they get given seem to add diarrhoea on top of their current symptoms. Why does this commonly happen and what can you do to help your dogs with digestive upset and antibiotics?
What do antibiotics do in your dog’s body?
Antibiotics are a vitally important treatment in both human and veterinary medicine. They kill off pathogenic or “bad” bacteria, destroying dangerous, or potentially even life-threatening bacterial infections. They get to work quickly once they’re in your dog's system, and you’re likely to start seeing an improvement in your dog’s condition within a few days.
What types of antibiotics do dogs take?
Antibiotics are most commonly used in acute “short-term” conditions, treating a variety of conditions from skin infections, to urinary tract infections, ear, eye and dental infections.
The most commonly prescribed type of antibiotic in Australia is the aminopenicillin.
However, commonly used antibiotics include:
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Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Clavamox)
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Cephalexin
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Enrofloxacin (Baytril)
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Metronidazole
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Doxycycline
Why do antibiotics commonly cause diarrhoea in dogs?
Your dog’s digestive system is packed full of specialist microbes—it’s a delicately balanced ecosystem called the “microbiome”. When the microbiome is balanced, there is a higher number of “good” microbes who work to break down food for your dog, produce certain nutrients, and feed the gut cells. They are vital to your dog's normal, healthy digestion. However, there are also “bad” bacteria in your dog’s gut, and if the balance is not right, it can disrupt the normal running of your dog’s digestion.
When you give your dog antibiotics, they get to work quickly, killing off the pathogenic, or “bad” bacteria that are causing their medical condition. However, antibiotics are usually not selective, and they will also kill off some of the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, potentially leaving space for overgrowth of “bad” bacteria. The gut microbiome is then out of balance and not able to function, or digest food properly. This leads to diarrhoea, gas, and sometimes even vomiting.
What does antibiotic-related diarrhoea in dogs look like? What should I look out for?
The most common symptoms to look out for when your dog is taking antibiotics are:
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Soft stools
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Loose stools
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Increased frequency of stools
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Gas
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Stomach gurgling
Red-flag symptoms that something is more seriously wrong could be:
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Blood in the stools
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Vomiting
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Lethargy
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Dehydration
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Severe or uncontrollable diarrhoea.
Of course, some symptoms may relate to whatever your dog is being treated for, so it is complicated to understand the full picture. It’s important to keep in close contact with your vet during these periods and if you notice any changes, speak to them as soon as possible.
Learn more about canine diarrhoea and what causes it here.
Should I stop giving my dog their antibiotics if they have diarrhoea?
You should never stop giving your dog prescribed medication without first speaking to your vet. Stopping antibiotics during the prescribed course could mean your dog won’t recover from their infection, or you could encourage the development of an antibiotic-resistant infection which is much harder to treat and may cause serious problems from your dog.
How long does diarrhoea with antibiotics last?
In most dogs diarrhoea with antibiotics can last 2-5 days. In some cases it will show after the antibiotic treatment and loose stools can continue 3-7 days after treatment ends. If it is lasting more than 2 days, we would recommend you speak to your vet.
Can other medication give my dog diarrhoea?
Yes, lots of medications can upset your dog’s digestive tract, so you may need to consider gut health support. Every dog is different though, and some may be more likely to react than others.
Medications that can give your dog diarrhoea include:
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - these are commonly used anti-inflammatory painkillers that can irritate the gut lining.
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Steroids - these can cause changes to bowel movements and irritate the digestive tract.
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Chemotherapy drugs - these have a wide ranging impact throughout the body, but can cause digestive upset.
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Parasite treatments - wormers and other parasite treatments often act in the digestive tract and can irritate, or cause diarrhoea.
When should you contact your vet about your dog’s upset tummy?
We always recommend talking to your vet if you notice any changes in your dog's health. But these are some clear signs that you need to discuss your dog’s condition with your vet as a matter of urgency:
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They have diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
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They are vomiting
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They are refusing food or have no appetite
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They seem weak or lethargic
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They have any signs of illness and are also a puppy, elderly, or have a current health condition.
How can I help my dog’s digestive system while they're taking antibiotics?
All dogs respond differently to taking antibiotics, but there are a few things you can do to help support your dog’s digestive system if they have been prescribed antibiotics.
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Feed them a bland diet, or one specially formulated for recovery
Often dogs digestive tracts are feeling sensitive and can’t handle their usual food when on antibiotics. Digestion may have slowed down, or be incomplete. A bland diet such as chicken and boiled rice for a few days may ease the pressure on their system. Be aware though, that this is not a complete diet, so is not a long term solution. Speak to your vet as they will be able to recommend a specially formulated diet that is designed to support your dog’s digestive system in times of recovery. It’s often low in fat, easily digestible, and tasty enough to tempt even those really poorly dogs.
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Keep them hydrated
When dogs are feeling poorly they often don’t drink enough water. Add diarrhoea into this and it has the potential for your dog to become quickly dehydrated. Add water to their food to increase their intake, or offer them gently flavoured water, with bone broth, or a specially formulated “dog smoothie”. Some dogs also drink more from a water fountain, rather than their bowl. If you are concerned that your dog is dehydrated, please contact your vet.
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Always follow the medication instructions
Often medication needs to be given at certain times, and with food. Ensure you are following the instructions given by your vet when you medicate your dog.
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Gradually reintroduce their normal food as they’re recovering
If you have been feeding your dog a recovery diet, reintroduce their normal food slowly to allow their gut microbiome time to readjust to a richer diet.
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Give them a digestive health supplement
Feeding your dog a digestive health supplement that is specially formulated to support your dog’s gut health during and after antibiotics, gives them the best chance of feeling good, despite their medication.
Symbiol™ 14-day Gut Protocol to support dogs gut health during and after antibiotics
What is Symbiol™ 14-Day Gut Protocol?
Symbiol™ 14-Day Gut Protocol is a science-backed, short-course solution designed for the critical window when dogs are on antibiotics and medication that may upset their digestive system. Just add the delicious powder to their food for 14 days to deliver intensive support to their gut during their time of need.
How does Symbiol™ 14-Day Gut Protocol work in dogs with diarrhoea?
It provides a simple, structured 14-day program to follow—supporting your dog with targeted, daily gut care alongside treatment. Going beyond basic probiotics, it combines antibiotic-resilient Bacillus clausii, New Zealand colostrum, and targeted nutrients to help rebalance the microbiome, support gut lining repair, and stabilise digestion during and after treatment.
Will Symbiol™ 14-Day Gut Protocol work even when they’re taking antibiotics?
Yes, the probiotics Bacillus clausii are resilient and survive even when antibiotics are being used. They help to recolonise the gut with good bacteria, and limit the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria, rebalancing and stabilising the gut microbiome for a comfortable, healthy gut.
What should I do after I’ve finished the 14-day gut protocol?
When dogs have been on antibiotics their digestive system can be impacted for some time. Once you have completed your 14-day gut protocol, giving them Symbiol™ Daily Gut Balance, as a long-term gut health supplement will help them to maintain a healthy, resilient digestive system. This supports their life-long gut health, and impacts their skin, coat, cognitive and immune health, for a happy, comfortable dog.
Symbiol™ is coming soon to a dog’s gut near you!
Sign up for the wait list and be one of the first to get your paws on Symbiol™ as soon as it hits the shelves!
