A dog should be encouraged to drink plenty of water while taking the drug ketoconazole.
Ketoconazole for dogs is an antifungal medication that is often used to treat a variety of infections. It works by reducing the growth of fungal organisms and also prevents the formation of cortisol in the adrenal glands. While very effective in treating dogs, it does have a number of side effects and should be used with caution. It can also interact with many other types of medications. The dose administered varies according to the weight of the dog and the type of infection to be treated.
Certain medications can have negative drug interactions with ketoconazole in dogs.
Uses of ketoconazole for dogs include fungal conditions such as ringworm or yeast infections. Other conditions are also treated with this drug, including Cushing’s disease, which occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. It is also given to dogs for more serious conditions, such as Cryptococcus, which affects the eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs, as well as the skin and bones. Ketoconazole for dogs is for fungal infections only and is not effective for treating bacterial or viral infections.
A veterinarian should be informed of a dog’s medical and medication history before prescribing ketoconazole.
There are many drug interactions with ketoconazole in dogs, so it is very important to know the animal’s medical history before prescribing it. The vet should be made aware of any medical conditions the dog has had in the past and any other medications that have been administered. Ketoconazole should not be given to dogs with blood clotting problems, stomach ulcers, or liver disease. Also, dogs that have had allergic reactions to similar medications, such as other antifungal medications, should not be given this medication. It cannot be administered to pregnant bitches as it will cause the death of the fetus or fetuses.
Ketoconazole may be prescribed to treat ringworm or other fungal infection in dogs.
The dose of ketoconazole for dogs is usually 200 mg, which is available in tablet form and also as a topical cream. It should always be taken with food to prevent side effects, especially stomach upset. If the dog is taking any type of antacid, it should be given at least two hours before taking ketoconazole.
The dog should be encouraged to drink plenty of water while taking this medication. Most dogs must remain on this medication for several weeks. Ketoconazole should be taken until all prescribed pills are finished, even if the dog’s symptoms go away.
Ketoconazole may be available as a topical cream.
In addition to stomach upset, other ketoconazole side effects in dogs include diarrhea, dizziness, and headache, as well as itching and fatigue. If applied to the skin, it may cause discoloration or dryness of the coat. Other more serious side effects are quite rare and include possible liver damage. Rarely, it can cause jaundice and hepatitis.