Enrofloxacin (Baytril®)

Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) Antibiotic for Dogs & Cats

Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) is an antibiotic primarily prescribed for ear infections, urinary tract infections, and lung infections in pets. It may also be used for infections in other areas, including the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Enrofloxacin Dosing & Administration

Follow the prescription label and the plan provided for your pet. Enrofloxacin is usually given once a day and can be given with food.

Missed Doses & Changing Medications

If your pet misses a dose of enrofloxacin, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not give extra or double doses unless your pet’s veterinary team specifically instructs you to.

Contact your pet’s veterinary team before making changes to an enrofloxacin plan.

Monitoring & Lab Work

In some instances, your pet’s veterinary team may recommend rechecking lab work, such as a white blood cell count or a culture, before discontinuing this medication. If questions come up about monitoring or next steps, contact your veterinary team.

Potential Side Effects of Enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin is generally well-tolerated by most animals, but side effects have been reported, including:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Rare reactions: allergic reactions, skin problems, and low counts of red and white blood cells

Special Precautions for Enrofloxacin

Use enrofloxacin with caution in cats in general and in dogs younger than eight months due to the risk of adverse effects on bone and joint development.

Enrofloxacin FAQs

  • Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic primarily prescribed for ear, urinary tract, and lung infections in pets. It may also be used for infections affecting the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

  • Enrofloxacin is usually given once a day and can be administered with food.

  • If your pet misses a dose of enrofloxacin, give the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.

  • In some cases, your veterinary team may recommend rechecking lab work, such as a white blood cell count or a culture, before discontinuing the medication.

  • Use enrofloxacin with caution in cats of any age and in dogs younger than eight months due to the risk of adverse effects on bone and joint development.