Will antibiotics help a kitten with diarrhea?

In summary, universal administration of antibiotics is not recommended for kitten diarrhea encountered at weaning. It is important to consider the most common causes of kitten diarrhea (diet change, parasites, viruses) and what is common in your area when coming up with a treatment protocol for your shelter.

Is it normal for kittens to have diarrhea?

Diarrhea in kittens is not normal, certainly not cute, and is usually an indication of an underlying problem. You may find diarrhea in their litter box, around the house, or stuck to their bodies. Loose, liquidy stool can cause a kitten to become dehydrated if it persists.

Can you use metronidazole in kittens?

Since metronidazole can harm unborn cat babies, it should be avoided in pregnant cats. Metronidazole can also enter a cat’s milk and harm young kittens, so it’s not recommended for nursing cats either. This medication should also be used carefully in cats with seizures and kidney or liver issues.

How much metronidazole do I give a kitten?

Metronidazole, at a dose of 25 mg/kg po q12h for 7 days, continues to be a highly effective therapy for the disease in affected cats.

Can you give metronidazole to kittens?

Metronidazole should not be used in young puppies and kittens. Metronidazole should be avoided or used with caution, at reduced doses, in animals with kidney or liver disease.

Can kittens have metronidazole?

Treatment of giardiasis in cats and kittens has not changed drastically for many years, and includes specific anti-protozoal therapy combined with environmental control. Metronidazole, at a dose of 25 mg/kg po q12h for 7 days, continues to be a highly effective therapy for the disease in affected cats.

How long does metronidazole take to work in kittens?

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours, and while effects may not be visibly noticed immediately, but gradual improvements are usually noticable after a few days.

What should you do if your kitten has diarrhea?

Kittens can develop diarrhea when there is a change in diet, so if you’ve recently started the kitten on a new formula, that may be the issue. Premature weaning onto wet food may also cause diarrhea, as the body may not be ready to absorb the new proteins and complex nutrients found in meat.

How do you treat kittens with diarrhea?

Diarrhea Treatment with Dietary Changes. But remember: the kitten will need to have plenty of fresh water available. A kitten with diarrhea should be fed bland foods like plain yogurt or rice with cooked ground beef. Grapefruit seed extract (a few drops in the food) or a bit of fiber supplements can also help a kitten overcome his stomach problems.

What is the best kitten food for diarrhea?

Cats with diarrhea need to take in sufficient amounts of water to prevent dehydration. Keep your cat’s water bowls filled with fresh, clean water and consider adding an extra bowl that contains diluted chicken or beef broth.

What should you give a cat with diarrhea?

Veterinarians recommend giving a cat no food for 12 to 24 hours if it is experiencing diarrhea. However, the cat needs a lot of fresh water to avoid dehydration. It’s also recommended to give the cat unflavored electrolyte beverages for infants.