Veraflox (Pradofloxacin) for Dogs and Cats: Complete Guide

Veraflox (pradofloxacin) is a third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic from Bayer Animal Health (now Elanco) available in three formulations: 60mg tablets for medium dogs, 120mg tablets for large dogs, and a 2.5% oral suspension specifically designed for cats. Understanding which product to use, the correct dose, and the critical safety rules — particularly the absolute prohibition on using the oral suspension in dogs — is essential for effective and safe treatment.

What Is Pradofloxacin and How Is It Different From Other Fluoroquinolones?

Pradofloxacin is a third-generation fluoroquinolone. Earlier fluoroquinolones like enrofloxacin (Baytril) and marbofloxacin work by inhibiting one bacterial enzyme (DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV). Pradofloxacin simultaneously blocks both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which means bacteria must develop mutations in two separate genes to become resistant — making resistance far less likely to emerge during a treatment course.

Pradofloxacin also has something most fluoroquinolones lack: activity against anaerobic bacteria, including Porphyromonas spp. and Prevotella spp. in dogs (relevant for periodontal infections) and the full spectrum of pathogens involved in cat bite wound abscesses. This broader spectrum gives Veraflox a clinical edge over older fluoroquinolones for certain infections.

The Three Veraflox Products — Which One Is For What?

Product	Species	Concentration / Strength	Target Weight Range	Dose
Veraflox 60mg tablets	Dogs only	60mg pradofloxacin per tablet	15–30 kg	3.0 mg/kg once daily
Veraflox 120mg tablets	Dogs only	120mg pradofloxacin per tablet	30–80 kg	3.0 mg/kg once daily
Veraflox 2.5% Oral Suspension	Cats only	25mg/ml (2.5%)	Cats of any weight	7.5 mg/kg once daily

⚠️ DO NOT USE THE ORAL SUSPENSION IN DOGS

This is the most critical safety rule in the entire Veraflox range. The 2.5% oral suspension must never be administered to dogs. Pradofloxacin has been shown to cause severe bone marrow suppression in dogs — specifically thrombocytopenia (dangerously low platelets) and neutropenia (dangerously low white blood cells). This can be life-threatening. The US FDA label explicitly states: DO NOT USE IN DOGS.

Similarly, dogs should not receive the cat suspension even at lower doses — the formulation itself is inappropriate for canine patients. If you need pradofloxacin for a dog, use the appropriately dosed Veraflox tablets (60mg or 120mg).

Veraflox for Dogs — Full Dosage Guide (Tablets)

The dose for dogs is 3.0 mg/kg body weight once daily, range 3.0–4.5 mg/kg. Tablets are scored (can be halved). Can be given with or without food.

Veraflox 60mg: Medium Dogs (15–30 kg)

Dog Weight	60mg Tablets	Dose Achieved
15–20 kg	1 tablet	3.0–4.0 mg/kg
20–30 kg	1.5 tablets	3.0–4.5 mg/kg

Veraflox 120mg: Large Dogs (30–80 kg)

Dog Weight	120mg Tablets	Dose Achieved
30–40 kg	1 tablet	3.0–4.0 mg/kg
40–60 kg	1.5 tablets	3.0–4.5 mg/kg
60–80 kg	2 tablets	3.0–4.0 mg/kg

Treatment Duration by Condition (Dogs)

Condition	Duration
Surface pyoderma	14–21 days
Deep pyoderma (furunculosis)	14–35 days
Wound infections	7 days
Acute urinary tract infection	7–21 days
Severe periodontal disease (adjunct)	7 days

Veraflox for Cats — Full Dosage Guide (Oral Suspension)

⚠️ Give on an Empty Stomach — This Matters

Food reduces the peak blood concentration of pradofloxacin in cats by 53% and overall drug exposure by 26%. This is one of the largest food-drug interactions of any veterinary antibiotic. Always administer Veraflox at least 30–60 minutes before feeding. If your cat develops vomiting on an empty stomach, a small amount of non-dairy food can be given, but this will reduce efficacy.

The approved dose for cats is 7.5 mg/kg (3.4 mg/lb) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Use the supplied dosing syringe for accuracy.

Cat Body Weight	Volume of 2.5% Suspension	Pradofloxacin Delivered
1 kg	0.3 ml	7.5 mg
2 kg	0.6 ml	15.0 mg
3 kg	0.9 ml	22.5 mg
4 kg	1.2 ml	30.0 mg
5 kg	1.5 ml	37.5 mg
6 kg	1.8 ml	45.0 mg
7 kg	2.1 ml	52.5 mg

The 15ml bottle provides the full 7-day course for cats up to approximately 7 kg.

Duration (Cats)

7 consecutive days for labelled skin infections. Do not exceed 7 days without veterinary supervision — beyond 7 days, the risk of reversible bone marrow suppression (reduced WBC) increases significantly.

What Does Veraflox Treat?

In Dogs

Surface pyoderma and deep pyoderma (the most common use) — caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Wound infections — traumatic and surgical
Acute urinary tract infections — caused by E. coli and Staphylococcus intermedius group
Severe periodontal disease (adjunct to dental cleaning) — targeting anaerobic pathogens Porphyromonas and Prevotella

In Cats

Skin infections: bite wound abscesses and wounds — the primary licensed indication, targeting Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus felis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus canis
Upper respiratory tract infections (frequently used off-label)
Urinary tract infections (frequently used off-label)

Contraindications

Dogs

Under 12 months (most breeds) / under 18 months (giant breeds) — fluoroquinolones damage developing cartilage
Existing articular cartilage damage
Epilepsy or CNS disorders
Fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity
Pregnancy / breeding

Cats (oral suspension)

Dogs — absolutely contraindicated
Kittens under 12 weeks
Pregnant, breeding, or nursing cats
Fluoroquinolone hypersensitivity
Immunocompromised cats (FIV/FeLV positive) — safety not established

Drug Interactions (Both Species)

Antacids, dairy, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc supplements: significantly reduce absorption. Give Veraflox at least 2 hours before or after these.
Sucralfate: binds pradofloxacin in the gut. Separate by at least 2 hours.
Theophylline: pradofloxacin raises theophylline blood levels. Reduce theophylline dose and monitor.
Cyclosporine: avoid concurrent use.
Oral anticoagulants: pradofloxacin may enhance anticoagulant effect. Monitor clotting.
Cimetidine: inhibits pradofloxacin metabolism. Use with caution.

Side Effects

Dogs

Mild GI upset (vomiting, inappetence) — most common, usually transient
CNS stimulation / seizures — rare; primarily a risk in epileptic dogs
Cartilage effects — primarily in growing dogs; minimal risk in adult dogs at therapeutic doses

Cats

GI signs (vomiting, reduced appetite, salivation) — most common
Retinopathy / visual changes — class risk for all fluoroquinolones in cats; Veraflox is specifically designed with lower retinal affinity than enrofloxacin, but caution remains warranted. Do not exceed the approved dose.
Bone marrow suppression (decreased WBC) — risk increases substantially beyond 7 days. Signs: weakness, bruising, pale gums. Seek veterinary attention immediately if these occur.
CNS effects — rare

Veraflox vs Enrofloxacin (Baytril) for Cats

Feature	Veraflox (Pradofloxacin)	Enrofloxacin (Baytril)
Generation	3rd generation	2nd generation
Retinal toxicity risk in cats	Lower (specifically designed for cats)	Higher — can cause irreversible blindness at standard doses
Anaerobic spectrum	Yes — includes anaerobes	Minimal
Dual target mechanism	Yes (DNA gyrase + topoisomerase IV)	Primarily DNA gyrase
Formulation for cats	Oral suspension (vanilla flavoured)	Tablets / injectable
Approved for cats	Yes (FDA and EMA approved)	Not recommended in cats due to retinal toxicity

Storage

Tablets: below 25°C, protected from light and moisture, in original blister packaging
Oral suspension: below 30°C (86°F), room temperature, stable for 60 days after opening. No refrigeration required.

Where to Buy Veraflox

All three Veraflox formulations are available at PetShopBoss.com with free worldwide shipping:

Veraflox (Pradofloxacin) for Dogs and Cats: Complete Guide – Dosage, What It Treats, Which Strength to Use & Critical Safety Warnings