What is Clavaseptin and When Does Your Dog Need It?
If your veterinarian has prescribed Clavaseptin for your dog or cat, or if you’re looking for an effective antibiotic for a bacterial infection, this guide covers everything you need to know: what Clavaseptin is, how it works, what conditions it treats, the correct dosage for your pet’s weight, potential side effects, and how it compares to similar antibiotics.
What is Clavaseptin?
Clavaseptin is a palatable antibiotic tablet manufactured by Vetoquinol (France) containing two active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This is the same active combination found in other well-known brands including Clavamox (USA), Synulox (UK/Europe), and Clavacillin.
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin-type antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting their cell wall formation. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects amoxicillin from being destroyed by resistant bacteria. Together, they provide significantly broader and more reliable coverage than amoxicillin alone.
Clavaseptin is available in three strengths:
- Clavaseptin 62.5mg — for cats and small dogs (up to 10kg)
- Clavaseptin 250mg — for medium dogs (10–40kg)
- Clavaseptin 500mg — for large dogs (30kg+)
What Conditions Does Clavaseptin Treat?
Clavaseptin is one of the most versatile veterinary antibiotics available. In dogs, it is prescribed for:
- Periodontal and dental infections — gingivitis, periodontitis, dental abscesses. This is one of Clavaseptin’s primary licensed indications
- Skin infections — both superficial and deep pyoderma, hot spots, infected wounds
- Soft tissue infections — abscesses, anal sacculitis, post-surgical infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — cystitis and recurrent urinary infections
- Respiratory infections — upper and lower respiratory tract, including complications from kennel cough
- Gastrointestinal infections — bacterial enteritis
In cats, Clavaseptin is primarily used for skin infections (including cat bite abscesses and wound infections), as well as urinary and respiratory infections.
Clavaseptin Dosage Guide by Weight
The standard dose is 12.5mg of combined active substances (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) per kg of body weight, given twice daily.
Here’s a quick reference chart showing which tablet strength to use:
Clavaseptin 62.5mg — For Cats and Small Dogs
| Weight | Weight (lbs) | Tablets per Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2.5 kg | 2–5.5 lbs | ½ tablet |
| 2.6–5 kg | 5.7–11 lbs | 1 tablet |
| 5.1–7.5 kg | 11–16.5 lbs | 1½ tablets |
| 7.6–10 kg | 16.7–22 lbs | 2 tablets |
Clavaseptin 250mg — For Medium Dogs
| Weight | Weight (lbs) | Tablets per Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 kg | 17.6–22 lbs | ½ tablet |
| 10–20 kg | 22–44 lbs | 1 tablet |
| 20–30 kg | 44–66 lbs | 1½ tablets |
| 30–40 kg | 66–88 lbs | 2 tablets |
Clavaseptin 500mg — For Large Dogs
| Weight | Weight (lbs) | Tablets per Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 20–30 kg | 44–66 lbs | ½ tablet |
| 40–50 kg | 88–110 lbs | 1 tablet |
| 50–60 kg | 110–132 lbs | 1¼ tablets |
| 60–80 kg | 132–176 lbs | 1½–2 tablets |
All doses are given twice daily (every 12 hours). In severe infections, your vet may double the dose to 25mg/kg twice daily.
How Long Should My Dog Take Clavaseptin?
Treatment duration depends on the type of infection:
- Periodontal infections: 7 days
- Skin infections in cats: 7–14 days (reassess at 7 days)
- Standard soft tissue/UTI infections: 7–14 days
- Deep pyoderma or chronic skin infections: 10–28 days
- Respiratory infections: 8–10 days
Always complete the full prescribed course, even if your pet appears to have recovered. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of the infection.
Clavaseptin Side Effects in Dogs
Clavaseptin is generally well tolerated, but side effects can occur:
- Gastrointestinal upset: Vomiting and diarrhoea are the most commonly reported side effects. Giving the tablet with food can help reduce stomach irritation
- Allergic reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rashes are possible. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur. If you notice facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives, discontinue treatment and contact your vet immediately
- Appetite changes: Some dogs may show temporary changes in appetite
If side effects are mild, your vet may recommend continuing treatment. If they are severe or persistent, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Clavaseptin vs Synulox vs Clavamox — What’s the Difference?
In terms of active ingredients and efficacy, there is no clinical difference. All three contain the same amoxicillin + clavulanic acid combination at the same ratios:
- Clavaseptin — manufactured by Vetoquinol (France)
- Synulox — manufactured by Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health)
- Clavamox — the US brand name for Synulox, also by Zoetis
- Clavacillin — a generic equivalent
They are interchangeable at the same dose. The choice usually comes down to availability and price in your region.
Important Precautions
- Never give Clavaseptin to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, or chinchillas — it can cause fatal gastrointestinal disturbance in these species
- Not suitable for horses or ruminants
- Do not use in animals with known penicillin allergy
- Do not use in animals with severe kidney disease
- Avoid combining with bacteriostatic antibiotics (tetracyclines, macrolides) as they can reduce efficacy
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing, consult your veterinarian before use
Where to Buy Clavaseptin Online
You can purchase genuine Vetoquinol Clavaseptin tablets from PetShopBoss.com with worldwide delivery:
- Clavaseptin 62.5mg — for cats and small dogs
- Clavaseptin 250mg — for medium dogs
- Clavaseptin 500mg — for large dogs
Always consult your veterinarian before starting antibiotic treatment to ensure Clavaseptin is the right choice for your pet’s condition.

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