Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic often prescribed for dogs and cats. It comes in tablet, chewable, and liquid forms. The liquid form is designed to be easier to administer to pets who won’t take pills. But many pet owners wonder – does the liquid Clavamox have any added flavors to make it more palatable for pets? Let’s take a deeper look at Clavamox and whether the liquid form contains any added flavors.
What is Clavamox?
Clavamox is the brand name for a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. It’s used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections in dogs and cats, including:
- Skin infections
- Wound infections
- Abscesses
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- Periodontal disease
The amoxicillin in Clavamox works by stopping the growth and reproduction of bacteria. The clavulanate potassium helps prevent bacteria from destroying the amoxicillin. Together, these ingredients provide a potent one-two punch against many common pet bacterial infections.
Clavamox comes in three forms:
- Tablets
- Chewables
- Liquid suspension
The liquid form is designed to be easier to give to pets, especially cats. Cats are notoriously difficult when it comes to taking medication, so a liquid can help owners administer the antibiotic easier. But is the liquid flavored to encourage pets to take it?
Is liquid Clavamox flavored?
After reviewing the prescribing information and speaking with veterinarians, there is no evidence that the liquid form of Clavamox contains any added flavors. Here are the main points:
- The manufacturer (Zoetis) does not list any added flavors in the prescribing information or packaging.
- The liquid is described as an off-white to pinkish suspension with a strawberry odor. But there are no flavor additives specified.
- Veterinarians report that the liquid does not appear to have a noticeable flavor that makes pets want to take it.
- There are no added sweeteners or flavor masking agents common in human liquid medications.
So while the liquid Clavamox has a slight strawberry smell, there do not appear to be any added flavorings designed to make it more palatable. It smells slightly pleasant but does not have a strong flavor profile.
What does liquid Clavamox taste like?
Without added flavorings, what does the liquid suspension of Clavamox taste like? Based on the experiences of pet owners and veterinarians:
- It has a mildly bitter, medicine-like taste.
- The strawberry odor is detectable but subtle.
- Cats generally show less resistance to the liquid over pills.
- But most pets will reluctantly take it if forcibly administered.
- The taste does not appear to be very appetizing or encourage voluntary consumption.
So while not overly distasteful, the liquid Clavamox does not have a flavor that makes it tasty or desirable for most pets. The flavor is tolerable but veterinarians don’t find it increases compliance in getting pets to take the medication voluntarily.
Tips for administering liquid Clavamox
While not flavored, here are some tips for successfully giving your pet liquid Clavamox:
- Ask your vet for administration tips. They may have tricks for your specific pet.
- Use a syringe or dosing cup. Don’t try to get your pet to lap it up.
- Make sure to give the full prescribed dose. Don’t stop if your pet resists.
- Give a strong-flavored treat afterward as a reward.
- Consider gently cradling or wrapping your pet in a towel to limit movement.
- Aim toward the side of the mouth between the cheeks and teeth.
- Squirt a small amount at a time. Don’t overwhelm your pet.
- Follow with more treats and affection to create a positive association.
While a little challenging, most pets will tolerate the liquid Clavamox. The flavor is not appetizing but also not so offensive that pets can’t keep it down. Stay positive and patient, and reward your pet afterward for taking their medicine.
Are there flavored options?
Some pet owners may want even greater flavor-masking to help their pets take liquid Clavamox. Here are some possible options:
- Mix with a small amount of tuna juice, meat baby food, or fish oil. Start with just a teaspoon mixed well with the medicine.
- Ask your vet if pill coatings like Pill Pockets could be used to fully enclose the liquid dose.
- Compound pharmacies can add custom flavorings to medications upon request. But this is expensive and usually not covered by insurance.
- As a last resort, discuss compounding a completely different pet-friendly medication with your vet instead.
However, the consensus among vets is that the liquid Clavamox is tolerable for most pets without added flavoring. Make the experience positive, don’t force it into the mouth, and reward your pet after dosing.
The takeaway
To sum it up:
- The manufacturer does not disclose or claim that liquid Clavamox contains added flavors.
- Veterinarians report it does not seem to have a strong taste profile.
- The liquid has a mildly unpleasant bitter medicine taste.
- There are no flavor additives, but it smells slightly like strawberries.
- Most pets will reluctantly take the liquid if administered properly.
- Adding flavorings or disguising the liquid can help for extremely difficult pets.
While not flavored, liquid Clavamox has a tolerable taste for most cats and dogs. Focus on positive associations and minimize the struggle to help your pet take this important medication. And be sure to finish the full course as prescribed by your vet.
Conclusion
In summary, liquid Clavamox does not contain any added flavors according to the manufacturer and veterinarians. The liquid form of this antibiotic has a mildly unpleasant bitter medicine taste. While not designed to be tasty, most pets can tolerate the liquid antibiotic when given properly. Focus on making dosing a positive experience with rewards and affection. Adding small amounts of flavorings can also help in some difficult cases. But the liquid itself does not have flavor additives. Be sure to follow veterinary instructions to adequately treat your pet with the full course of Clavamox, regardless of the form prescribed.