Can Rats Take Penicillin?
WouterA rat with pneumonia can take penicillin, but you must be careful to give them the medicine in a safe way. It is a good idea to keep the rat hydrated as it will help loosen up the secretions in its lungs. You can also give it high-calorie food to keep its strength up. As rats are known to lose their appetite and water intake during illness, a diet rich in nutrients is important.
Depending on the severity of the infection, the first dose of antibiotics should be extra-strong (about twice the usual dose). This will ensure that the rat gets off to a good start, and the medication should be continued for up to 10-14 days. Skin infections, respiratory infections, and urinary infections may require several weeks of treatment.
Antibiotic treatment for rats can be difficult, but it is possible to get rid of the infection. Fortunately, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and a combination of the three are very effective. If the infection is serious enough, the rat may require force-feeding amoxicillin. Moreover, the symptoms in rats can worsen if the infection is not treated immediately.
If your rat does not respond to antibiotics, it is likely to have a viral infection. If this is the case, the rat may also have a severe case of pneumonia, which will require more intensive treatment. Moreover, you should ensure that your rat has good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection to other rats. For instance, you should wash your hands thoroughly after handling your rat and disinfect their food bowls regularly.
