Side Effects of Convenia

Convenia is a veterinarian-prescribed antibiotic medication indicated to treat certain types of bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is administered as one subcutaneous injection beneath the surface of the skin, and is effective for up to 14 days, according to Pfizer Animal Health, the pharmaceutical distributor of this medication. Cats and dogs must be at least 4 months old before receiving Convenia.

Convenia is indicated to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. (Image: Purestock/Purestock/Getty Images)

Nausea or Vomiting

After receiving Convenia, cats and dogs may develop upset stomach side effects, including nausea or vomiting. During clinical trials for this medication, vomiting was observed in approximately 5 percent of dogs and 8 percent of cats, reports Drugs.com. Upset stomach side effects may also contribute to a temporary decrease in appetite. Pet owners may notice that their pet is uninterested in eating at mealtime or won't eat favorite treats. These side effects typically subside within a few days of treatment.

Diarrhea

Convenia may cause diarrhea side effects, PetPlace.com reports. Pet owners may notice that they need to clean the litter box or let their dog out more frequently than usual. Depending on the severity of diarrhea side effects, certain pets may accidentally soil furniture or flooring due to sudden bowel movement urges. If the diarrhea persists or becomes severe, or if pet owners notice blood in their pet's stools, the affected cat or dog should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Fatigue or Lethargy

In clinical trials for this medication, lethargy was observed in approximately 4 percent of treated cats and dogs, according to Drugs.com. Affected pets may seem tired or may not be as playful as usual. Certain cats treated with Convenia may display unusually hyperactive behavior, PetPlace.com warns. Such side effects generally resolve within a few days following initial treatment with Convenia.