No pet parent enjoys visiting the vet if they’ve got a sick pup. So, it’s understandable that you might not take in all the information about your dog’s prescription at the time. If your dog’s been prescribed doxycycline by the vet, and you have some questions about what it is, what it’s used for, how safe it is, or potential side effects, look no further. And remember, if you can’t find the information you need or you’re concerned about your dog, your vet won’t mind you picking up the phone and giving them a call.
What Is Doxycycline For Dogs?
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Doxycycline or doxycycline hyclate for dogs is an antimicrobial drug belonging to the tetracycline group of antibiotics. It’s sold under several different brand names, including Ronaxan (in the UK), Oracea, Vibramycin, and Monodox.
It is available as 20 mg and 100 mg tablets, as well as a capsule and a liquid. Doxycycline is given orally and, unlike some medications that aren’t affected by being given with or without food, it should ideally be given with food or followed by a drink.
What Is Doxycycline Used For In Dogs?
Doxycycline is licensed to treat bacterial infections in dogs caused by Pasterella, Bordatella, and Ehrlichia. It can also be used as ‘off-license’ or ‘off-label’ to treat other types of infection. Here are some examples of its uses:
Respiratory Infections
Doxycycline is often used as a first-line treatment for bacterial infections of the upper and lower airways and nearby structures, including the nasal passages and the tonsils. So, if your dog has rhinitis, tonsilitis, pneumonia, or tracheitis (kennel cough), they might well be prescribed this medication. This is because doxycycline is very effective against oxygen-loving bacteria known as aerobes.
Ear Infections
While doxycycline may be effective against the bacteria responsible for a dog’s ear infection, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best treatment. Many dog ear infections are best treated topically with ear drops containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. However, there are occasions when oral antibiotics are needed.
Heartworm
Heartworm in dogs is a very serious condition that is sadly often fatal. Dogs infected with heartworms can develop organ damage, especially of the heart and lungs, as worms become lodged within blood vessels, blocking the delivery of oxygen and causing damage to tissues. Sadly, because it takes months for dogs to show any symptoms of heartworm, the condition is usually very serious at the time of treatment. Although doxycycline will treat heartworm infection, large numbers of dead heartworms in a dog’s circulatory system can lead to further blood vessel obstructions, and there’s even a risk of anaphylaxis.
Urinary Tract Infections
Although it’s not one of the licensed uses, doxycycline can be used off-label to treat dog urinary tract infections. Your veterinarian will select this treatment if, based on their experience, they believe it is the most appropriate antibiotic. There’s no need to be alarmed if your veterinarian chooses to use a medication that isn’t licensed for treating your dog’s condition – many veterinary medications are used off-label based on years of experience.
Lyme Disease
Doxycycline can be used to treat various diseases spread by ticks, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. However, dogs will also need additional supportive treatments.
Skin Infections
Doxycycline is also regularly prescribed for bacterial skin infections. Again, this use is off-label, and the treatment will only work if the skin infection is caused by susceptible bacteria rather than fungi, allergies, parasites, or other causes.
Doxycycline Dosage For Dogs
If you think your dog needs a course of doxycycline, you might be looking for a doxycycline dosage chart for dogs. However, you should never give any medication that hasn’t been prescribed to your dog without checking with your veterinarian first. Rest assured, your veterinarian will know the correct dosage for your dog, and together, you can decide whether tablets, capsules, or a liquid would be most practical and easiest to administer.
Doxycycline Side Effects In Dogs
Doxycycline for dogs’ side effects include:
- Esophagitis
- Signs of an upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
Very rarely, if your dog is receiving doxycycline treatment, they might develop photosensitivity when exposed to UV light. Doxycycline is rarely used in puppies, or dogs who are still growing, because it can cause discoloration of the teeth if given during tooth development.
As with any medication or foreign substance being ingested, an allergic or anaphylactic reaction is possible, but thankfully, this is very rare. Of course, if your dog has previously reacted to doxycycline, it’s a good idea to avoid the drug in the future, so make sure your veterinarian is aware of any previous sensitivities to medications. Finally, doxycycline should be avoided or used with care in cases of kidney or liver insufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other questions we receive from our readers about doxycycline. If you have other questions we haven’t addressed, please let ask us in our comments.
Can You Get Doxycycline For Dogs Without A Vet Prescription?
Depending on where you live, doxycycline may not have a veterinary license, meaning its use may be off-label. However, even if a human formulation is to be used, this must be specifically prescribed for your pet by a vet. If doxycycline is given at the wrong dose, it may not be effective or could cause serious side effects. Similarly, your veterinarian will be aware of the potential side effects of doxycycline and can decide whether it’s the most appropriate medication for your particular pup’s problem.
Can You Crush Doxycycline For Dogs?
You should never crush doxycycline. If crushed, there may be more contact of the medication with the esophagus and stomach, which could mean more irritation and problems like an upset stomach or esophagitis. For this reason, doxycycline should be given with food, capsules given intact, and tablets only split according to your vet’s instructions.
Is Doxycycline For Dogs The Same As For Humans?
In the U.K., doxycycline is licensed for use in dogs. However, in other locations, including the U.S., there is no veterinary equivalent. Therefore, the doxycycline you give your dog is likely to be the human form. While this will be effective, the particular dose won’t necessarily be the same for your dog and yourself, so make sure you only give it if it was prescribed by a vet.
Understanding More About Dogs & Medication
Although doxycycline can be used in humans and dogs safely, it’s also associated with some nasty side effects if it’s not used appropriately. It’s so important to only give medication prescribed by your vet for your dog to avoid causing them any issues. Learn more about whether pet insurance covers medication, how to save money on dog prescriptions online, and which over-the-counter meds are safe for pups.