Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can be used to treat bacterial infections in dogs. It’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it can fight multiple types of bacteria.
The drug is often prescribed for dogs to treat tick borne diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. It can also treat infections of E. coli, urinary tract infections, and chlamydia along with many other canine bacterial infections.
If your veterinarian has prescribed doxycycline for your dog, then it is important that you follow their guidelines carefully and give your dog the medication for the full regimen that your vet advises. If you notice side effects, inform your vet so they can create a treatment plan and make your dog more comfortable.
With your vet’s prescription, you can easily get your dog’s medication online through Chewy’s Pharmacy. Your pet prescriptions will be delivered right to your doorstep in less than a week. You can even add your pet prescriptions to Autoship, so you never have to remember to order refills.
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Here’s what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of doxycycline for dogs.
Uses Of Doxycycline For Dogs
As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, doxycycline can treat infections from many different kinds of bacteria in dogs, though it is not effective for treating viral or fungal infections. Vets may prescribe it as a preventative measure while treating one infection to prevent a secondary bacterial infection from occurring.
Your vet may also prescribe doxycycline to treat one of the following conditions in your dog:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Chlamydia
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
- Infected wounds
- Leptospirosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Mycoplasma
- Psittacosis
- Other blood-borne or bacterial infections
Dosage Of Doxycycline For Dogs
The following is a guideline for typical use of the drug in dogs and must not replace your vet’s advice for your individual pet.
The common dosage of doxycycline for dogs is 2 mg to 5 mg per pound of body weight given every twelve to 24 hours. This depends on which type of infection your vet is treating, and they may vary the dosage depending on your dog’s specific needs.
It’s usually given as a long-term treatment, and it is important to continue to give your dog the medication until your vet advises you otherwise, even if symptoms improve.
It isn’t necessary to give the drug to your dog with food, though doing so may reduce some side effects such as nausea. Your dog should have plenty of fresh water available at all times for the duration of the medication regimen.
It’s best to stick to a schedule and give your dog the medication at the same time every day.
Side Effects Of Doxycycline In Dogs
Side effects of doxycycline in dogs are fairly rare. Most adult dogs tolerate the drug well.
The most common side effects in dogs include nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Nausea can be reduced if the medication is given to the dog with food. Swallowing or breathing problems can be reduced by following the dose up with a small amount of water.
If gastrointestinal problems become severe, then you should contact your veterinarian, as this can be a sign of doxycycline overdose.
Doxycycline can cause limb deformities in puppies still in the womb, which is also risky for pregnant mother dogs. Sometimes a vet will decide that the benefits outweigh the risks of the antibiotic.
Doxycycline can also interact poorly with other drugs, so make sure your vet is aware of any other medications your pet is taking.
As with almost all medications, there is a small risk of allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis. If you see signs of an allergic reaction, then you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Pet Parents can also leverage Chewy’s telehealth service, Connect with a Vet to connect online with licensed veterinarians to answers all pet-related questions and concerns! Free to Autoship customers, Connect with a Vet lets you chat directly with a licensed vet between 8am and 11pm ET to answer questions, receive advice, discuss concerns you might have regarding the health and wellness of your pet, and even get referrals to your local vets or emergency clinics.
Check out Chewy’s Online Pharmacy and Connect with a Vet service!
Has your dog ever taken doxycycline? Did it work? Then let us know in the comments below!
