Doxycycline is prescribed by a veterinarian.
There are many different uses of doxycycline for dogs, including treating conditions like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, chlamydia, and Lyme disease. Many bacterial infections can also be treated with the drug, so there may be other reasons why a vet decides to prescribe doxycycline to a dog. It may also be prescribed for urinary tract infections. The drug is classified as a broad-spectrum antibiotic because it can kill many different types of bacteria.
A veterinarian may prescribe doxycycline to treat a dog with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, chlamydia, or Lyme disease.
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic and works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins vital to their survival. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of doxycycline for dogs, but veterinarians regularly prescribe it for dogs and cats. The drug is also used in humans for things like preventing malaria. It comes in capsules or tablets that contain 100 milligrams (mg) of the antibiotic.
Doxycycline is often used to treat bacterial infections in dogs.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can be used to treat many conditions. The most common diseases it is used for are chlamydia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. All of these conditions are bacterial infections that are sensitive to the protein-preventing effects of the drug. The dose of the drug is usually between 2 and 5 mg per pound of the dog’s weight, administered every 12 or every 24 hours. A prescription from a veterinarian is required for the amount needed to obtain doxycycline for dogs.
Young, pregnant, or lactating female dogs should not take doxycycline.
Common side effects of doxycycline include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but unless they’re particularly severe, they shouldn’t be a reason for your dog to stop taking the drug. Dog owners experiencing these symptoms should speak with the dog’s veterinarian to ensure the medication is not discontinued in the specific case. More serious and less common side effects include dark-colored urine, jaundice, and loss of appetite. Any sign of an allergic reaction, such as the development of hives or swelling of the face, should be seen by a professional and may result in discontinuation of the medication.
Many veterinarians regularly prescribe doxycycline for dogs and cats.
Dogs currently taking antacids or bismuth subsalicylate may not be able to receive doxycycline. Other vitamin and mineral supplements can also cause negative drug interactions. Generally, doxycycline for dogs should not be prescribed if the dog is taking penicillin antibiotics. It is generally not recommended that pregnant, lactating, or young dogs take the drug.