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Doxycycline in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Doxycycline

Updated on September 10, 2024

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat various infections common in dogs, cats, and other pets.

Doxycycline

Summary

Used For:

A variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, periodontal and tick- borne disease

Brands: Vibramycin

Species: Dogs, cats, horses, small mammals, rodents, birds, reptiles

Drug type: Antibiotic

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Should not be used in pregnant animals, especially in the first half of pregnancy. Avoid using in lactating animals

Side effects: Most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal related (vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, etc.)

General description

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat various infections common in dogs, cats, and other pets. [Buy Doxycycline now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/doxycycline) A prescription from your veterinarian may be needed to purchase.

Uses

Susceptible bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, oral infections, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, mycoplasma, psittacosis, and many diseases carried by ticks including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and salmon poisoning. Also used in the treatment of canine heartworm disease.

How it works

Doxycycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that stops bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.

Dosage

Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. **Dogs**: 5 – 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 12 - 24 hours **Cats**: 5 – 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 12 - 24 hours **Horses**: 10 – 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 12 - 24 hours **Rodents/Small Mammals**: 2.5 – 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 12 hours **Birds**: 25 – 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours **Reptiles**: 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight orally every 24 hours.

Forms

Doxycycline Oral Tablets and Capsules: 25, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150 milligram sizes Doxycycline Oral Solution: 5 milligrams per milliliter and 10 milligrams per milliliter.

Storage information & handling

Always check the label for storage information specific to each product.  **Tablets: store at room temperature protected from moisture and light **Reconstituted liquid: store at room temperature and use within 14 days. Shake oral suspension well before use.

What results can I expect?

Treatment period will vary based on species and infection present. Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to doxycycline, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.

Missed Dosage

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose may cause significant vomiting and diarrhea.

Side effects

May include, but are not limited to: * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Decreased appetite * Liver disease (rare) * Skin rash * Esophagitis / esophageal strictures (cats) * Photosensitivity * Facial swelling/hives (rare) * Seizures (rare) * Anaphylaxis (rare) * Hypotension/collapse (horses when administered IV)

Contraindications

Avoid use in animals with: * Tetracycline sensitivity * Hepatic disease Use with caution in pregnant, lactating, & young animals

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using doxycycline with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. The following may interact with doxycycline: * Antacids * Bismuth subsalicylate * Avermectins * Enrofloxacin * Kaolin * Warfarin * Pectin * Iron * Penicillin * Phenobarbital * Sucralfate Antacids or foods containing dairy should be administered at least 2 hours before or after doxycycline as calcium can block the medications efficacy.

Laboratory considerations

May cause false-positive or false-negative urine glucose tests. May falsely elevate the measurement of urine catecholamine. May result in increased liver enzymes on bloodwork.

Precaution

Avoid using in pregnant and lactating animals, use only when deemed clearly necessary by your veterinarian. Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics may result in superinfection by resistant organisms. Use with caution when tablets are administered orally to cats due to risk of esophagitis and strictures. Pills should be followed by water or food, never offered as a pill alone.

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook* *VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook*

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.