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Doxycycline is an antibiotic used for treating canine health issues like Rocky Mountain spotted-fever, tick-borne Lyme disease, urinary tract infections, leptospirosis, respiratory infections, chlamydia, ehrlichiosis, psittacosis, infected wounds, as well as blood-borne infections like mycoplasma, and toxoplasmosis [1, 2].
It may also be used to prevent secondary bacterial infections that might occur during the treatment of another infection [2]. Since it is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it may not help in treating fungal or viral infections [1, 2].
Doxycycline, prescribed as an extra-label drug, is usually safe, but should be administered only after consulting a vet [3].
Quick Information |
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 Doxycycline for Dogs |
Brand name: Vibramycin® [4]
Generic Name (Active ingredient): Doxycycline [5] Type: Tetracycline class of broad-spectrum antibiotic [1, 4] Is it FDA approved: Yes (only for humans) [3, 4] Availability: On prescription [4] Who can take it: Dogs, cats [4] Available forms: 100 mg tablets [3, 4] |
Doxycycline is effective against various microbes including Dirofilaria immitis (adult heartworms), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Serratia, Trueperella, Wolbachia, and E. coli [1].
It works by preventing protein synthesis within the bacteria, slowing down their cell division and growth, gradually resulting in their death [3, 4]. The blocking of protein synthesis in bacteria is a slow process, so the Doxycycline treatment may be done on a long-term basis [4].
In dogs with heartworms, doxycycline kills Wolbachia, the Gram-negative bacteria that live inside heartworms (wherein they play an important role in protecting their host) [9]. It makes adult heartworms weaker, preventing them from reproducing [9].
Follow the dosage schedule advised by your vet [2] as it may vary depending on the type and duration of the infection being treated [1, 2]. The commonly prescribed dosage is 5-10 mg/kg (2.27-4.53 mg/lb) of a dog’s body weight every 24 hours [1, 7]. Although it may be given without food, administering the medication with food may help in lessening some side effects like vomiting and nausea [2].
Allow your dog to have plenty of water at all times during the entire course of treatment [2]. A small amount of water can be given after the administration of medication if side effects such as breathing or swallowing difficulties occur [2].
If you miss giving a dose, give it as early as possible, unless it is time for its next dose, wherein only the regular dosing schedule should be followed [4].
Doxycycline is usually tolerated well by dogs, but some mild GI symptoms like diarrhea (with signs like fever, changes in stool volume, and loss of appetite) [8] and vomiting may commonly occur [1]. Aside from these, dogs administered with Doxycycline may experience the following:
The gastrointestinal symptoms may become severe in case of a doxycycline overdose [1, 2]. If you observe any of the above, call your vet or get in touch with the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888-426-4435).
Tell the vet about any past or current diseases or health conditions in your dog and the medications you are administering. While Doxycycline should not be used in pets that are allergic or hypersensitive to the drug [3], it may need to be used cautiously in dogs that are:
Doxycycline may interact with antacids, bactericidal, barbiturates, anticoagulants, cathartics, insulin, digoxin, aminophylline, theophylline, sodium bicarbonate, iron dextran, methoxyflurane, and kaolin/pectin [4].
