Doxycycline for Dogs - Dosage, Side Effects, Is It Safe?

When pets become ill, it’s only natural for good pet owners to want to alleviate their pets’ discomfort. When it comes to fighting infections, there are plenty of options that licensed veterinarians utilize. In some cases, that include doxycycline for dogs.

What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic, which means it can treat bacterial infections. It cannot treat infections caused by parasites or viruses.

Is it Safe for Dogs?

Doxycycline is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine. But, it can be used in dogs off-label to treat susceptible bacterial infections and infections caused by:

bacteria from the genus Rickettsia,
Canine ehrlichiosis (anaplasmosis),
Toxoplasma,
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease),
Leptospirosis, and
Neorickettsia helminthoeca (salmon poisoning).

Dosage

The usual dose of doxycycline in dogs is 2-5mg per pound every 12-24 hours.

How long does it take for doxycycline to work for dogs?

Dogs may start feeling better within 1 or 2 hours from administration. But the drug will be more effective within a few days.

How much doxycycline can you give a dog?

The usual dose of doxycycline in dogs is 2-5mg per pound every 12-24 hours.

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported in dogs are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and drowsiness.

Can doxycycline hurt my dog?

Your dog may experience some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and drowsiness.

Final Thoughts

Although doxycycline is not FDA approved for veterinary use, it is considered safe in dogs.

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