Details
Benefits:
- Treats a variety of infections
- Once-a-day dosing
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic
- Treats Lyme disease, chlamydia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Also can treat urinary tract infections
Side Effects and Cautions:
Do not give doxycycline to pregnant or nursing animals.
Nausea and vomiting are the most commonly reported side effects of doxycycline in dogs and cats. If this side effect occurs, it is most easily managed by giving the medication with food. Other members of the tetracycline class should not be given with food as food binds the drug and prevents its absorption into the body. With doxycycline this is effect is not considered significant.
Drugs of the tetracycline class have potential to permanently stain teeth if given to immature animals. It binds to calcium, which is needed for growing bones and teeth. Doxycycline has the least potential for doing this.
Throw away any unused doxycycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not give doxycycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome that can result in damage to the kidneys.
Doxycycline does not require refrigeration.
The reconstituted oral suspension is only good for 2 weeks. After that, it must be discarded.
Doxycycline does not kill bacteria it merely curtails their ability to reproduce. For the invading bacteria to be killed, the host's immune system must be active and effective. This may not be the best choice medication for immune compromised patients.
Doxycycline is made for human children and is thus raspberry flavored. Some animals particularly cats do not like this taste.
Interactions with other Drugs:
Antacids commonly contain calcium, which binds doxycycline in the GI tract. If these medications are used together, neither may be absorbed properly and the benefits of both are lost. Iron containing vitamin supplements produce the same problem. Iron supplements are often used concurrently with doxycycline to treat feline infectious anemia. Administration of these two medications should be separated by a couple of hours.
Nausea may result if doxycycline is used in combination with theophylline an airway dilator. These two drugs might be used together to treat kennel cough.
Drugs of the tetracycline class may make digoxin a heart medication act stronger
Instructions
Dosage and Administration:
It is important to follow your Veterinarian's prescription instructions for your pet.
For Dogs of all weights:
The usual dose is 2mg-5mg/lb of pet's weight every 12-24 hours. Doxycycline can be given with or without food. Allow plenty of drinking water for your pet. Do not give this medication with milk or dairy products unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Dairy products reduce the absorption of doxycycline.
For Cats of all weights:
The usual dose is 2mg/lb of pet's weight every 12 hours. Doxycycline can be given with or without food. Follow the dose with a moist treat. Allow plenty of drinking water for your pet. Do not give this medication with milk or dairy products unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Dairy products reduce the absorption of doxycycline.
