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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,

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Medication: Doxycycline

Medication: Doxycycline

Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient doxycycline to treat a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian may have prescribed doxycycline to be given concurrently with a standard heartworm preventative (eg ivermectin, moxidectin, selamectin, milbemycin) to treat heartworm disease.

Doxycycline gel is also applied to the gums after dental procedures in adult dogs.

Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Not recommended for use in pregnant dogs due to inhibition of fetal skeletal formation.
• May cause phototoxic eruptions on face or other areas of skin with thin haircoat.
• Do not use in puppies before completion of enamel formation.
• Do not give concurrently with aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, antacids, or dairy products.
• Give with a small amount of food to prevent esophageal injury.
• Dosage: typically, the antimicrobial dosage of doxycycline for dogs is 5-10 mg/kg orally once or twice daily. When used as a treatment for heartworm disease in dogs, doxycycline is given at 10 mg/kg orally twice daily for 4 weeks along with a dose of standard heartworm preventative once monthly. Your veterinarian may also apply a doxycycline gel to your adult dog’s gums following dental procedures. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Doxycycline (doxy-sye-cline).
Brand name
  • Ronaxon® (UK & Europe).
  • Doxycare® (UK)
  • Doxybactin® (UK & Europe).
  • Doxirobe™ Gel (US).
Class of drug
  • Tetracycline antibiotic.
Storage
  • Do not store above 25°C.
  • Protect from light.

Why has my dog been prescribed doxycycline?

Your veterinarian has prescribed doxycycline for the treatment of respiratory tract infections including rhinitis, tonsillitis and bronchopneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella spp. susceptible to doxycycline. It may also be used treat canine ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis.

Doxycycline is also used in combination with a standard dose of heartworm preventative for treatment of heartworm disease in dogs.

Doxycycline gel is also used on the gums of adult dogs following dental procedures to prevent infection.

How is the medication given?

Doxycycline is given as oral tablets with food (not aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, dairy products, or antacids) to prevent vomiting and esophageal irritation.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Puppies should not be given doxycycline during teeth development as it can lead to permanent discoloration although the risk is lower with doxycycline than with other tetracyclines.

Other side-effects are:

  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Esophagitis and esophageal ulceration.
  • Photodermatitis.
  • Elevated liver enzymes.

Drug interactions

The absorption of doxycycline is reduced with antacids, calcium, magnesium and iron salts. 

The absorption of doxycycline is reduced with sucralfate and proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole).

Phenobarbitone, phenytoin and primidone increase the metabolism of doxycycline.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Always follow the exact dose and length of treatment as determined by your veterinarian.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused doxycycline safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save doxycycline for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Doxycycline should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • Do not use in puppies during teeth development in case of permanent discoloration.
  • Not recommended for use in pregnant dogs due to inhibition of fetal skeletal formation.
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on doxycycline?

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking doxycycline.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on doxycycline can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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