Doxycycline hyclate is a water soluble formula of doxycycline, an antibiotic which works by stopping bacteria from producing protein and multiplying. It is therefore used against bacterial infections in humans as well as animals. Doxycycline belongs to the group of tetracyclines.
The Uses of Doxycycline Hyclate
Most commonly, doxycycline hyclate is used in bacterial and viral infections.
However, in dogs, doxycycline also treats:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Chlamydia
- Urinary tract and bladder infections.
How to Use Doxycycline for Dogs
Doxycycline is only available through veterinary prescription.
Doxycycline can be found in stores as 100 mg tablets or 100 mg capsules. The common dose for dogs is 2 to 5 mg per pound every 12 to 24 hours.
Doxycycline should be given to the dog exactly as the veterinarian prescribed it, not for longer and not in different doses. Should you feel the infection persists, consult your vet. Even if the symptoms improve, you should not discontinue doxycycline before indicated by the veterinarian.
Your pet will need plenty of water when taking doxycycline, but don’t administer the drugs with milk or daily products, as these reduce the absorption of the antibiotic.
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember it. However, if it's near the time for the next dose, do not give a double dose. If you have given your dog an overdose, seek veterinary attention. The symptoms of overdosing of doxycycline are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Precautions and Side Effects for Doxycycline in Dogs
Doxycycline can only be purchased under prescription as there are precautions to be taken and a doctor should have the dog under surveillance.
Precautions:
- Pregnant or nursing dogs should not be given doxycycline, as it interferes with bone growth.
- No milk or dairy products should be given together with doxycycline, unless the veterinarian explicitly recommends this.
- Before administering it to your dog, you should tell your veterinarian about any allergies to tetracycline or other similar antibiotics (Sumycin, Declomycin, Minocin, Dynacin, Panmycin).
- The drug cannot be administered in dogs with liver or kidney disorder
- There are prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter drugs or supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins) that interfere with doxycycline.
- Doxycycline makes your dog's skin more vulnerable to sunburn.
- Expired doxycycline is toxic, check the expiry date on the package before giving your dog doxycycline that you have at home.
- Doxycycline, as all antibiotics, may cause diarrhea in your dog. Still, do not give the dog any other medication unless prescribed by the veterinarian
Possible side-effects of doxycycline:
- Allergic reactions: difficult breathing, swelling in the head area (throat, tongue, lips, face)
- Headaches
- Liquid-filled vesicles around groin, mouth or ears
- Less urinating or the urine may become dark
- Jaundice
If any of the above symptoms occur, you should urgently stop administering the drug and contact your veterinarian.
Mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. While these symptoms can be upsetting, they are not signs of serious problems. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about possible relief.