Search Menu
Sisoje/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

Most dogs take antibiotics at least once in their lives, whether for a current infection or as a preventative measure. One of the antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine is doxycycline. Learn more about the proper uses of doxycycline for dogs.

What Is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it targets a wide range of bacteria. It also has similarly broad antimicrobial properties, targeting potential dangerous microbes like Wolbachia, Dirofilaria immitis, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Truperella, just to name a few.

Doxycycline is in a family of drugs called tetracycline. These drugs inhibit protein synthesis and alter the cytoplasmic membrane permeability of susceptible organisms, fighting off bacterial and microbial infections. Doxycycline is a partially synthetic drug, derived from natural and synthetic sources to create a powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotic.

What Are the Uses of Doxycycline for Dogs?

Doxycycline is typically used to treat bacterial infections and infections caused by microorganisms. It isn’t effective against viral infections or fungal infections. Your vet might prescribe doxycycline to treat a present infection. They may also prescribe it as a precaution against a secondary bacterial infection, as is often the case with viral infections like canine parvovirus that leave dogs vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections.

closeupimages/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Some examples of conditions veterinarians treat with doxycycline for dogs include:

If your dog’s condition isn’t on this list, don’t worry. Doxycycline has a broad range of applications and can help treat many different types of bacterial infections and microorganisms that affect dogs.

Side Effects of Doxycycline for Dogs

Dogs generally tolerate doxycycline well, but it’s always a good idea to understand the possible side effects of a drug before you give your dog a new medication. The most common side effects are symptoms of GI upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Severe GI symptoms could be a sign of a doxycycline overdose, so be sure to call your vet.

Tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline can cause skeletal limb deformities in developing puppies in utero, posing a potential risk for pregnant mothers. In some cases, the benefits of using doxycycline outweigh the potential risks for pregnant mothers, but be sure to let your vet know if your dog is pregnant prior to treatment.

Tetracycline has been known to discolor teeth to a yellow appearance once erupted. It’s also used in the treatment of periodontal disease and heartworm disease as it kills Wolbachia, a bacteria that’s needed by the heartworm host to survive.

STOWEN SETO/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

If your dog has a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics, especially antibiotics in the tetracycline family, make sure you mention this to your vet, as doxycycline could trigger a dangerous allergic reaction.

Doxycycline Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can cause problems for dogs taking multiple medications, just like they can for people. Talk to your vet if your dog takes any of the following medications or supplements while on doxycycline:

If your dog is taking any of these other drugs, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t take doxycycline. However, it may change the way you administer the drug. For instance, oral antacids, bismuth, kaolin, and pectin are safe to take one to two hours before or after doxycycline; doses of iron and doxycycline should separated by three hours. Tetracycline can also change the clotting time for your dog’s blood, which means that dogs on a drug like warfarin may require additional monitoring and an adjustment of the dosage.

Dosage of Doxycycline for Dogs

The dosage of doxycycline for dogs will vary depending on your dog’s health and condition. While the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends an oral dosage of 5-10 mg/kg per day, you shouldn’t attempt to adjust the dosage without the guidance of your veterinarian. Changing your dog’s medication can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is dangerous for your dog and may also result in a longer recovery time.

If you have questions about your dog’s dosage, contact your veterinarian. As with any antibiotic, make sure your dog finishes the full course of the drug, even if they’re showing signs of recovery.

stonena7/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

How to Give Doxycycline to Dogs

Doxycycline has a high bioavailablity, which means it’s easily absorbed by the canine body. It can be given with or without food, unlike other types of tetracycline, as long as the dog has access to fresh water. The best way to give doxycycline to your dog is to follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian has access to detailed scientific literature about doxycycline uses, side effects, dosages, and drug interactions that most owners don’t.

If you’re in search of a new pet pharmacy, look no further than AKCRx! Find your prescription and over-the-counter medication brands for dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. AKCRx knows pet meds like AKC knows dog breeds. Shop with the dog breed experts today!

This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.

Related article: Is Pepto-Bismol Safe For Dogs?