Doxycycline
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Doxycycline for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary healthcare team.
Description
Doxycycline is a germ-fighting medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Other common names
- Doryx
- Monodox
- TargaDOX
- Vibramycin
Uses of Doxycycline for pets
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in animals for:
- Bacterial infections in dogs, cats, and other animals.
- It is often used for breathing-related infections and for infections spread by ticks.
- Helping with heartworm treatment in dogs.
- Helping treat swelling and irritation linked with dental disease in dogs.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking.
- Any health problems your animal has now or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to doxycycline or to other medicines in the same tetracycline antibiotic family.
Use with caution in:
- Animals with liver problems.
- Young animals whose bones and teeth are still developing.
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Tablets and capsules must be given along with food or water.
- If a tablet or capsule does not reach the stomach and gets stuck in the throat food tube, it can injure that area.
- This is especially a concern in cats.
- If your animal has difficulty swallowing or will not eat, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Do not give multivitamins, calcium supplements, iron supplements, antacids, dairy foods, or laxatives within 2 hours before or 2 hours after giving doxycycline.
- These can keep doxycycline from working properly.
Side effects of Doxycycline for pets
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Loose stool (diarrhea)
- Throwing up (vomiting)
- Eating less than usual (decreased appetite)
Doxycycline may also make an animal more likely to burn in sunlight. Sunburn risk is higher on areas with little or no hair, such as the nose, eyelids, and ears. Avoid direct or long periods of sun exposure while your animal is taking this medicine, especially if your animal has a thin coat or light-colored coat.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of the following:
- Blood in vomit or in stool
- Yellow color in the eyes, skin, or gums (jaundice)
- Not wanting to eat (loss of appetite)
- Trouble swallowing or eating
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better in 1 to 2 days.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or if there is no improvement.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different lengths of time. Keep giving it for the full time your veterinarian instructs, even if your animal seems better. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, call your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not use doxycycline after the expiration date. It can be harmful once expired.
- Liquid mixtures should be discarded 14 days after they are mixed with water.
- Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations:
- This is the preferred option when available.
- To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal:
- Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”