Doxycycline For Dogs: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Photo of author
Updated On

I Love Veterinary blog is reader-supported, and we may earn a commission from products purchased through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Learn more About Us and our Product Review Process >

Can Dogs Take Doxycyline?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline group commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions and diseases in dogs and cats. Tetracyclines are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and they all have a similar basic compound.

Tetracyclines are either isolated from Streptomyces bacteria directly or semi-synthetically from the isolated compounds. This group of antibiotics was discovered in the 1940s.

At the moment, on the market, there are no veterinary-approved products, but veterinarians are prescribing 100mg capsules, 50mg tablets, or 25mg oral suspension of doxycycline for dogs. 

What is Doxycyline for dogs? In domestic animals, doxycycline for dogs is used to treat microorganisms such as Borrelia, Leptospira, Rickettsiae, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Bartonella, and Bordetella.

All tetracyclines act as a bacteriostatic by inhibiting the protein synthesis of the ribosomes, and by altering the permeability of the cytoplasmatic membrane of the susceptible organisms. 

What Is Doxycyline Used for In Dogs?

As an animal antibiotic with a broad spectrum, Doxycycline for dogs is used to treat several different conditions. The most common conditions in which the veterinarian might prescribe doxycycline are: 

It is very important not to use this broad-spectrum antibiotic lightly and without a veterinarian prescription and guidance. This is a very potent antibiotic, and if used in a situation when it is not needed can lead to resistance of the dog to the drug and, if potentially needed, one day for one of the diseases mentioned above not effective. 

small, pregnant black chihuahua with long hair

Doxycyline Side Effects In Dogs

In a case study conducted by B. S. Schulz (Dr. Med. Vet), and associates, they reported that 18% of the dogs that were given Doxycycline were experiencing nausea and vomiting, 7% of the dogs in the study had dog diarrhea and 2.5% of them developed anorexia. 

Almost 40% of the tested canine patients showed increased activity of the liver transferases ALT and AST, and 36% of the dogs showed increased activity of the alkaline phosphatase. 

These findings show that this antibiotic is very potent and heavy for the liver, the organ through which this drug is excreted from the body (Schulz et al., 2011).

Because of cases like these, it is suggested that all dogs that are taking doxycycline for any of the diseases mentioned above to be given some type of canine liver supplement in the form of pills or oral suspension. 

Bestseller No. 1
Vet Classics Liver Support Pet Health Supplement for Dogs, Cats – Liver Functions – B-Vitamins, Glutathione, Milk Thistle – Soft Tablets, Chews – 60 Soft Chews
  • HIGH-QUALITY PET HEALTH SUPPLEMENT: Help support normal liver function for cats and dogs with this pet health supplement that includes a blend of vitamins, probiotics, antioxidants and herbs to help manage toxins and strengthen pet immunity.
  • PET SUPPLEMENTS FOR LIVER SUPPORT: Crafted for dogs and cats, Vet Classics’ Liver Support soft chews and chewable tablets feature a blend of B-vitamins, glutathione, milk thistle and dandelion root to support healthy liver functions.
  • SUPPORT IMMUNITY IN DOGS, CATS: The formulation of this pet health supplement supports healthy liver functions for dogs, horses and cats, especially senior animals, by managing toxins to strengthen pet immunity.
Bestseller No. 2
Zesty Paws Liver Support Supplement for Dogs – with Milk Thistle Extract, Turmeric Curcumin, Choline – Soft Chew Formula – for Dog Liver Function
  • America’s #1 Selling Dog Supplement Brand on Amazon*
  • Healthy Liver = Happy Life! – Zesty Paws Liver Support Bites are chewable supplements with ingredients that support canine liver health.
  • Featuring Silactive – At 110 mg per chew, Silactive is a standardized form of Milk Thistle, an herbal extract with properties that support the liver’s normal detoxifying process.
Bestseller No. 3
Milk Thistle for Dogs – 120 Chewable Tablets – Silymarin – Liver and Kidney Support for Dogs with EPA & DHA – Detox for Dogs – Liver Supplement for Dogs with Choline and L-Arginine
  • Organic Milk Thistle for Dogs – Coco and Luna Liver and Kidney Support contains Milk Thistle which is a safe and powerful ingredient that provides liver support for dogs by eliminating toxins and working as a natural dog detox.
  • Liver Support – Our liver supplements for dogs are a strong cleanser of impurities found in the liver, promotes liver health and also assists with overall kidney support.
  • Dog Kidney Support – Our formula harnesses the benefits of Choline, L-Arginine, Dandelion Root, and Yellow Dock to promote holistic kidney well-being in dogs, aiding in toxin elimination, optimal function, enhancing blood flow to the kidneys, and overall vitality.
Bestseller No. 4
Nutramax Laboratories Denamarin Liver Health Supplement for Large Dogs - With S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and Silybin, 30 Tablets(Pack of 1)
11,825 Reviews
Nutramax Laboratories Denamarin Liver Health Supplement for Large Dogs – With S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and Silybin, 30 Tablets(Pack of 1)
  • Liver Support for Dogs: Denamarin is the #1 veterinarian recommended liver support supplement for dogs. This supplement contains s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to help increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione – one of the liver’s main detoxifying agents
  • High-Quality Ingredients: The Silybin found in Denamarin has shown better absorption by dogs than the standardized milk thistle extract found in many other products
  • Support Your Dog’s Liver Health: The liver is one of the most vital organs in your pet and is responsible for removing toxins, storing energy, aiding digestion, and supporting the immune system
Bestseller No. 5
iHeartDogs Advanced Milk Thistle Liver Supplement for Dogs – Dog Liver Support with Milk Thistle, Turmeric Curcumin, Cranberry & Dandelion Root Extract
  • When it comes to keeping your dog happy, a healthy liver goes a long way! That’s why we created iHeartDogs Advanced Liver Support for Dogs Supplement, a chew with a blend of advanced ingredients that helps support normal liver function for your furry friend
  • Crafted with top-quality, all-natural ingredients, this functional chewable liver supplement for dogs features milk thistle extract that helps supports the liver’s normal detoxifying process. These chews also include Curcumin, a powerful ingredient that may ease joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity and support liver health
  • These ingredients, along with Cranberry Extract, Dandelion Root Extract & Yellow Dock Root in our functional, chicken flavored dog liver support supplement help promote liver health for your dog

Doxycycline should not be given to pregnant dogs. During the dog gestation period, there’s the risk of bone abnormalities and dog teeth discoloration in the developing fetuses. 

The elimination of Doxycycline from the dog’s body is unique. The drug is primarily excreted through the feces via non-biliary routes. It is excreted in an inactive form. It is believed that the drug is partially inactivated in the intestine by the chelate formation and only after inactivation is excreted into the intestinal lumen.

In dogs, about 75% of a given dose is excreted in this manner. Renal excretion of Doxycycline is only 25% of a dose in dogs, and biliary excretion less than 5%.

Long-term therapy with tetracyclines can lead to overgrowth of bacteria non-susceptible to this antibiotic, and fungi. 

doxycycline dose for dogs

Doxycycline Drug Interactions

Giving a dog Doxycyline implies this medication has interaction with almost everything else that might be given as a medication. Always remember to ask your veterinarian if any of your dog’s supplements is taking might interact with Doxycycline. 

In general, any oral antacids or oral iron will interact with the absorption of Doxycycline. Because of that, make sure that you give this antibiotic and other dog supplements two to three hours apart. 

Doxycycline should not be given in combination with any antibiotic from the following groups: penicillin, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins. When Doxycycline is given in combination with an antibiotic from these groups, it will reduce the effectiveness of the second antibiotic and overwhelm the liver and the kidneys. 

If a dog suffers from epilepsy and is taking phenobarbital, prescribing Doxycycline in combination with phenobarbital might affect the way the pet will metabolize the antibiotic. 

Patients on blood thinners, such as Warfarin, if given Doxycycline, must be monitored closely. The antibiotic might interact with the clotting ability. 

The Proper Doxycyline Dose for Dogs

Dosing of doxycycline for dogs is different depending on the infection. 

Doxycyline for Dogs Dosage Chart

These diseases are the main reasons veterinarians prescribe doxycycline for dogs. Be aware that this is a potent and heavy drug, and you must comply with all directions on how to give the antibiotic provided by your veterinarian. 

How is Doxycycline Given to Dogs?

Doxycycline for dogs is available on the market in the form of a capsule, tablet, and oral suspension. It is advised to give doxycycline with food to avoid stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Never give another dose of doxycycline if your dog vomits in the next hour after getting the antibiotic. 

The capsule and the tablet can be mixed with food. Never open the capsule to pour the powder onto the food. Removing the capsule will make the drug ineffective. If your dog does not want to eat the capsule or the tablet with the food, put it in a little piece of butter and put it directly in the throat behind the tongue.

This way, the dog won’t be able to spit the antibiotic, and the butter will help ease the way down the throat to the stomach. 

If you are looking for Doxycyline for your dog, we can recommend the following trusted supplier: Vet Approved RX Doxycycline Oral Suspension.

Summary

Doxycycline for dogs is a powerful antibiotic from the tetracycline group. It is used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of infections in dogs and cats. The most common reasons your dog might get a prescription of doxycycline are E.canis infection, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Anaplasmosis, various respiratory infections resistant to other antibiotics. 

Always follow the guidelines prescribed by your veterinarian, and never give doxycycline to your pet without a veterinary consult.

Reference List

Schulz, B. S., Hupfauer, S., Ammer, H., Sauter-Louis, C., & Hartmann, K. (2011). Suspected side effects of Doxycycline use in dogs – A retrospective study of 386 cases. Veterinary Record, 169(9), 229–229. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.d4344

Sharing is caring!

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Arais is a writer and virtual assistant for pet business owners and veterinarians. She is a graduated animal care assistant and has done work experience in veterinary clinics. She is going to start a degree in Veterinary Nursing In Ireland this year! When she is not writing, creating content or petting her three rescued cats, she's volunteering in an animal sanctuary and fostering kittens!