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Doxycycline Hyclate Coupon - Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg capsule

doxycycline hyclate

Generic Vibramycin
Used for Eye Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Typhoid, Malaria
Used for Eye Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Typhoid, Malaria

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that’s commonly prescribed off-label by veterinarians to treat certain bacterial infections in cats and dogs. These infections can include those transmitted by ticks or fleas and respiratory infections, like kennel cough. Doxycycline comes as tablets and capsules. The injection form is given at a vet clinic. A compounding pharmacy can also make a different form of the antibiotic if your pet needs a version that isn’t usually available or is safer for them. Side effects include vomiting and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 27, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
Paws

For pets

Doxycycline can be prescribed or used off-label by a licensed veterinarian for pets. Medications prescribed for pets aren't intended for human use.

Explore pet medicationsView information for human use
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What is Doxycycline for pets?

What is Doxycycline for pets used for?

How Doxycycline for pets works

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins that they need for growth. This helps stop the germs and the infection they cause from spreading.

Are you looking for information on Doxirobe (doxycycline) gel instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVibramycin, Acticlate, Doryx, Targadox
Drug ClassTetracycline antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Doxycycline essentials

cat: doxycycline: cat checkup at vet 1477117663

Doxycycline for Cats: An Antibiotic That Can Treat a Number of Bacterial Infections

Written by Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ
Dog: owner at home with dog 1485829356

Doxycycline for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Written by Catherine Barnette, DVM
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What are the side effects of Doxycycline for pets?

The following side effects might get better over time as your pet gets used to the medication. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your pet continues to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low appetite
  • Nausea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the following.
  • Liver damage: vomiting; diarrhea; weakness; low energy; low appetite; yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes
  • Irritation or inflammation of the esophagus: bringing the medication or food back up, drooling, trouble swallowing, repeatedly trying to swallow, loss of appetite, head or neck extension
  • Symptoms of too much doxycycline: drooling, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored teeth, shaky

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

decreased appetite

diarrhea

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

feeling of discomfort

fever

headache

hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

hives or welts, itching, or rash

increased thirst

indigestion

inflammation of the joints

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

nausea

numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet

pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness and soreness of the eyes

redness of the skin

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

stomach cramps

stomach pain or tenderness

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

bulging soft spot on the head of an infant

change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow

chest pain, discomfort, or burning

cracks in the skin

decrease in vision

difficulty breathing

discoloration of the thyroid glands

double vision

general body swelling

heartburn

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

nosebleeds

pain or burning in the throat

pain with swallowing

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

red, swollen skin

redness or other discoloration of the skin

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

scaly skin

severe nausea

severe stomach pain

severe sunburn

tooth discoloration

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting blood

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Doxycycline for pets

thumbs-up

Pros

Works to treat many different infections in cats and dogs

Can request a compounding pharmacy to make doxycycline into different forms if needed

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Cons

Interacts with antacids and supplements with certain minerals

Not a good option for young kittens or puppies because of the risk for bone and teeth problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Doxycycline for pets

pharmacist

  • Give your cat or dog doxycycline for the amount of time that your veterinarian instructed you to. Don’t stop the antibiotic treatment early, even if your pet seems to have gotten better. It’s possible for infections that are hard to treat to pop up.

    • Doxycycline commonly causes upset stomach in cats and dogs. You can give the antibiotic to your pet with food to help lessen this side effect.

      • Use an oral syringe to give your pet at least a teaspoon (5 mL) of water to drink right after you give them the doxycycline pill. This helps lower the risk for esophageal irritation. Giving the antibiotic with food can also help avoid this problem. Ask your vet about other formulations of doxycycline that might be easier for your pet to take or have a lower risk for causing esophageal irritation.

        • Speak with your veterinarian if you’re also giving your pet an antacid or iron supplement to take. These products might interact with doxycycline and cause less of the antibiotic to get absorbed. This could potentially make the antibiotic work less well. Your vet might suggest that you give doxycycline and the antacid or iron supplement at different times.

          • Be sure to let your vet know about all the medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, that your cat or dog takes. Also ask your vet before you give doxycycline with any medications. Since doxycycline can interact with many medications, it’s a good idea to have your vet review your pet’s medications to make sure the antibiotic is safe for your pet.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Doxycycline for pets

            How long should you give doxycycline for cats?
            How long you give doxycycline to your cat depends on the type of infection they have and how serious it is. For example, doxycycline is usually given for at least 7 to 10 days for some respiratory infections. But treatment might last longer for more long-term infections, like pneumonia or infections transmitted by ticks. Give doxycycline to your cat for the whole period of time your vet instructed you to. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can cause the infection to come back in your cat and become harder to treat.
            Does doxycycline for cats need to be refrigerated?
            Typically, whole doxycycline tablets and capsules don’t need to be refrigerated; keep whole pills at room temperature. Sometimes, a compounding pharmacy can make the antibiotic into a liquid for your cat to take. Studies suggest that it’s best to store the compounded liquid in the refrigerator. Ask your vet if you need to refrigerate doxycycline and how long it’s good for, especially if they prescribed a different formulation of doxycycline or instructed you to give the antibiotic in a different way.
            Is doxycycline safe for dogs?
            In general, doxycycline appears to be safe for most dogs. A small study showed that the antibiotic is typically well-tolerated in dogs, with common side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs in the study had signs of liver damage, which can sometimes be serious. Doxycycline might not be safe for pregnant dogs and young puppies because it might cause harm, such as birth defects and problems with bone and tooth development. Keep in mind that the FDA hasn’t approved doxycycline pills for pets, but vets commonly prescribe the antibiotic off-label for treating certain infections in dogs. Speak with the vet before you start giving doxycycline to your dog if you’re concerned for their safety.
            Is doxycycline for dogs the same as for humans?
            If your veterinarian prescribes doxycycline for your dog, it might be the same doxycycline that’s given to people. Currently, there aren’t any doxycycline tablets, capsules, and injections that are specifically approved for dogs. So this means that doxycycline for people is prescribed off-label for your dog. But never give this antibiotic to a dog unless a veterinarian says it’s okay because the dose for dogs isn’t the same as the dose for people. Ask your vet if you have any questions.
            Does doxycycline make dogs sleepy?
            It’s not clear whether doxycycline can make dogs sleepy or tired. Keep in mind that dogs can get tired if they’re sick with an infection. Speak with your vet if your dog seems unusually sleepy or tired while your pet is taking doxycycline. Since there can be other reasons why your dog might be sleepier than usual, it’s best to have your dog examined.
            Can you crush doxycycline for cats?
            Don’t crush doxycycline pills for your cat, unless your veterinarian tells you to. This is because you might give your cat an incorrect dose. You could give too little, which might not fully treat the infection. Or, you could give them too much, which could cause side effects like drooling and vomiting. Tell your vet if your cat has trouble taking the medication. They might prescribe other options, like having a compounding pharmacy make a version of the antibiotic, like a liquid, that's easier for your cat to take.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Doxycycline for pets?

            Doxycycline can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.

            risk-warning

            Bone problems at higher doses

            • Risk factors: High dose of doxycycline | Young kittens | Young puppies

              Discuss with your veterinarian about whether doxycycline is safe for your cat or dog to take if they’re pregnant or very young. Important bone development happens during pregnancy and early life. And at very high doses, doxycycline can weaken bones and make it harder to heal from broken bones.

              risk-warning

              Color changes in teeth

              • Risk factors: Young kittens | Young puppies

                Doxycycline can cause your pet’s teeth to turn yellow or brown. This change in color can be permanent. Important tooth development happens during pregnancy and early in life. To lower the risk for permanently yellow-brown teeth, vets tend to avoid giving doxycycline to pregnant cats and young kittens. Similarly, vets might not give doxycycline to pregnant dogs and young puppies.

                In addition, as the teeth grow, they might not be as strong because doxycycline also affects their protective outer covering (enamel). Talk to your vet if you notice any problems with your pet’s teeth while they’re taking doxycycline.

                risk-warning

                Irritation or damage to the esophagus

                • Risk factors: Giving doxycycline tablet or capsule without water

                  Giving your pet doxycycline pills to take by mouth without any liquids might put them at risk for irritation or damage to the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach). Be sure to give your cat or dog at least a teaspoon (5 mL) of liquid after they take whole doxycycline pills. Your pet might need a compounded version of doxycycline, like a liquid, so it’s easier and safer to take.

                  risk-warning

                  Liver problems

                  A study found that some dogs that took doxycycline had higher liver enzyme levels, which can be a sign of liver damage. It’s also possible for the antibiotic to irritate the liver in cats. Let your veterinarian know if your cat or dog has liver problems before you give doxycycline to your pet to make sure it’s safe for them to take.

                  Call a vet right away if your cat or your dog has any signs of liver damage, like general weakness; low energy; low appetite; vomiting; and yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes.

                  risk-warning

                  Not safe for pregnant cats and dogs

                  Let your veterinarian know if your cat or dog is pregnant. Doxycycline isn’t safe for pregnant cats and dogs. This antibiotic can cause birth defects in the unborn baby animal or pregnancy loss.

                  dosage

                  Doxycycline dosage forms

                  The average cost for 14 capsules of 100mg of Doxycycline is $6.72 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 83.33% off the average retail price of $40.32.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  50mg30 capsules$12.08$0.40
                  100mg14 capsules$6.72$0.48
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  20mg60 tablets$13.93$0.23
                  50mg30 tablets$60.73$2.02
                  75mg30 tablets$26.37$0.88
                  100mg14 tablets$2.66$0.19
                  150mg14 tablets$18.63$1.33

                  Typical dosing for Doxycycline for pets

                  Doxycycline comes as tablets and capsules. But it can be made into a different form that isn’t typically available for your cat or dog to take.

                  The dose depends on what type of infection your cat or dog has and how severe the infection is. Your pet’s dose is based on their weight.

                  Doxycycline is given to cats and dogs to take by mouth. In general, the typical dose is either 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg of weight, given either every 12 hours or every 24 hours. Treatment can last for a few days to several months, depending on the infection.

                  Below are a few doxycycline dosing examples for cats and dogs with certain infections. Your vet might choose a different dosage for your pet.

                  • Lyme disease in cats and dogs: The typical dose is 10 mg/kg given to your pet to take by mouth every 12 or 24 hours for 30 days.

                  • Kennel cough in dogs: The typical dose is 5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg given to your dog to take by mouth every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.

                  • Heartworm in dogs: The typical dose is 10 mg/kg given to your dog to take by mouth every 12 hours for 28 days.

                  Doxycycline is also available as an injection that’s given by a trained healthcare professional at a veterinary hospital.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Doxycycline and other drugs for pets

                  Doxycycline might interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your veterinarian know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that your pet is currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Doxycycline. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
                  • Aluminum Hydroxide
                  • Aluminum Phosphate
                  • Aminolevulinic Acid
                  • Bismuth Subsalicylate
                  • Calcium
                  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
                  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
                  • Iron
                  • Magaldrate
                  • Magnesium Carbonate
                  • Magnesium Hydroxide
                  • Magnesium Oxide
                  • Magnesium Trisilicate
                  • Rifampin
                  • Rifapentine
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Doxycycline contraindications for pets

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a pet should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If your pet has any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to your pet, let your veterinarian know because Doxycycline will not be safe for your pet to take.

                  • Pregnant cats

                  • Pregnant dogs

                  images

                  Doxycycline images

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Compounding FAQ for pet owners.

                  Boy, S., et al. (2016). Developmental structural tooth defects in dogs - Experience from veterinary dental referral practice and review of the literature. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

                  Center, S. A. (2024). Disorders of the liver and gallbladder in cats. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                  View All References (16)

                  Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance in people and animals.

                  Kook, P. H. (2021). Esophagitis in cats and dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.

                  Kuehn, N. F. (2024). Pneumonia in cats. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                  Lappin, M. R., et al. (2017). Antimicrobial use guidelines for treatment of respiratory tract disease in dogs and cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

                  Lappin, M. R. (2018). Update on flea and tick associated diseases of cats. Veterinary Parasitology.

                  Littman, M. P., et al. (2018). ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

                  Maaland, M. G., et al. (2013). Pharmacodynamics of doxycycline and tetracycline against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: Proposal of canine-specific breakpoints for doxycycline. Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

                  McAtee, B. B., et al. (2017). Liver enzyme interpretation and liver function tests. Today’s Veterinary Practice.

                  Mercer, M. A. (2025). Tetracyclines use in animals. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                  Papich, M. G., et al. (2013). Doxycycline concentration over time after storage in a compounded veterinary preparation. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

                  Papich, M. G. (2017). Considerations for using minocycline vs doxycycline for treatment of canine heartworm disease. Parasites & Vectors.

                  Pet Poison Helpline. (n.d.). Antibiotics.

                  Rebuelto, M., et al. (2010). Antibiotic treatment of dogs and cats during pregnancy. Veterinary Medicine International.

                  Shulz, B. S., et al. (2011). Suspected side effects of doxycycline use in dogs – a retrospective study of 386 cases. Veterinary Record.

                  Tonozzi, C. C. (2024). Kennel cough. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                  World Organisation for Animal Health. (n.d.). Antimicrobial resistance.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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