Doxycycline for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Doxycycline (Vibramycin) is an antibiotic for dogs. It treats a variety of bacteria that cause infections in dogs. Doxycycline usually has few side effects, but it’s not the best option for every dog. Your veterinarian will decide whether doxycycline is a good choice for your dog based on your dog’s health and the condition needing treatment.

Doxycycline for dogs at a glance

What is doxycycline, and how is it used for dogs?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that blocks the growth of some types of bacteria. Once the bacteria stop growing, your dog’s immune system can cure the infection. Doxycycline doesn’t work against all bacteria, though.

Veterinarians use doxycycline to treat certain bacterial infections in dogs, including:

• Tick-borne infections (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others)

• Kennel cough and other respiratory infections

• Some urinary tract infections

• Dental disease

• Leptospirosis

Veterinarians also prescribe doxycycline for dogs receiving heartworm treatment. Heartworms are parasites that affect the heart and lungs of infected dogs. Heartworms often contain Wolbachia bacteria, which worsen inflammation associated with heartworm disease. Treating a heartworm-infected dog with doxycycline kills Wolbachia inside the heartworms. This reduces signs of heartworm disease and makes heartworm treatment less risky.

Finally, veterinarians may combine doxycycline with other medications to treat autoimmune skin diseases. For example, discoid lupus erythematosus in dogs is often treated with doxycycline.

How is doxycycline given to dogs, and what is the standard dosage?

Doxycycline is available in tablet and liquid forms. Your veterinarian will tell you how much doxycycline to give your dog. The standard dosage for dogs depends on their weight and the infection being treated. Low doses of doxycycline treat some conditions, while other diseases need higher doses.

Give doxycycline as directed by your veterinarian, once or twice a day. Do not change your dog’s doxycycline dosage unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.

Store doxycycline tablets at room temperature. Liquid doxycycline needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep this medication out of direct light.

Finally, give your dog doxycycline tablets with food. This will reduce the risk of side effects.

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What should you do if your dog misses a dose of doxycycline?

If your dog misses a dose of doxycycline, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your dog’s next dose, skip the missed dose. Then continue to give your dog doxycycline on their regular medication schedule. Do not double up on doxycycline doses.

What are the common side effects of doxycycline in dogs?

Doxycycline is well tolerated by most dogs. But side effects can occur. The most common side effects associated with doxycycline in dogs include:

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

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Give doxycycline with food to reduce the risk of side effects. Avoid giving doxycycline to pregnant dogs. It may cause birth defects or pregnancy loss. If your pregnant dog needs doxycycline, your veterinarian can help you determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Veterinarians also avoid using doxycycline in young puppies. It can damage tooth enamel, leading to yellow or brown discoloration of the teeth. Nursing dogs may also pass this medication in their milk, affecting their puppies.

What are the most serious risks of doxycycline for dogs?

Doxycycline can cause liver disease in dogs. Many dogs have slightly increased liver levels while taking doxycycline. In most cases, this isn’t a serious concern. Rarely, though, doxycycline can cause liver failure.

Signs of liver failure in dogs include:

• Jaundice (yellow skin, gums, and eyes)

• Seizures

• Abnormal bleeding

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Low energy or depression

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows signs of liver failure. And avoid using doxycycline in dogs with liver disease.

Some dogs can be allergic to doxycycline. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Rash

• Swelling

• Redness of the skin

• Trouble breathing

If your dog has an allergic reaction to doxycycline, contact your veterinarian immediately.

On rare occasions, as doxycycline pills are swallowed, they can get stuck or pass slowly through a dog’s esophagus. This can cause irritation and possible scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, which can then lead to trouble swallowing and getting food to the stomach. To avoid this risk, always follow giving your dog the pill with about a teaspoon of water using an oral syringe. 

Does doxycycline interact with any other dog medications?

Doxycycline can interact with other medications your dog is taking. Tell your veterinarian about the medications your dog receives. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Medications that may interact with doxycycline include:

• Antacids

• Anticoagulants

• Other antibiotics, such as penicillin

• Phenobarbital and other anti-seizure medications

Ask your veterinarian before combining any medication with doxycycline. Also, avoid giving your dog dairy products while they are taking doxycycline. Dairy products may interfere with doxycycline absorption.

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Written by:

Catherine Barnette, DVM

Catherine Barnette, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with 14 years of experience. She also served on her county's board of health for several years and taught biology laboratories for college students.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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