How Much Doxycycline To Give A Dog
Introduction
You should give your dog doxycycline at the same time every day, preferably in the morning. It is preferred that you administer doxycycline with food. If your dog is taking other medications, then it’s best to consult a veterinarian before administering doxycycline. Doxycycline should be administered for no less than 10 days and can be continued for up to 4-6 weeks or longer in certain cases. If the condition doesn’t improve or worsens within 10-14 days, you should contact your veterinarian once again.
How Much Doxycycline To Give A Dog
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that’s effective against many bacterial infections and tick-borne diseases. It’s also used to treat acne, periodontitis (gum disease), and other conditions. Because it can cause serious side effects in children, people with allergies to tetracyclines or animals with kidney disease should not take doxycycline.
Dosage depends on the dog’s weight:
- 1 mg per pound of body weight daily for 7 days if your dog weighs less than 20 pounds;
- 2 mg per pound once or twice daily for 10 days if your dog weighs 21-40 pounds;
- 3 mg per pound once or twice daily for 14 days if your dog weighs 41-80 pounds;
- 4 mg per pound once or twice daily for 21 days if your dog weighs 81-120 pounds;
The medication comes as a capsule that you can open and pour over food, so there are no injections required!
Doxycycline is the prescription antibiotic most often used for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in dogs. The drug treats and prevents Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, as well as preventing other bacterial infections. It also helps control symptoms of some parasitic infections.
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Do Not Use In Cats
If you have a cat, you should never give it doxycycline. Doxycycline is not safe for cats; they are more sensitive to the drug and can develop kidney damage. In addition, doxycycline can be fatal if given to cats in large doses.
Do not use doxycycline in cats; it can cause kidney damage and death.
Do not use doxycycline in cats; it can cause kidney damage and death.
Doxycycline is also not recommended for use in dogs, as it has been shown to increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Other antibiotics are available for dogs.
Side Effects
There are some side effects that you should be aware of when giving your dog doxycycline. These include:
- Dilation of the pupils (mydriasis)
- Appetite loss
- Constipation
- Discoloration of teeth and gums (staining) from the medication, which can last for several months after treatment stops. This can happen with humans as well! You may notice that your mouth feels funny or tastes weird for a few days after starting this medicine, but it will go away once you’re finished taking it.
Dilated pupils, appetite loss, constipation, discolored teeth and gums, eye irritation or discharge, fever or chills, flaky skin, hives and skin rash, increased sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light (sunlamps or tanning beds), itching of skin or eyes, joint pain or swelling.
The symptoms of a doxycycline overdose in dogs are not well known. There have been reports of severe side effects, but they’re very rare. These include dilated pupils, appetite loss, constipation, discolored teeth and gums, eye irritation or discharge, fever or chills, flaky skin, hives and skin rash (pruritus), increased sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light (sunlamps or tanning beds), itching of skin or eyes (conjunctivitis), joint pain or swelling (arthralgia).
Dosage and Administration
Doxycycline should be given once a day for up to 30 days. Since doxycycline is not approved for animals younger than 8 weeks, puppies should receive the drug until they are at least 8 weeks old and weigh 2 pounds (0.9 kg).
Conclusion
Keep in mind that doxycycline can have serious side effects, including liver damage and loss of appetite. It is important as a pet owner to be aware of the potential risks associated with any medication you might administer to your dog. Be sure to discuss these potential side effects with your veterinarian before starting your dog on antibiotics.