Infections that dogs can contract often include those that have a bacterial cause.
Here, a dog must be treated with an antibiotic. Depending on the exciter bacteria is among other things Doxycycline for dogs deployed.
The following guide explains in detail what is important when using and dosing doxycycline in dogs.
Doxycycline for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Whether doxycycline for dogs is used for fur nose depends on the bacterium responsible for infection.
Doxycycline can be found here used in a variety of diseaseswhich include, but are not limited to, the following:
- respiratory diseases
- Gastrointestinal Diseases
- diseases of the urinary tract
- Rhinitis/nasal mucosal inflammation
The following diseases transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes are also usually treated with doxycycline therapy:
Doxycycline is also an effective antibiotic for toxoplasmosis and infections caused by heartworm infestation.
Doxycycline is effective against these bacteria if the dog has not been treated with this antibiotic or has not been treated too often.
Because if therapy with doxycycline is repeated, it is likely that resistance to this drug will develop.
Doxycycline for dogs is found in several antibiotics for dogs, including Doxybactin for dogs and Doxycare for dogs, among others.
The doxycycline concentration of the antibiotic therefore depends on the manufacturer and the drug.
Already knew?
Doxycycline for dogs can also be administered if the fur nose has eaten a «tipped» fish and subsequently suffers from fish poisoning.
Proper use and dosage of doxycycline in dogs
The correct dosage of doxycycline in dogs is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
However, the condition in which doxycycline is administered also plays a role.
The dosage or daily dose can also be 5 mg doxycycline per kilogram of body weight of the fur nose.
IMPORTANT
The treating veterinarian will determine what dosage is correct for your dog. He also decides whether doxycycline should be administered – but not you.
Doxycycline is administered twice a day, i.e. once in the morning and once in the evening. You can give your dog the pill either before or after eating.
A dose with the feed – in some cases the simplest way to give a dog a tablet – is possible with doxycycline for dogs.
Please note that the administration of doxycycline must be 12 hours apart.
This is the only way to ensure that the effect does not break off and the antibiotic therapy is doomed to failure.
This also applies if your dog spits out a tablet. Here you really have to be on the Kievief that he doesn’t break off his treatment on his own.
How long does it take for doxycycline to work in dogs?
The first improvements that doxycycline causes in dogs can usually be seen after a few days, so the effect does not occur overnight.
When doxycycline has reached its final effect – or when the pathogens have been eliminated – depends on the infection.
In general, doxycycline is administered over a period of up to 7 days.
In the case of diseases transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes, however, the duration of use can also be a month or more.
A parallel administration of a probiotic is very important so that the dog’s intestinal flora is not too severely affected during the antibiotic therapy.
What side effects can doxycycline cause in dogs?
One of the most common side effects caused by doxycycline in dogs is increased salivation.
This can especially happen right after the pills have been given, if the dog hasn’t swallowed them right away.
There is no need to worry here, because this side effect will subside after a few minutes.
Doxycycline can also lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting in many dogs.
Not infrequently, the side effects of doxycycline in dogs also include inflammation of the esophagus.
Please keep a close eye on these side effects and discuss an alternative to doxycycline with your vet if possible.
When should I not use doxycycline in dogs?
An absolute exclusion criterion for therapy with doxycycline existing liver diseases and disorders.
If such a disease is present, it is necessary to find another antibiotic that does not have such an aggressive effect on this organ.
Doxycycline should also not be used in puppies or pregnant/lactating bitches.
Where is doxycycline for dogs available?
As an antibiotic, doxycycline is a self-evident one prescription and therefore prescription-only active ingredient.
This also applies to veterinary medicinal products containing doxycycline. You can get them in an (online) pharmacy upon presentation of a corresponding prescription.
What are the alternatives to doxycycline for dogs?
Doxycycline alternatives depend on the bacteria to be controlled. In the case of respiratory or intestinal diseases among other things amoxicillin be administered.
This active ingredient is available as a separate medication as well as in combination with clavulanic acid.
If there is a disease caused by rickettsia – for example anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis – the veterinarian knows best which alternative antibiotics can help here.
Has your dog been through doxycycline therapy? And what experiences did he have to make? We look forward to reading these experiences in our comments very soon.