Doxycycline in Dogs
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Thankfully, dog owners are increasingly aware of the importance of treating their pet's health in such a way that is both respectful and harmless to their body. However, this isn't always possible, and it's sometimes necessary to resort to pharmacological therapy.
By familiarizing yourself with the drugs commonly used to treat dogs, you'll understand that self-medication is never a viable option and that you should always turn to a professional. Doing so will also help you prevent any problems that may arise from a particular treatment and would require veterinary attention.
In this AnimalWised article, we'll tell you about the uses and side effects of doxycycline in dogs.
Contents
What is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug belonging to the tetracycline group, which is recommended for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is completely ineffective against viruses or fungi.
It fights against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with a bacteriostatic mechanism. This means that instead of killing the bacteria, doxycycline interacts with the cell walls and prevents them from reproducing, which means the bacteria die without multiplying, and the infection finally draws to an end.
Uses of doxycycline on dogs
Doxycycline can only be used on dogs only when it has been prescribed by the vet, since the type of infection will determine whether the bacteria produced is susceptible to the action of this antibiotic or not.
Some of the most common diseases for which doxycycline is used are:
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
- Topical infections
- Bacterial diseases
- Leptospirosis
Usually, doxycycline is administered orally as a pill or syrup. However, in severe cases or when the animal cannot swallow properly, the vet will proceed to administer the drug as an injection.
What side effects can doxycycline have in dogs?
Doxycycline is safe and produces few side effects. However, the following effects have been observed in some animals:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Change in teeth color
The side effects can be amplified if your dog is taking other medications, because doxycycline can interact with various drugs. The vet will determine the most suitable antibiotic for your pet after considering its current medication, which is why it is so important to get a professional prescription.
How to prevent the side effects of doxycycline
Whilst not all the side effects of doxycycline can be prevented, diarrhea caused by changes in intestinal flora can be easily controlled. To do so, remember to ask your vet for advice on the best probiotic to give your dog when he prescribes it doxycycline.
Probiotics for dogs are products that contain strains of naturally occurring bacteria which are beneficial for your pet's intestinal tract. As such, the antibiotic will not alter the intestinal flora and you'll be able to keep your dog's immune system in good shape.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Doxycycline in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category.
