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  • Bridge West Animal Hospital
  • 311 Bridge St West,
  • Napanee,
  • Ontario,
  • Phone: 613-409-7387

Doxycycline

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Doxycycline is a semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic used to treat infections. This medication has been prescribed for your pet to treat a bacterial infection.

How do I give this medication?medications

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • If using the liquid form of this medication, shake well before measuring the dose and measure the dose with reasonable care.
  • Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
  • This medication may be given with meals if the pet appears to have an upset stomach.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store capsules and tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Discard any unused liquid after the expiry date.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

  • Doxycycline may cause vomiting and diarrhea. If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. These symptoms may go away during treatment. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
  • While receiving this medication, keep pets out of direct sunlight since this medication may cause skin eruptions (pustules and blisters) with exposure to sunlight.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

 

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following drugs can potentially interact with doxycycline: barbiturates, carbamazepine, sodium bicarbonate, antacid preparations containing aluminum, calcium, iron or magnesium, anti-diarrheal compounds containing kaolin and pectin or bismuth, laxatives.
  • Administer doxycycline 1 to 2 hours before or after administering antacids, anti-diarrheal compounds or laxatives.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 20, 2018.