(Vibramycin ® is another name for this medication)

Use: Doxycycline is used to treat many infections in pets, especially those diseases caused by ticks. Doxycycline can also be inserted into gum pockets of dogs after they have a dental surgery to help fight bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects seen with dogs and cats given Doxycycline. To reduce these side effects, give each dose with a meal. If your dog or cat experiences severe vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.

Precautions: Because animals do not swallow their medications with water, and because their bodies are horizontal instead of vertical, tablets and capsules can sometimes get stuck on their way to the stomach. Doxycycline tablets and capsules have caused severe irritation of the throat of cats that were given these medications without water. Cats should be given about a teaspoonful of water after each tablet or capsule dose. Another possibility is to always ask for Doxycycline in a liquid form for your pet.

Directions: Dogs and cats usually receive Doxycycline orally once or twice daily. Cats should be given at least a teaspoonful of water or offered a favorite liquid to drink following tablets or capsules.

Remember: You should always give all of the medication as directed by your veterinarian. If the entire course of treatment is not finished, the germ causing the infection may become stronger than the antibiotics and cause a worsening infection. Some other drugs can interact with this medication so tell your veterinarian about any drugs or foods that you currently give your animal. Pets should be watched carefully if they spend a lot of time in direct sunlight as Doxycycline can cause the skin to erupt in pustules and blisters when exposed to sunlight.

If you miss a dose of this medication you should give it as soon as you remember it, but if it is within a few hours of the regularly scheduled dose, wait and give it at the regular time. Do not double a dose as this can be toxic to your pet.