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Doxycycline

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Tetracycline antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
6 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit

At a glance

Class
Tetracycline antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1985-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Rickettsia)
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 28 days
Leptospirosis (carrier elimination)
Dose
5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 14 days
Respiratory infections
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day
Duration: 7-14 days
🐈

Cat

Upper respiratory infections (Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma)
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: 14-21 days
Haemobartonellosis
Dose
5–10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: 21-28 days

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
100mg
Available in India
💊

Capsule — 1

Strength
100mg
Available in India
🧴

Suspension — 1

Strength
25mg/5mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known tetracycline hypersensitivity
    Cross-reactivity with other tetracyclines

Use with caution

  • Pregnancy
    May cause fetal tooth discolouration and bone growth inhibition
  • Young growing animals
    Can cause enamel hypoplasia and bone growth issues in very young animals
  • Concurrent antacids/dairy
    Chelation reduces absorption; give 2h apart

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Oesophageal stricture in cats (dry-pilled)
Serious
Hepatotoxicity (high doses)
Photosensitivity

Monitoring parameters

GI toleranceLiver enzymes for prolonged coursesEnsure cats receive water/food after pilling

Interactions

Moderate — 5

Sucralfate
moderate
Sucralfate contains aluminum which chelates tetracyclines, reducing absorption
Management: Administer doxycycline at least 2 hours before sucralfate.
Phenobarbital
moderate
Phenobarbital induces hepatic metabolism of doxycycline, reducing doxycycline half-life and efficacy.
Management: Consider using higher doxycycline dose or alternative antibiotic not affected by enzyme induction (amoxicillin, enrofloxacin).
Calcium Gluconate
moderate
Calcium chelates tetracyclines in the GI tract forming insoluble complexes, reducing doxycycline oral absorption by 20-50%.
Management: Separate administration by 2-3 hours. Give doxycycline 2h before or 3h after calcium-containing products.
Ferrous Sulfate
moderate
Iron chelates tetracyclines in GI tract forming poorly absorbed complexes. Reduces doxycycline absorption by 20-50%.
Management: Separate by 2-3 hours. Give doxycycline 2h before or 3h after iron.
Bismuth Subsalicylate
moderate
Bismuth chelates tetracyclines in the GI tract, reducing doxycycline absorption.
Management: Separate by 2 hours.

Minor — 1

Famotidine
minor
Doxycycline absorption is minimally affected by gastric pH changes (unlike other tetracyclines). However, concurrent H2-blockers may modestly reduce absorption.
Management: Usually clinically insignificant for doxycycline specifically. No dose separation typically needed (unlike with other tetracyclines and antacids).

Brands

International

Ronaxan
Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Doxypet
Intas
Doxt
Dr. Reddy's
Doxy-1
Mankind

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
›What is Doxycycline used for in pets?
Doxycycline is used in veterinary medicine for: Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Rickettsia); Leptospirosis (carrier elimination); Respiratory infections; Upper respiratory infections (Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma); Haemobartonellosis.
›What is the Doxycycline dose for dogs?
For dogs, Doxycycline is typically dosed as follows — Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Rickettsia): 5–10 mg/kg PO BID; Leptospirosis (carrier elimination): 5 mg/kg PO BID; Respiratory infections: 5–10 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Doxycycline dose for cats?
For cats, Doxycycline is typically dosed as follows — Upper respiratory infections (Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma): 5–10 mg/kg PO BID; Haemobartonellosis: 5–10 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Doxycycline?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Oesophageal stricture in cats (dry-pilled). Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity (high doses), Photosensitivity.
›Does Doxycycline need a prescription?
Yes. Doxycycline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Doxycycline not be used?
Do not use Doxycycline if: Known tetracycline hypersensitivity.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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