What is Doxycycline For Cats?

Cat Vet

Your veterinarian is the medical expert that can best prescribe medications to treat your cat when he has health problems. If your cat’s health care provider prescribes Doxycycline, you may have questions about the safety and effectiveness of the drug. Most vets will take the time to explain the cat’s condition and tell you about the treatment plan, but you may have questions later after the clinic has closed. Here is everything you need to know about the safety, dosing, effectiveness, and possible side effects of Doxycycline and felines.

What is Doxycycline for cats?

Doxycycline is the name of a semi-synthetic antibiotic medication for humans, dogs, and cats. This drug is in the tetracycline family of drugs. It is available for both oral and intravenous use in dogs and cats. Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with bacteriostatic properties, according to Wedgewood Pharmacy. Doxycycline works by inhibiting the synthesis of protein. It alters the membrane permeability of the organism causing sickness in cats.

What is Doxycycline used for in cats?

Doxycycline is highly effective for treating gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat bacterial infections and other infections like Chlamydia Felis, Anaplasma, Toxoplasma, Bartonella, HemoplasmaLyme disease, Leptospirosis, Neorickettsia, and salmon poisoning. Doxycycline also has an anti-inflammatory benefit and may be used as a pre-treatment for cats with heartworm disease. It treats skin and dental infections, diseases caused by ticks, kennel cough, and respiratory tract infections.

What forms does Doxycycline come in?

Doxycycline may be given in pill or injectable forms. It is also prescribed in topical gels. Topical medications are used for cats with mouth and gum infections/periodontal disease. Most vets prescribe it in pill or liquid form for home administration.

Is Doxycycline safe for cats?

Avrio Pharmacy explains that Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for cats because the medication is generally well tolerated. Doxycycline is like any other medication. There is always the risk of your cat experiencing an allergic response to the treatment. Although rare, it’s wise to watch for signs of adverse reactions. These may include but are not limited to: itching, swelling of the eyes and face. If you have any concerns or notice changes in your pet’s health status, contact the prescribing vet immediately.

Are there side effects with Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a medication that should not be given to cats with a history of sensitivity or allergy to the drug. Precautions must be observed when giving Doxycycline to cats with liver disease, or very young kittens. It’s not recommended for pregnant cats during the first half of the pregnancy. Although this medicine is generally well-tolerated there is a possibility of side effects. The most common include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. The medication may irritate the lining of the stomach. this side effect may be reduced by combining the treatment with food to coat the stomach. The symptoms may go away during treatment. Some cats may experience sensitivity to sunlight. It’s wise to limit contact with direct sunlight to avoid sunburn on the face and other exposed areas of the skin. Some cats may experience irritation of the esophagus. It’s recommended to provide ample amounts of water for your cat during treatment. Cats can have more serious side effects from Doxycycline, but these are rare. If your cat’s behavior changes or he acts abnormally during treatment, contact his health care provider immediately.

Can cats take Doxycycline with other treatments?

It’s essential to inform your pet’s health care provider about all medications and supplements your cat is taking. Doxycycline is known to produce drug interaction effects with phenobarbital, iron, multi-vitamins, some penicillins, ivermectin, sucralfate, and antacids. It’s usually permitted to give Doxycycline within two hours of antacids or any products containing pectin. This medication should not be given in conjunction with cephalosporin, penicillin, or aminoglycosides. It may alter clotting times for pets receiving Warfarin or other anticoagulant medication. If your pet is taking or has recently received any of these medications, inform the vet who will decide if the benefits outweigh any potential risks. If your veterinarian is not available you may consult with a registered licensed pharmacist about the safety of Doxycycline with other treatments.

How do you give Doxycycline to a cat?

Doxycycline may be given with food. Studies show that taking this medication with food does not significantly alter its effectiveness. Food can help prevent the common side effects of mild GI upset, nausea, and vomiting. You should always follow the recommended dosages from the prescribing veterinarian. If you use the liquid oral suspension, carefully measure the dosages. Overdoses of Doxycycline may produce severe gastrointestinal symptoms including pain, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you miss a dose, give the medication as soon as you remember, and alter the dosing schedule to space the treatments at the recommended time apart. If it’s close to the next dosage time, skip the missed dose and resume the schedule. Do not give two doses of this treatment.

Can you buy Doxycycline without a prescription?

Yes, you can buy Doxycycline for cats without a veterinary prescription. Unless you’re a practicing vet, we don’t recommend treating your pets without first having your cat examined by a licensed animal doctor. Although Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic it may not be the best course of treatment for your cat’s medical condition. It’s best to defer to the wisdom of an expert in cat health for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for the best treatment plan.

Final thoughts

Cat owners have the right to know the benefits and risks of any treatment recommended for their pets. Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic considered safe for most cats, with a few exceptions. It’s used to treat a wide variety of health conditions and is considered by health experts as one of the more effective medications for treating various infections. As with any medication, there are some risks associated with the drug, but serious complications are rare.

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