A Guide to the Top Antibiotics for Dogs

Common trade names: Vibramycin, Doxy 100, Doxirobe (periodontal gel).

Drug class: Tetracycline.

Indicated for: Leptospirosis, several tick-borne diseases (anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis), and periodontal infections. Also part of the treatment plan for canine heartworm disease.

Contraindications: Do not give with multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives two hours before or after giving doxycycline; these products may inactivate doxycycline. Should be used with caution in dogs with severe liver disease.

Potential side effects: Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Can cause esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) if not given with food or water. May cause your dog’s skin to become more at risk for developing sunburn, particularly on the nose, eyelids, ears, and underside of the dog’s belly. It’s rare, but it can cause discolored baby teeth in puppies or interfere with the formation of enamel on adult teeth as they are developing in puppies.

Formulations available: Tablets, capsules, oral suspension. Also available as a gel for application under the gums for treatment/prevention of periodontal disease (for veterinary use only).