Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic medication commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat a wide variety of current and secondary bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It is generally well-tolerated by both cats and dogs.
In addition to its use as an antibiotic, doxycycline is used in low doses as an anti-inflammatory and adjunct treatment for arthritis and degenerative joint-disease in dogs, for the treatment of heartworm disease in dogs and cats and is FDA-approved for the treatment and management of periodontal disease in dogs, usually in gel form. It is often also used off-label in cats.
Your veterinarian may prescribe doxycycline under the brand names Vibramycin®, Oracea®, Monodox®, Periostat®, Doryx®, or Acticlate®. It is generally given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, liquid/suspension, or oral gel, but may be given intravenously when necessary.
