Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. You will likely see GI upset, possibly severe. If you observe vomiting or diarrhea, withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (1:1 ratio of plain boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice). Feed in small, frequent amounts waiting at least one hour between feedings. If the vomiting stops, continue feeding until the stool is normal. Transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don’t stop, see your veterinarian.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

Recommended Dosage

A typical dosage of doxycycline for dogs is 1.4 – 2.3 mg/lb every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Dr. Drew recommends a higher dosage of 2.3 – 4.5 mg/lb every 12 to 24 hours for 10 or more days. Always follow the recommendation of your vet.

Doxycycline overdoses are rare. The most common signs of overdose may include digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or contact an animal poison control center.
It is concluded that a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day of doxycycline is required to obtain effective plasma concentrations in dogs and cats for 24 hours, when this dose is administered once daily.
The common dosage of doxycycline for dogs is 2 mg to 5 mg per pound of body weight given every twelve to 24 hours.
The usual dose of doxycycline in adults is 200 mg once or twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 300 mg daily.
Bacterial Infections

The maximum dosage is 300 mg/day, except in the case of acute gonorrheal infection, which is often treated with 600 mg/day for five days. The drug is best on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take medication with at least 8 ounces of water.

Doxycycline is used in dogs to treat susceptible bacterial infections and infections caused by Rickettsia, Canine ehrlichiosis (anaplasmosis), Toxoplasma, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Leptospirosis and Neorickettsia helminthoeca (salmon poisoning).
The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite, and these signs may be eased by giving the medication with food. Increases in liver enzymes on bloodwork may also occur, more commonly in dogs than in cats.
Side effects of doxycycline in dogs

Your dog may experience gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite while taking doxycycline, Dr. McCullough shares. If your pup has these adverse side effects, she urges you to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Doxycycline is typically given once or twice daily. Dry pilling is not recommended especially in cats and small dogs as the pill can stick in the esophagus and cause tremendous inflammation. A small amount of food or water should be given to see that the medication travels all the way to the stomach.
Treatment of bacterial infections caused by organisms sensitive to Doxycycline in dogs and cats. This includes treatment of infections of the skin, upper and lower respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, middle ear, skeletal system and gastrointestinal tract.
Extensive clinical investigation has shown doxycycline to be highly effective in infections of the respiratory tract, including atypical pneumonias; skin and soft tissue; genitourinary infection including gonorrhea, syphilis, nonspecific urethritis, and prostatitis; intraabdominal infection due to trauma, sepsis, or …
Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne.
While an overdose of doxycycline is uncommon, accidents can occur. Most symptoms of a doxycycline overdose include an increased risk of side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If other medications are taken with the antibiotic, it may be necessary to ingest charcoal or have a gastric lavage.
If you take too much

Taking 1 extra dose of doxycycline is unlikely to harm you. But speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you`re worried, or you have taken more than 1 extra dose.

Adults—100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours on the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every 12 hours. Children 8 years of age or older weighing 45 kilograms (kg) or more—100 mg every 12 hours on the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every 12 hours.
This medicine may darken the color of your skin, nails, eyes, teeth, gums, or scars. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns. Doxycycline may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Indication for use

Dogs For the treatment of respiratory tract infections including rhinitis, tonsillitis and bronchopneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Pasteurella spp susceptible to doxycycline. For the treatment of canine ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis.

When several drugmakers had to cut production, the price of doxycycline started rising, spiking higher last year than any other generic, according to Drug Channel Institute, a website that monitors the economics of the pharma business, the Poughkeepsie Journal reports.
The American Heartworm Society recommends treatment with doxycycline in dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease at a dose of 10 mg/kg twice daily for 28 days. If doxycycline is not available, minocycline can be considered as a substitute.
Doxycycline starts working in as little as 2 hours after taking it. But depending on the infection you have, it may take up to 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) to start seeing its effects. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for doxycycline to fully clear an infection, but some infections can take as long as 2 months.
The Warnings and Precautions sections of package inserts for doxycycline alert users to a number of risks: permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia during tooth development in a child if taken in the last half of the mother`s pregnancy; Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea and related morbidity and …
A higher dose of doxycycline increased the risk of elevated ALP activity (OR=1.27, 95 per cent CI 1.06 to 1.53). The findings of the present study indicate that doxycycline therapy in dogs may be associated with gastrointestinal side effects and an increase in liver enzyme activities.
Can you overdose on doxycycline? There are no published reports of toxic effects in humans who overdose with single large doses of doxycycline. There is one case with chronic overdose causing severe, reversible toxicity.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. Male neutered cat [1 1/2 years old] has just started trying to spray everywhere around the house. Nothing is coming out. No recent changes.
ANSWER : A. Changes in urinary habits can be caused by a number of things, especially in neutered male cats. Attempting to urinate or have accidents in places other than the litter box can often be a sign of a urinary tract infection, or crystals and debris in the bladder causing problems. Pets may need to go more frequently, may dribble or urinate in small amounts more often, may have accidents or may have blood-tinged or cloudy urine.Infections are usually treated with medications and changes to the diet, however in some cases of large stones or crystals surgery may be needed.

Male cats can also experience urinary blockage. This is due to a unique anatomical part or the urethra that forms a U-shape before exiting the body in male cats. If a cat has crystals or other debris in the urine, it can block at this point preventing urine from being able to exit. Cats may attempt to urinate without producing anything, may become very vocal (indicating pain) or may have a hunched back, full abdomen or pain in the abdomen (protecting the very full bladder). Urinary blockage IS a medical emergency so if suspected, your vet or local emergency clinic should be contacted immediately. Treatment usually involves a hospital stay and catheterization of the bladder to remove the blockage and allow urine to drain followed by medications and a change in diet to prevent further problems.

It is best to try and collect a sample of urine and make an appointment for your cat if he has had a change in urinary habits. If you do suspect a blockage, then contact your vet ASAP is best.

Q. My 20 month Cavalier doesn’t eat unless I let him eat from my finger, then he eats. Sometimes he will only eat once a day and leave his food.
ANSWER : A. It is possible that your dog is just not satisfied with his current food, or may be a picky eater. There are several things you can try to encourage your dog to eat.

The first step is to remove any additional treats or people food that may be more enticing to your dog than his own meal. If you feel you must give him some form of treat, be sure to place them directly in his food bowl and mixed with his regular diet. This allows him to get some snacks while also “forcing” him to try out his current meal to get the reward.

Enticing your dog to try his food by adding a pet-safe gravy or even a few treats of plain boiled chicken mixed in can help. Be sure to mix the foods thoroughly so he must explore his own food before getting the treat.

Some small breed dogs may also have a hard time with certain bowls and their collars. If there is a metal name tag on the collar and a metal bowl, the clinking sound can sometimes scare off dogs and make them not want to eat from their bowl. Using a bowl of a different material, or removing the collar prior to a meal may help with this issue.

Your dog may also just not be into his current food and may like another variety better. You can try a new variety by gradually switching over a period of 7-9 days, slowly adding in more new food and removing old until it is switched. This change may encourage him to try out meals again, and the slow changeover will allow his body to adjust to the new diet without digestive upset.

Q. He has a malignant tumor the size of a small grapefruit on the left side of liver what homopathyic steps can I take to help him or surgery an option
ANSWER : A. I’m assuming the tumor was diagnosed on ultrasound, and a needle aspirate was taken to diagnose the type of tumor? If that hasn’t been done it should be – lots of tumors, especially the big ones, aren’t malignant, and may not cause any big problems if left alone. So let’s start there – get a needle biopsy done if possible.

If you definitely have a diagnosis of “cancer”, and the tumor is confined to one area or “lobe” of the liver, it may absolutely be surgically resectable, which may provide a complete cure. I would discuss this option with a very capable surgeon, perhaps one who is board certified if available, and proceed if he/she thinks the whole tumor can be removed.

Unfortunately I can’t think of any natural or homeopathic treatments that could be helpful. I think first you have to know the tumor is dangerous and then consider removing it, if possible.

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Q. I think my Daschaund may have taken 400 mg of doxycycline. Should I be concerned
ANSWER : A. You will likely see GI upset, possibly severe. If you observe vomiting or diarrhea, withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (1:1 ratio of plain boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice). Feed in small, frequent amounts waiting at least one hour between feedings. If the vomiting stops, continue feeding until the stool is normal. Transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don’t stop, see your veterinarian.

Q. My dog has a hard time walking on his front legs. I was told he has nerve damage and he was walking on three legs now it seems to be both front legs
ANSWER : A. Problems with walking in the front legs can be caused by a large number of things. Arthritis in older dogs can cause joint pain and stiffness which may make walking hard. Nerve or muscular damage may also cause problems.

With nerve or muscle damage there is often a loss of muscle tone in the affected limbs. Limbs may look skinnier than unaffected ones, and may lose overall muscle mass. In some cases, treatment for pain or soreness may help improve symptoms some. Depending on the severity of the damage, some dogs may recover while others have permanent damage.

It may also be that if your dog was putting all his weight on one front leg to help the other, that the good front leg is now stiff and sore. Restricting exercise, giving a supplement to help joints and bones and following your veterinarian’s recommendations for care can all help your dog to feel a little better.

Q. My Greyhound starts to chatter his teeth and shake. It’s not cold inside and it doesn’t last long. He might even go outside quite a bit. Suggestions?
ANSWER : A. Even if things seem room-temperature to you, greyhounds have very little hair and may still get cold. Adding in a sweater or doggie coat may help him to feel a little more comfortable. You may also want to add a blanket to his bedding to snuggle under as well. Teeth chattering may also indicate nervousness or stress, and if you’ve had recent changes to your home (such as new people or pets) this may be a cause as well. Providing a place for him to rest away from all the commotion may help.

If you are seeing any other signs of illness in addition to the teeth chattering such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, then alerting your vet is best.

Q. Why do cats meow?
ANSWER : A. Cat parents often wish they could better understand what their favorite feline friends want or desire. A cat’s meow can be interpreted in many different ways and can indicate an array of feelings and needs. Here are some of the most common reasons for your cat’s vocalizations:

1. Greeting- Many cats will meow as a greeting when you enter your home or walk into a room. Cats will also meow at another cat or animal in the household to extend a hello and acknowledge the other animal’s presence.

2. Attention – An exuberant meow followed by leg rubbing or another attention seeking behavior may indicate your cat is looking for some quality time spent together. Some petting or rubbing behind the ears may be in order.

3. Hunger – A meowing cat is often a hungry cat. This is one of the most common reasons for a cat to vocalize to their owners. A cat will meow to get your attention at feeding times or even when they want extra food.

4. Sickness – A sick or hurt cat may begin to meow excessively, warranting a visit to the veterinarian. There are numerous reasons for a cat in distress to meow—whether it is related to an upset stomach, an injured leg or a urinary blockage. These meows should be carefully investigated.

5. Entering or leaving – Most cats will vocalize when they want to be let in or out of a room. You may notice when you are in the bathroom or behind the closed door of a room that your cat begins to meow, scratches at the door, and often reaches its paw under the door. This is a clear indication that the cat wants to be where you are.

6. Angry – An agitated cat may meow to warn their owner or another household pet that they are upset and would like to be left alone. This angry meow may increase in sound volume as the cat becomes more stressed or agitated. Often a cat will exhibit this type of meow at the veterinary office when they are unhappy with their examination or restraint.

Each feline is different and so are their vocalizations. Learn to understand the variety of meows your cat uses on a daily basis. This will help you develop a better relationship with your cat and help them live a more trusting and happier life.

Q. Husband shamed dog for having an accident inside, and now she won’t poop when he takes her out. Can we fix this? He realizes he erred
ANSWER : A. Good on your husband for realizing that scolding is not the way to potty train! Hopefully these tips can help both him and your pup get back on the right track and make pottying outside successful.

If your dog is still a puppy, that is good news as you may be able to more easily time your potty outings with your dog’s schedule. Even if your dog is older, this schedule may help. Dogs generally have to go potty about 15 minutes after eating, drinking, waking up or playing. Knowing this, get your husband to start taking out your puppy at these key times, so puppy gets used to going out with him, and the urge to potty may be higher than any fear to go. If the potty is successful, have your husband reward the dog with a favorite treat! For bowel movements, dogs may take a little more time, and you may have to stand outside for a while (sometimes even 10 minutes) to give your dog a chance to go. If she doesn’t go, take her back inside and play some, then try again in about 15 minutes. Again, a success equals a treat which most dogs will like right away!

For any indoor potty accidents that occurred, an enzymatic cleaner is great for cleaning up urine and stool. Not only does it remove the stain and smell, but it breaks down the enzymes in the urine and stool your dog can smell, which may deter her from going potty there again.