Minocycline is a tetracyclines antibiotic belonging to the same group as doxycycline. It is used to treat canine bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacteria.
Certain dogs infections are caused by bacteria that cannot be treated with other antibiotics. For such infection, Minocycline (Minocin®, Dynacin® Solodyn®, Arestin®) can be a proven treatment option.
Minocycline is mostly used to treat canine tick-borne bacterial diseases, Wolbachia, water-borne infections, UTIs, Wound infections, and respiratory infections.
Minocycline is not an FDA-approved medicine for dogs; however, it is among the prescription medicine off-label for the veterinarian.
Bacterial infection in dogs requires timely and proper treatment. Leaving untreated, such an infection can cause severe complications for your pet and even be fatal.
This blog post includes Minocycline Tablets and Oral suspension dosage for dogs, uses side effects, dosage chart, dosage calculator, and safety precautions.
| Medicine Name | Minocycline |
| Popular Brands | Minocin®, Dynacin® Solodyn®, Arestin® |
| FDA Approved for dogs | No |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Used For | Tick-borne bacterial diseases, water-borne infections, Wolbachia, UTI, Wound infections and respiratory infections. |
| Available Forms | 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg Oral Tablets + 50, 75 and 100 mg oral capsules + 50 mg/5 ml Oral suspension + 100 mg vials powder for injection |
Minocycline Dosage For Dogs
The safe dosage of Minocycline for dogs is 5-12 mg/kg 2.2 -5.4 mg/lb once or twice a day. The dosage of Minocycline liquid suspension for dogs is 0.5 ml to 1ml per kg.
The dose can be increased or decreased depending on the type of infection and severity of the illness.
Your vet will decide the ideal duration of the treatment after observing your pet’s condition. Usually, Minocycline can be used for 5-7 days.
To avoid antibiotic resistance, Don’t stop the medicine without completing the full treatment (Stop if side effects appear).
Remember that the medicine should only be used with the veterinarian’s prescription. Never overdose your puppy on Minocycline.
Whatever form of the antibiotic you are using, make to calculate and administer a safe dose.
Minocycline Dosage Chart For Dogs
| Kg Weight | lb Weight | Minocycline for dogs Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 25-60 mg |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | 40-96 mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 50-120 mg |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 75-180 mg |
| 18 kg | 40 lbs | 90-216 mg |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 125-300 mg |
| 28 kg | 61 lbs | 140-336 mg |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | 175-420 mg |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | 200-480mg |
| 45 kg | 99 lbs | 225-540 mg |
| 50 kg | 110 lbs | 250-600 mg |
For safety purposes, always use the lower dose until your vet advises you to increase the amount.
Minocin® 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg Tablets for dogs Dosage chart
| Dog Weight | Minocycline (Minocin®) 50 mg Dosage | Minocycline (Minocin®) 75 mg | Minocycline (Minocin®) 100 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet |
| 8 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet |
| 10 kg | 1 Tablet | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet |
| 15 kg | 1+1/2 Tablets | 1 Tablet | 1 Tablet |
| 20 kg | 2 Tablets | 1+1/3 Tablets | 1 Tablet |
| 25 kg | 2 +1/2 Tablets | 1+1/2 Tablets | 1+1/3 Tablets |
| 30 kg | 3 Tablets | 2 Tablets | 1+1/2 Tablets |
| 35 kg | * | 2+1/3 Tablets | 2 Tablets |
| 40 kg | * | 2+1/2 Tablets | 2 Tablets |
| 45 kg | * | 3 Tablets | 2+1/3 Tablets |
| 50 kg | * | * | 2+1/2 Tablets |
| 60 kg | * | * | 3 Tablets |
Minocycline 50mg/ml Liquid Suspension Dosage Chart
| Weight Dog #kg | #lbs Weight | Minocycline 50mg/ml Liquid Suspension Dosage (0.5 -1 ml/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 2.5 ml |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | 4 ml |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 5 ml |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 7.5 ml |
| 18 kg | 40 lbs | 9 ml |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 12.5 ml |
| 28 kg | 61 lbs | 14 ml |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | 17.5 ml |
Minocycline Liquid Suspension usually uses for puppies and young dogs. Pets weight more than 30kg can use oral tablets.
Make sure to choose a liquid formulation that doesn’t contain toxic ingredients for canines, such as xylitol and other artificial flavors.
Uses of Minocycline In dogs
Veterinarians usually prescribe Minocycline to treat certain canine bacterial infections. The most common health issues in which Minocycline can help canines are:
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Blood-borne infections
- Tick-borne bacterial diseases
- Respiratory Infections
- Wound infections
- Wolbachia
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Leptospirosis.
Available Forms of Antibiotic:
- 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg Oral Tablets
- 50, 75 and 100 mg oral capsules
- 50 mg/5 ml Oral suspension
- 100 mg vials powder for injection
What are the Minocycline Side Effects in dogs?
Minor side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness and dizziness.
Severe/Overdosing Side effects: Difficult swallowing, decreased hearing, joint stiffness and swelling, increased or decreased urine, pink or dark urine, loss of appetite, stomach and abdominal pain, yellowing eyes, pale gums.
Suppose you observe any of the above-mentioned side effects after administrating the antibiotic to your puppy. Stop the next dose and contact your vet immediately for help.
Which dogs should not take Minocycline?
Minocycline is not safe for dogs allergic or hypersensitive to the medicine. Canine suffering from liver or kidney disorder, breeding, pregnant and lactating, puppies weight less than 5 kg, and newborn puppies should not take Minocycline until a veterinarian advises it.
Which drugs cannot be used parallel with Minocycline?
Minocycline may interact with certain medicines. Drugs that can interact with Minocycline are:
- Tetracyclines Antibiotics (overdosing Risk)
- Antacids
- Digoxin
- Iron supplements
- Zinc supplements
- Kaolin
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- Isotretinoin
- Warfarin
- Penicillins
- Gastro protectants
How to Give Minocycline?
Give Minocycline to your pup as your veterinarian prescribes and follow the dosage as well as prescribed.
Wash your hands and wear gloves before giving the medicine to your pet.
Do not administer a dry pill. It can cause choking hazards and esophagus injury.
Minocycline can be administered with or without food. We prefer giving it with or after the meal.
Make sure to keep a gap of at least 10-12 hours in a double dose and 24 hours in a single dose. Do not give double doses at a time.
If you miss a dose, give the dose as you remember and then wait for the time gap before administering the next dose.
Suppose you are in doubt if you have given the dose or not. Our advice is to skip that dose and then follow the time gap for the next dose. Overdosing can be fatal.
You May Also Like To Read:
Safety Precautions:
- Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.
- For canines, Minocycline is a prescription drug that must be used with your veterinarian’s advice.
- Do not give this medication to dogs that should not be treated with an antibiotic.
- Pregnant pet owners should keep a distance from the medicine. It is better for a male person to give the medicine to the pet.
- In case of overdosing or toxic reactions, take your pet to the veterinary as soon as possible and in, meanwhile, call the animal poison control center for assistance.
Can I use Minocycline to treat viral or fungal infections in dogs?
No, Minocycline is not an ideal treatment option for treating Viruses or fungal infections in dogs. There are certain medicines available that can be used to treat viral or fungal infections in dogs.
