What injection is given to a dog after a tick bite? - briefly
A single dose of doxycycline is commonly administered as prophylaxis against Lyme disease after a tick exposure. In dogs that have not been vaccinated, a Lyme vaccine may also be given as an injection.
What injection is given to a dog after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment, most veterinarians administer a parenteral antimicrobial to reduce the risk of bacterial transmission. The preferred product is an injectable formulation of doxycycline, given as a single dose of 5 mg/kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Doxycycline penetrates intracellular pathogens and is effective against the agents most commonly transmitted by ticks, including Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi. The injection is usually followed by a 2–4‑week oral course to complete eradication.
If doxycycline is unavailable, an injectable broad‑spectrum penicillin such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate (20 mg/kg IM) may be used, though its efficacy against intracellular organisms is lower. In cases where the bite has produced a deep puncture or secondary wound infection, a single dose of tetanus toxoid (0.5 mL subcutaneously) is added to prevent clostridial contamination.
When the canine patient is not current on the Lyme immunization, a single dose of the Lyme vaccine (1 mL subcutaneously) is often given concurrently, providing active protection against future exposure.
Typical protocol after tick removal
- Remove the tick with fine‑pointed forceps, leaving the mouthparts intact if possible.
- Administer doxycycline 5 mg/kg SC or IM as a one‑time injection.
- Initiate oral doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO BID for 2–4 weeks (if tolerated).
- Add tetanus toxoid 0.5 mL SC if the bite site is contaminated or if the dog’s tetanus series is incomplete.
- Provide a Lyme vaccine booster if the animal’s vaccination status is outdated.
The chosen injection targets both immediate bacterial threats and, when appropriate, prevents secondary complications. Dosages are weight‑based; exact amounts should be calculated for each patient and recorded in the medical record. Monitoring for adverse reactions—such as injection site inflammation, gastrointestinal upset, or hypersensitivity—is essential during the treatment period.