What injection should be given to a dog after a tick bite? - briefly
A single subcutaneous injection of doxycycline (approximately 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) should be administered promptly to prevent Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections. If the bite occurred in a rabies‑risk area, a rabies vaccine booster may also be indicated.
What injection should be given to a dog after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment, immediate treatment should include an antimicrobial injection to address potential bacterial transmission. The drug of choice is a single dose of injectable doxycycline, administered subcutaneously at 5 mg/kg. This dosage provides effective coverage against Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and early‑stage Lyme‑causing Borrelia burgdorferi.
Additional measures:
- Verify that the animal’s Lyme vaccine series is up‑to‑date; a booster may be given if the last dose was more than one year ago.
- Record the date of tick removal and monitor the dog for fever, lethargy, joint swelling, or changes in appetite for the next 2–3 weeks.
- If the dog shows signs of severe illness, consider a second doxycycline dose after 48 hours and evaluate the need for supportive therapy.
Contra‑indications for the injection include known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines and severe hepatic impairment. In such cases, an alternative antibiotic, such as injectable minocycline, may be employed at a comparable dosage.