What injection should be given to a dog for a tick bite? - briefly
Administer a single prophylactic dose of doxycycline (approximately 10 mg/kg). This antibiotic reduces the risk of Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections in the dog.
What injection should be given to a dog for a tick bite? - in detail
When a canine presents with a recent attachment of an ixodid arthropod, the clinician must evaluate two distinct therapeutic needs: protection against tetanus and treatment of potential tick‑borne infections.
First, assess tetanus risk. A tick bite creates a small puncture that can introduce Clostridium tetani spores, especially if the animal’s vaccination status is outdated. If the dog has not received a tetanus toxoid booster within the past five years, administer a single dose of a 1 ml intramuscular injection of tetanus toxoid (standard canine preparation). For puppies or unvaccinated adults, give the initial series of three injections at two‑week intervals, followed by an annual booster.
Second, consider prophylaxis for common tick‑borne pathogens. The most frequently recommended injectable antimicrobial is doxycycline, given at 5 mg/kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily for ten days. This regimen targets Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. If the dog shows signs of severe infection (fever, lethargy, joint swelling), the dose may be increased to 10 mg/kg and administered twice daily for the same duration.
In regions where Lyme disease is endemic and a licensed canine Lyme vaccine is available, an injectable vaccine dose (0.5 ml subcutaneously) should be offered after the initial series of three injections, with boosters given annually.
A concise protocol:
- Verify tetanus vaccination history; give tetanus toxoid booster if >5 years elapsed.
- Initiate doxycycline injection (5 mg/kg q24 h, 10 days) for broad‑spectrum tick‑borne disease coverage.
- Offer Lyme vaccine series where indicated; administer first dose subcutaneously, followed by two boosters at 2‑ and 4‑week intervals, then yearly.
Monitoring includes re‑examining the bite site for inflammation, checking temperature, and performing blood work (CBC, serology) 2‑3 weeks after treatment to confirm pathogen clearance. Adjust therapy based on laboratory results and clinical response.