Tetracycline is a commonly used antibiotic known by the brand name Panmycin. If your dog has a bacterial infection, your veterinarian may prescribe this general antibiotic, which you can purchase from a pharmacy or online. Before administering this, or any medications, to your pet, be sure to investigate possible side effects.
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Allergic Reactions
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Your dog may have an allergic reaction to tetracycline and display symptoms similar to allergy symptoms in humans, including hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Changes in Appearance
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Changes in your dog's appearance can indicate that tetracycline is damaging his health. Stop giving your dog the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice loss of fur, lesions in the shape of targets ("bullseye" lesions), vesicles (small fluid-containing sacs) around mouth, ears, and groin or jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
Phyiological/Behavorial Concerns
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Cease administering the antibiotic and contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog displays signs of severe headache or fever (your dog may appear listless or in pain), dizziness or blurred vision (she may stumble or run into objects), weakness or confusion.
Monitor your dog's intake and expulsion of food and water. If your dog experiences a decrease or complete loss of appetite or urination, contact your veterinarian. Although rare, this drug can induce the formation of urinary stones. It is more likely that you may notice that your dog has dark-colored urine. Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment.
Gastrointestinal Ailments
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Some side effects may develop that will not threaten your dog's overall health. Give the medicine with a bit of food to ward off gastrointestinal problems. In the event of mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you may continue to give your dog tetracycline but should contact your veterinarian for additional instructions.
Other Side Effects
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The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center explains that tetracycline has "potential to permanently stain teeth if given to immature animals. (It binds to calcium which is needed for growing bones and teeth.)"
Furthermore, when testing your dog for glucose, tetracycline can cause a false positive result.
The website Pet Place warns against giving tetracycline to pregnant animals because it can cause fetal abnormalities.
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