Hair loss in dogs is a serious condition. It may be an indication of infection, stress or disease. If it's caused by infection, there are a number of possible corrections. The medical drug doxycycline is a product that is used to treat bacterial infections. Doxycycline has many side effects, but it has no direct link to the loss of hair in dogs.
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History
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Doxycycline was first produced and clinically developed in the 1960s. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can treat both gram positive and gram negative bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called tetracyclines.
Uses
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Doxycycline is primarily used to treat bacterial infections. It is a medicine that requires a prescription from a veterinarian. It helps to treat Lyme disease, chlamydia and urinary tract infections.
How It Works
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Doxycycline is given to a dog with or without food. The dosage amount is 2mg to 5mg per pound of the dog's weight every 12 to 24 hours. The dog should be encouraged to drink plenty of water. Doxycycline should be given to a dog for the entire length of the prescription period, even if symptoms subside. Doxycycline should not be given to pregnant or nursing dogs.
Side Effects
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Hair loss in dogs is not listed as a side effect of doxycycline. Some of the more severe side effects of dixycycline include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fever, aches, skin rashes, skin discoloration and loss of appetite.
Alternative Causes of Hair Loss
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Allergic reactions are the most common causes of hair loss in dogs. Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism, are also causes. Dogs can lose hair during pregnancy or stressful surgeries. While hair loss is also a seasonal occurrence, excessive hair loss should be diagnosed.
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