My 3lb dog ate heartworm doxycycline. Is she okay? What should I do?

A part from possible oesophageal inflammation, Prince should not experience any other side effect a part from nausea, vomiting, and possibly diarrhea. I would not be extremely worried and just monitor him at this stage. Should you notice any signs listed above, a check up would be needed.

You did exactly the right thing by calling around to vets to ask for help right away. It's always best to check when you aren't sure, and are worried about your pet. The Triheart dose that we give dogs for heart worms has very small doses of the two medications that are in it. Ivermectin is one of the medications that is in the Tri heart. The dose is 68 micrograms. Veterinarians use this medication also to treat dogs with skin mites and use a dose over 100 times the dose in one heart worm preventive tablet. Therefore, even if she would have eaten two or three boxes of the Triheart she should be very safe and there is not any risk of an overdose of the ivermectin. The other medication is called pyrantel pamoate which is used for deworming of intestinal parasites. This medication has a very large safety margin also, and can be given at 10-20 times the normal dose without any risks of toxicity. Therefore, just like with the ivermectin in the Triheart Plus, I would not expect any potential side effects either. These potential side effects could include an upset stomach, mild diarrhea, and/or vomiting. Monitor her for those side effects, and bring her into your vet in the morning if you are still concerned.

I’m assuming both dogs are about the same weight. If so the doxycycline could cause vomiting or upset stomach but there would be no other major concerns. If one of your dogs is smaller you should repost your question. Be sure to let your vet know and to get a refill so the prescription can be finished.

Wormers are generally considered very safe medications and although some vomiting or diarrhea may develop this should resolve uneventfully. Some types can cause tremors and neurological signs and you should contact an emergency vet and inform them of the brand, timing and dosage if you notice any unusual symptoms

Both doxycycline and prednisone can cause vomiting and diarrhea. I am not sure of the dose that your dog is on but maybe your vet could adjust the dose so he has less gastrointestinal problems. Feeding the medication with a meal can sometimes help with the gastrointestinal side effects so make sure to give with food. Your vet could also prescribe an anti-vomiting medication, probiotic, and GI protectant which may help, too. At this point, If he is just going to vomit the medication than it doesn't make sense to give it. You should wait and see if your vet can prescribe additional medications to help with the vomiting and diarrhea. If the vomiting and diarrhea has stopped, you could try to give one medication at a time with food and see how he does.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Boss will be fine, there is no need to take him to the vet. Doxycycline is used in dogs fairly often. At the dose he ingested there should not be any side effects at all.

If you mean you have only been giving it once daily instead of twice daily then go ahead and give your pm dose tonight and tomorrow start your twice a day dosing as per the label (1 with breakfast and 1 with dinner). Just make sure you give with food as doxycycline can cause tummy upset. It is okay you have only missed a few days and will get back on track tomorrow. When your vet is open again just call to let them know so they can note it in his medical record. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!