Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog trembling in sleep while on Doxycycline for tick fever?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 75 lbs

Good afternoon, I own a 1 year old German Shepard, and he caught some sort of tick fever last week. His blood work at the vet resulted in a low platelet count. So, the vet suspected the fever, but the tick fever test came back negative. My dog's been taking Doxycycline and Predisone, and he's done much better. But I've noticed my dog tremble in his sleep, I suspect it to be the fever, but also suspect it to be the antibiotic. What is the likely-hood of the trembling being caused by Doxycycli

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2018

Doxycycline would not normally cause trembling or any neurological problems. It does sometimec cause the dog (and people also) to not be hungry or get nauseous. I would not worry about the trembling in his sleep, he may be dreaming which might cause the trembling. Keep giving him the Doxycycline and prednisone as prescribed by your veterinarian, as tick borne diseases such as Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis can be lethal if not completely cured. Doxycycline is usually the best choice.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

How to prevent dog tick fever? Is doxycycline effective for treatment?

I am sorry I do not know exactly what type of ticks are present in India. In the united states doxycycline is a common antibiotic for tick born disease. Patients can have exposure to tick born disease and not be sick. IF a patient is sick from tick born disease they usually have a fever and joint pain. I would recommend using a tick prevention that kills a tick with out having to bite the patient. Also, ask your vet if a vaccine is available. In the US for lyme disease we recommend the lyme vaccine with tick prevention. If you find a tick removing is a great options. I hope that helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My German Shepherd has tick disease. Will doxycycline make him okay?

Doxy is the right medication, but he definitely needs to be on a tick prevention product like nexguard or advantix every year during tick season in your area to prevent further infestation by ticks.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog tired, sore, and shivering after tick exposure?

I'm sorry Holly is so sick! A dog's temperature is normally 101-102.5, so she doesn't have a fever. If you have removed a lot of ticks from her in the past, her symptoms of being very tired, sore, and not wanting to move can be indicative of a tick born disease such as Lyme disease. I would have her seen by a vet right away. The vet can diagnose if she does have lyme disease, another tick borne disease, or something else causing her symptoms and can treat her for it. If she did have Lyme disease, for example, it can be treated with a course of doxycycline.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog vomiting yellow after Doxycycline for tick fever. What to do?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can cause GI upset. I recommend giving it with food to minimize nausea. If the vomiting persists, it could be related to Emma's medical issues, and I would recommend that you discuss it with your vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog takes doxycycline & tramadol for Lyme. Why can't he stand?

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Zeus. I'm sorry he has Lyme disease. Potential side effects in doxycycline include nausea, vomiting, decrease in appetite, and diarrhea. Tramadol has some of the same side effects, but neither cause struggles with standing. I suspect this is related to his Lyme disease, which causes general weakness. Give the medications as prescribed, and contact your vet with any questions or concerns. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's tired & wobbly after tick treatment. Are these side effects?

In this product they use Amitraz. I have seen dogs react poorly to this medication. Typically they have vomiting, diarrhea and lethargic behavior. I would recommend taking him to your veterinarian for supportive care. Typically this is not a fatal medication but can make them dehydrated and need medical care! Some dogs just like people are more sensitive to certain medications. I would not recommend using this product again. Hope that helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is tired after prednisone and doxycycline. Is this normal?

Hello. No, these medications generally do not cause a lack of energy. I wonder if she just knows she needs to rest to get over her infection. As long as she seems to be healing, keep her on her medications & perhaps discuss this with your veterinarian on Monday. I hope Chicken Noodle ( great name ) is feeling better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share