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Can I open my puppy's doxycycline capsule to mix with food or treats?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 4 days old | 17.6 lbs

Our puppy was just diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. The vet gave us doxycycline capsules. Is it safe to open the capsule and mix with food / treat, or do they need to be swallowed whole?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2018

Doxycycline should be taken whole or immediately before food to ensure it is swallowed into the stomach, it should then be followed by a drink to ensure it is washed down. It can cause painful ulcers in the upper GI tract if it lodges here and is not taken directly to the stomach
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