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Is extended doxycycline treatment safe for my dog with Lyme?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | 8 years and 4 months old

My 8 year old German Shepard was diagnosed with Lyme disease about 7 months ago. He was good given 30 days of doxycycline. He recently was given another Lyme test and the vet wants him to take 84 doses. He eats, drinks,and sleeps normally. His only problem is sometimes he's tired. Will the doxycycline do more harm then good at this point. I don't want Lyme to effect but I'm afraid if he takes doxy to much it will harm him.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2016

If Rufus is still testing positive for Lyme disease, then yes he should continue to take the doxycycline. If you stop it and he's still positive for it, then the symptoms of it will come back. He needs to be treated until he is cleared of the disease. Studies have shown that some animals do not clear the organism after 30 days, and will relapse once the antibiotic is discontinued. While there can be side effects of antibiotics, the symptoms of Lyme disease can be quite severe and lead to fatal kidney failure. Not treating him will lead to much worse symptoms that the side effects of long term antibiotic use.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If your dog is not showing any clinical signs and the snap test is positive after being treated for 30 days, your vet may be able to do a C6 antibody test to determine if treatment is necessary. The C6 test provides an effective means to monitor treatment, as lower concentrations of C6 antibody indicate a reduction in organism load. Another round of doxy shouldn't cause a problem but you could ask your vet about doing the C6 antibody test. It does provide useful information with regards to treatment.

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