Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
VibraVet Paste is an oral antibiotic. The active ingredient is doxycycline, which is commonly used to treat various infections in cats and dogs. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and can be used to treat infections of the skin, airways and lungs, bladder and genitals, gastrointestinal tract, bone, and middle ear. It may also be prescribed to treat bacterial infections secondary to viral infections.
The active ingredient Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It functions by inhibiting bacteria from producing essential proteins, leading to compromised cell walls and hindering their ability to replicate and grow.
Give as directed by your veterinarian. The dose, frequency, and duration of treatment depend on several factors, such as the type and severity of the infection. Some conditions may require many weeks of treatment. Completing the full course of antibiotics is vital to ensure the infection is effectively treated and to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing.
Overdose:
Contact your veterinarian or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738).
Allergy to Doxycycline or Other Tetracyclines: Dogs or cats known to have an allergy to doxycycline or other tetracyclines should not be given VibraVet Paste.
Pregnancy: The use of doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnant animals due to the risk of harm to the developing fetus.
Nursing Animals: Doxycycline can be excreted in milk and is contraindicated in nursing animals due to potential adverse effects on neonatal animals.
Young Animals: The use of doxycycline is contraindicated in young dogs and cats during the period of tooth development, as it can cause permanent discoloration of teeth and affect bone growth.
Liver Disease: Animals with severe liver disease may not be able to adequately metabolise doxycycline, leading to potential toxicity.
Use with Certain Medications: Doxycycline may interact with certain other medications, such as antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; oral iron supplements; and bismuth subsalicylate.
VibraVet Paste is typically well-tolerated, but it is important to remember that all medications may have the potential to cause side effects. Some common side effects of VibraVet Paste include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these side effects in your pet, it is important to contact your veterinarian.
VibraVet® should be stored in a cool place at room temperature. For safety keep out of reach from children and other pets.
What is VibraVet Paste used for in pets?
How should VibraVet Paste be administered to my pet?
Can VibraVet Paste cause any side effects in my pet?
Is VibraVet Paste safe for all dogs and cats?
We hope this article provides a clear understanding of VibraVet Paste for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.