Quote: Connie Sutherland

Antibiotics, as Mike said, kill the beneficial flora and fauna along with the ones you're trying to kill.

I would recommend using probiotics along with most antibiotics as well as after the protocol.

Well here's the thing: Doxycycline is supposed to be given with food, but you are supposed to avoid dairy. Says so right on the label. Gee, maybe that's why my naturalpathic vet said finish the treatment first, then tinker with the tummy later ... if you think you must. (I don't. YMMV.)

C

 Quote: Cheryl Zovich

One of my ACDs tested positive for both Lyme and Erhliciosis. We did 7 weeks of Doxy

Were you advised to limit direct sun on the dog's nose and other non-furry parts during the Doxy regimen?

Actually I was being factious when I asked about probiotics and the immune system. I know they are supposed to help people. But I'm not convinced my dog's digestive tract and immunity system is the same as mine.

C

 Quote: cheryl zovich

 Quote: connie sutherland

Antibiotics, as Mike said, kill the beneficial flora and fauna along with the ones you're trying to kill.

I would recommend using probiotics along with most antibiotics as well as after the protocol.

Well here's the thing: Doxycycline is supposed to be given with food, but you are supposed to avoid dairy. Says so right on the label. Gee, maybe that's why my naturalpathic vet said finish the treatment first, then tinker with the tummy later ... if you think you must. (I don't. YMMV.)

C

I should have read all the way back and not just the word "antibiotics."

Yes, because of the interference with absorption that dairy can cause with several brands of doxycycline, I've read that doxycycline should be taken two hours before or two hours after dairy is ingested.

And of course you are 100% correct that you would follow vet instructions. I believe Mike mentioned that one would check with the vet first.

I'm glad you mentioned it, because I was amiss not to be more specific than just saying "most antibiotics," instead of "antibiotics not of the tetracycline family."

From the Doxy site:

"You may take this medication with or without food. Do not take the medication with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor has told you to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine. Certain brands of doxycycline may not have restrictions about taking them with dairy products. If your doctor has instructed you to take doxycycline with milk, tell your pharmacist that you need a brand of doxycycline that can be taken with milk."

 Quote: cheryl zovich

But I'm not convinced my dog's digestive tract and immunity system is the same as mine.

C

I'm not either.

However, Pitcairn, Messonier, and other DVMs, both "traditional" and naturopathic, advocate the use of probiotics with dogs on most antobiotics. I use both live-culture yogurt as well as probiotic capsules, but of course if dairy is contra-indicated, then the capsules alone (or other probiotic source) could be used.

Again, you are 100% correct: I would absolutely ask my own vet, especially with any antibiotic of the tetracycline family.

And I will stop saying "most antibiotics" and be more specific.