Creator: SingleCare
Published: 2023-08-10T11:04:44-04:00

Key takeaways

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic approved by the FDA for treating bacterial skin infections in dogs, including superficial pyoderma, but it may also be used for other bacterial infections.
Dosages are based on the dog’s body weight, typically 10 mg per pound given orally every 12 hours.
Side effects of cephalexin in dogs are uncommon but may include mild diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased salivation, and, rarely, allergic reactions.

In this article:

Cephalexin for dogs
Is human cephalexin safe for dogs?
Dosage
Side effects
Is cephalexin safe for dogs?

In this article

Cephalexin for dogs
Is human cephalexin safe for dogs?
Dosage
Side effects
Is cephalexin safe for dogs?

For many of us pet parents, dogs are not only pets, they are members of the family. And just like members of our human family, our pups can get sick and may be prescribed antibiotics. If your dog was recently prescribed cephalexin, you may wonder what to expect. How does it work? Is it safe? What are the side effects? This article explains the medication cephalexin and how it can help your furry friend get back to his happy self.

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What is cephalexin used for in dogs?

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that kill bacteria by creating holes in bacterial cell walls. They are especially effective at controlling infections caused by gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, but they also show coverage against various gram-negative bacteria.

Because of its excellent activity against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and other bacteria that live on dogs’ skin, cephalexin is used frequently in dogs to treat bacterial skin infections. Cephalexin is FDA-approved for use in dogs to treat superficial pyoderma, a type of skin infection of the outer layers of the skin and hair follicles. Cephalexin can also be used off-label in dogs to treat other infections, including deep ear infections (otitis interna or otitis media), some respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.

What is pyoderma?

Pyoderma is an infection of the skin and hair follicles. Pyoderma can be classified as either deep or superficial. Deep infections extend into the deeper layers of the skin, while superficial infections remain on the skin’s outer surface. Bacterial species commonly found in pyoderma are the everyday bacteria that usually live harmlessly on the skin. In dogs, the most common type of bacteria in superficial pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

Does cephalexin relieve itching in dogs?

Skin allergies, also called allergic dermatitis, cause dogs to be very itchy. All that scratching and chewing to relieve the itch can cause skin infections, which are also very itchy. By healing the bacterial skin infection, cephalexin can relieve an important source of itchiness. Because skin infections are common in dogs with skin allergies, cephalexin is often prescribed along with allergy medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl), Apoquel (oclacitinib), or prednisone. While cephalexin is not an allergy medication, it is commonly used alongside allergy medications as part of a multimodal approach to relieve itchy skin in dogs with allergic dermatitis.

Is human cephalexin safe for dogs?

Rilexine, a flavored chewable tablet, is the only FDA-approved form of cephalexin for dogs. But dogs can also take the same cephalexin we take! This allows savings from SingleCare to be used on cephalexin for our dogs.

Cephalexin is a prescription medication, and dogs need a prescription from their veterinarian. It is important to never share your own prescriptions with your pet.

Cephalexin dosage for dogs

Cephalexin is typically prescribed at 10 mg per pound of the dog’s body weight, administered every 12 hours. For instance, a 10-pound dog would require a 100 mg dose of cephalexin twice a day. Following the veterinarian’s instructions is essential to achieve the best results.

Several factors come into play when determining the appropriate cephalexin dosage for dogs. These factors include the dog’s weight, overall health condition, the severity of the infection, location, and the type of bacteria present. A thorough examination by a veterinarian will allow the vet to prescribe the appropriate dose for a dog, maximizing its efficacy while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Cephalexin is available in capsules ranging from 250 mg to 750 mg. Rilexine, which is specifically formulated for dogs, comes in chewable tablets of 75mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg. These tablets can be divided into two pieces with half the dose. There is also an oral suspension (liquid) available, which may be best for smaller dogs.

Cephalexin and other cephalosporins have been reported to have a cat-urine-like odor, but this is normal. Cephalexin capsules and tablets can be hidden in a treat for smoother administration, but do not need to be given with food.

The liquid form should be refrigerated and shaken before giving it to the dog by mouth with an oral syringe. The liquid formulation should be discarded or replaced 14 days after opening. Cephalexin can be given for varying lengths of time, ranging from weeks to months, so make sure to follow the directions carefully.

To ensure successful treatment and to limit the risks of harmful side effects, it is important to give cephalexin as prescribed. Treatment length can range from two weeks to four months. Avoid making any dosage adjustments without consulting your veterinarian first.

Cephalexin starts working within approximately 90 minutes of administration. However, it may take a day or two before you can see improvement in your dog’s symptoms. For best results, your veterinarian may advise continuing cephalexin treatment for a week or two after all symptoms of infection have subsided. It’s essential to adhere to the full duration of the prescribed treatment.

Cephalexin for dogs’ side effects

Overall, side effects are not common in dogs. The most common side effects of cephalexin are mild diarrhea and vomiting. Potential cephalexin side effects in dogs include:

Increased salivation: Some dogs may drool more while taking cephalexin. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.
Increased breathing rate: In rare cases, dogs may exhibit a slightly increased respiratory rate while on cephalexin.
Excitability: A few dogs may display heightened excitability or restlessness, but this is generally uncommon.
Gastrointestinal upset: Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, may occur in some dogs during treatment with cephalexin.
Allergic reactions: Although rare, cephalexin can cause an allergic reaction, presenting with symptoms such as a skin rash, fever, or, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Immediate veterinary attention is needed if such reactions are observed.

Cephalexin is usually eliminated from a dog’s system within approximately 24 hours after administration. In the case of side effects, they typically subside within this period. If your dog experiences any concerning side effects, closely monitor their condition and consult your veterinarian if concerns persist or worsen.

In cases of overdose, safety studies have shown minimal side effects in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea, with doses five times the recommended dose. Severe overdosing can lead to rarer adverse effects such as kidney damage or blood disorders. Improperly dosing cephalexin raises concerns about antibiotic resistance developing, which could cause additional problems. For that reason, the dosage of cephalexin given to dogs should be determined and prescribed by a veterinarian to ensure successful treatment and reduce the risk of harmful side effects.

Does cephalexin make dogs sleepy?

Cephalexin is not known to cause drowsiness or sedation in dogs. Cephalexin’s primary function is to treat bacterial infections, but it is often used with antihistamines, such as Benadryl, which can cause drowsiness in dogs.

Is cephalexin safe for dogs?

Cephalexin has been widely used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in dogs. Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in treating infections, particularly skin infections in canines, with treatment success rates exceeding 93% in canine pyoderma.

Cephalexin has few drug interactions. If your dog is on one of the following medications, your vet may recommend a different dose of cephalexin or require additional monitoring while on the medication:

Warfarin
Probenecid

Additionally, it is important to inform the veterinarian about any supplements your dog may be taking or any additional medical conditions.

Dogs with the following conditions may not be able to take cephalexin:

Sensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin
Severe kidney disease
Pregnant or lactating

Reactions to cephalexin are rare, but it is important to monitor pets for worsening symptoms such as itchiness, skin rashes, changes in behavior, or difficulty breathing, and to report these to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Regular check-ups with the veterinarian are recommended to monitor your dog’s condition and ensure the infection is resolving properly. In some cases, additional tests, such as skin cultures, may be performed to confirm that no resistant infections are present and that the treatment plan is working.

With careful use, cephalexin can be an important part in treating infections for dogs, allowing our furry friends to get back to feeling like themselves.