{"id":59820,"date":"2023-08-10T11:04:44","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T15:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59820"},"modified":"2026-04-01T18:16:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T22:16:35","slug":"cephalexin-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cephalexin-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Is cephalexin safe for dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 <\/span>antibiotics<\/span><\/a>. If your dog was recently prescribed <\/span>cephalexin<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Cephalexin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tCephalexin 500 mg (28 Capsule)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.68\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.68\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Cephalexin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Common antibiotics & coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is cephalexin used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cephalexin<\/span><\/a> is a first-generation <\/span>cephalosporin antibiotic<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of its excellent activity against <\/span>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius<\/span><\/i> and other bacteria that live on dogs\u2019 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 <\/span>deep ear infections<\/span><\/a> (otitis interna or otitis media), <\/span>some respiratory infections<\/span><\/a>, and urinary tract infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is pyoderma?<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does cephalexin relieve itching in dogs?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Skin allergies, also called <\/span>allergic dermatitis<\/span><\/a>, 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 <\/span>allergy medications<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (diphenhydramine), <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (cetirizine HCl), Apoquel (oclacitinib), or <\/span>prednisone<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Stop the itch: How to treat allergies in cats and dog<\/b><\/a>s<\/b> | <\/b>Can dogs take Zyrtec?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is human cephalexin safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Is it safe to share medication with my pet<\/b><\/a>?<\/b><\/p>\n

Cephalexin dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cephalexin starts working within approximately 90 minutes of administration. However, <\/span>it may take a day or two before you can see improvement in your dog\u2019s symptoms<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Can I save on medication for my pets?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Cephalexin for dogs\u2019 side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Overall, side effects are not common in dogs. The most common side effects of cephalexin are <\/span>mild diarrhea and vomiting<\/span><\/a>. Potential cephalexin side effects in dogs include:<\/span><\/p>\n