Cephalexin For Dogs

Cephalexin for Dogs- Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side-Effects, Drug Interactions, and Safety Precautions

 

Cephalexin is a popular broad-spectrum antibiotic in the cephalosporin family that is used to treat many common bacterial infections in dogs and cats. These infections include skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, soft tissue, and bone infections. The drug is especially useful in treating Staph. It’s however not often used to treat Enterobacter infections.

 

The antibiotic can be administered with food and is usually well-tolerated by dogs, although there are often a few side effects after use. It should however be avoided in dogs that are allergic to penicillin and other types of cephalosporin antibiotics.

Cephalexin is available in tablets, capsules, and as an oral suspension.

 

Benefits of Cephalexin for Dogs

 

Because it’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic, Cephalexin is used to treat a wide range of infections. Below are some of the benefits of using Cephalexin in dogs.

 

• It works effectively to treat a range of bacterial infections
• It also treats infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, bones, as well as joints
• It helps prevent secondary infections

 

How Cephalexin Works

 

Because it’s an antibiotic, Cephalexin suppresses the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. It does this by interfering with the micro-organisms ability to make cell walls, which are necessary for them to survive in the body.

Cephalexin Dosage

 

The drug may be prescribed by a veterinarian to effectively treat different types of infections. The dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated, although it may be adjusted in those dogs with pre-existing medical conditions to lower their risk of adverse effects. Dogs with serious conditions such as seizures, kidney failure, or allergies may require a different dosage than those that are healthy. Also, the drug should not be administered to pregnant or nursing dogs. In such cases, you might want to consider getting advice from a vet before administering the drug.

 

The dosage may also vary with the dog’s weight. The typical dosage usually ranges from 10mg or 15mg for every pound of body weight. For example, the recommended dosage for a 60-pound dog to treat the infections should be around 600mg of the antibiotic to 800mg. It should be given twice daily or as prescribed by the vet.

 

It’s important to note that the concentrations of liquid formulas can vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, some formulations may contain 250mg of active ingredients per 5ml while others may contain 125mg per 5ml. It’s therefore important to check the concentration of the active ingredients before administering.

 

While the drug isn’t usually considered as dangerous, it’s still very important to administer it correctly. Don’t take matters into your own hands when it comes to your dog’s medical matters because you might end up messing up. Always administer it with the vet’s approval.

 

Direction of Use

 

Be sure to give the medication as directed by your veterinarian. In most cases, it’s usually given two or three times per day.

 

It’s important to be consistent with the dosage and timing because failure to do so may significantly reduce the drug’s effectiveness. The drug may also be given with food to reduce diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea during the treatment.

 

For the liquid formula, be sure to shake the container well before each dosage. Capsules should not be chewed, split, or crushed as this may reduce their effectiveness.

 

How Long Should the Treatment Last?

 

As with all types of drugs, it’s important to give the full course of treatment or continue administering for at least three days after the dog begins to feel better. Remember that ending the treatment too soon may cause the infection to return.

 

Side Effects of Cephalexin in Dogs

 

While cephalexin works effectively to treat various types of infections in dogs, sometimes there are few complications. Some of the most common side effects include;

 

• Nausea, Diarrhea, and Vomiting may be experienced after use. However, this is usually alleviated by giving the medication with food.
• Panting, Hyperexcitability, and Drooling may also be experienced.
• You may notice some Skin Rashes on the dog’s skin
• Rapid Breathing, Salivation, Bloody Stools may also be experienced
• In extreme cases, use of the drug may result in Kidney damage
• The dog may have Reduced Mobility after taking the medication

 

 

Long-term use may result in various complications such as decreased platelet count, granulopenia, neutropenia, hepatitis, and severe kidney damage.

Dogs that are allergic to this drug may experience adverse effects such as fever, rashes, and anaphylaxis. It’s important to seek the vet’s advice in case of such severe allergic reactions.

 

Cephalexin Interactions

 

Certain drugs such as aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, chloramphenicol, penicillin, oral anticoagulants, and probenecid have been shown to interact with Cephalexin. The interaction can cause severe complications.

 

Be sure to consult with the vet before administering the medication.

 

What to Discuss with your Vet about before Prescribing Cephalexin?

 

It’s important to discuss your dog’s medical issues with the vet before giving the medication. This may help prevent any drug interactions or complications.

 

• Tell your vet if your dog has previously had an allergic reaction to any cephalosporin antibiotics or penicillin
• Tell your vet of the dog is pregnant or lactating
• Tell your vet if your dog has a kidney disease or any gastrointestinal disorder
• Tell your vet if your dog is diabetic- Cephalexin liquid formula contains sucrose which may interfere with the treatment of a diabetic dog.

Cephalexin Overdose

 

A Cephalexin overdose may cause various symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, blood in urine, and diarrhea.

 

Some overdose cases do not usually pose a health risk but in case you notices the above symptoms, it’s best to call your vet for assistance.

 

Cephalexin Missed Dosage

 

In case a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. However, if it’s already time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with the normal schedule.

 

Never give a double dose as it may cause severe complications.

 

Is Cephalexin Safe?

 

The medication is safe to use on all types of dogs. However, caution should be taken for those with allergic reactions or certain conditions such as kidney disease or pregnancy.

 

All in all, it’s safe to use and offers an effective treatment for a wide range of infections.

 

For more information about the drug, you should consider asking your vet or a pharmacist. Be sure to follow all the safety guidelines when administering the drug and call your vet for medical assistance if the dog starts experiencing side effects.

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