Cephalexin for Dogs: An Antibiotic to Treat Many Types of Bacterial Infections

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Cephalexin (Keflex, Rilexine) is an antibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections in dogs. It is available in brand-name and lower-cost generic forms, and it's commonly prescribed to dogs.

Cephalexin has a low risk of negative side effects and is safe for most dogs. Cephalexin for dogs is available only by prescription from a veterinarian. Let's take a closer look at what you should know about this medication.

Cephalexin for dogs at a glance

What is cephalexin for dogs, and how does it work?

Cephalexin is part of a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It can treat gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria species. It is also effective against some gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli.

The only form of cephalexin that is FDA approved for use in dogs is Rilexine, a chewable tablet made to treat certain skin infections in dogs. All other uses of cephalexin in dogs is considered off-label.

Cephalexin is a bactericidal antibiotic, meaning that it treats bacterial infections by killing bacteria. It does so by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which causes bacteria to die. Cephalexin does not kill all species of bacteria, and it cannot treat viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.

When a dog receives cephalexin, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout their entire body. This makes cephalexin an effective antibiotic for treating infections in many parts of the body.

What is cephalexin used for in dogs?

Cephalexin for dogs is often a first choice for many veterinarians to treat bacterial infections, including:

• Skin infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Ear infections

• Abscesses

• Infected wounds

• Bone infections

Cephalexin is often given to dogs before, during, and after surgery to prevent infection.

How is cephalexin dosed and given for dogs?

Cephalexin is usually prescribed to dogs in oral forms that include capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets. If your dog won't take a tablet or a capsule, it is also available in a tasty liquid suspension. Injectable forms of cephalexin are given only by veterinarians in a hospital setting.

Cephalexin dosage varies depending on the type of infection and its location in your dog. Your veterinarian will prescribe the safest and most effective dosage of cephalexin for your dog. The standard dosage of cephalexin for dogs is 22 to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight given every 12 hours. Your dog will need to take the medication for several weeks.

Cephalexin is rapidly absorbed and can be given with or without food. If your dog experiences digestive upset, you can give the antibiotic with food.

Inappropriate usage of antibiotics like cephalexin can cause the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can cause bacterial infections to come back that require stronger antibiotics. To avoid this, give antibiotics exactly as prescribed and finish the medication, even if you think your dog has been cured.

What are the common side effects of cephalexin in dogs?

Cephalexin has a low risk of negative side effects in dogs. The most commonly reported side effects reported in dogs are related to digestive upset, including:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

If your dog experiences these side effects, contact your veterinarian. Side effects can be reduced by giving the medication with food. Giving your dog a probiotic 2 hours before or after administering cephalexin may also help.

Cephalexin is short acting, which means any negative side effects in your dog should resolve within 24 hours of stopping the medication. But it can take longer in dogs who have liver or kidney disease.

What are the most serious risks of cephalexin for dogs?

The most serious side effects of cephalexin occur in dogs who have allergies to cephalosporin antibiotics. Signs of an allergy include:

• Rash

• Fever

• Difficulty breathing

• Hives

• Facial swelling

• Pale gums

Very rarely, cephalexin can cause serious skin reactions. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has a negative reaction to cephalexin.

In addition, cephalexin should not be used - or should be used with caution - in dogs with allergies to:

• Penicillin antibiotics

• Carbapenem antibiotics

• Rapamycin

Cephalexin should be used with caution in dogs who have kidney disease or dogs who are nursing or pregnant.

Does cephalexin interact with any other dog medications?

There are no medication interactions known with cephalexin. But it should be used with caution in dogs receiving probenecid or warfarin. Separate administration of cephalexin from any probiotics or antacids by at least 2 hours. As always, be sure to inform your veterinarian of any medications, vitamins, and supplements that you give your dog.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of cephalexin?

If you miss giving your dog a dose of cephalexin, give it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your dog to receive their next dose, skip the missed dose. Then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Never give your dog two doses of cephalexin at the same time to catch up.

Finish all antibiotics as prescribed to avoid antibiotic resistance and the infection coming back.

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