Can Dogs Take Cephalexin Capsules?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cephalexin is an antibiotic that

can be given to dogs

to kill a range of bacteria and fight off infection. People and other animals can use it, too. Veterinarians usually prescribe cephalexin to dogs as an oral medication that can come in liquid, tablet, or capsule forms.

How much cephalexin can a dog take?

The usual dose of cephalexin for dogs and cats is

10 to 15 mg per pound (22 to 30 mg/kg) every 8 to 12 hours orally

. Reduced dosages are recommended for pets with kidney failure. Should be administered with food if cephalexin causes nausea or vomiting in your pet.

Can I give human cephalexin to a dog?


The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans and dogs

, but it is not officially approved for use in other species.

Can I open cephalexin capsules for dogs?

Can I break open capsule and sprinkle in his food?

You certainly can

. Make sure the food is mixed well as the medication can have a bitter taste. If your dog detects it, he may not eat the food.

Is 1000 mg of cephalexin too much for a dog?

Our vet just put our dog on cephalexin 500 mg 2 tab every 12 hours is a 1000 mg. A lot for a dog 75 pounds. The cephalexin dose is 10 to 15mg per LB. So this means your dog is getting 1000mg divided by 75 lbs: 13.33 mg/lb, which is

a perfectly proper dosage

.

Is 2000 mg of cephalexin a day too much for my dog?

Even if you have a small Great Dane, at the higher dose, 2000 mg is closest (since they are using 500 mg capsules). There is a large margin of safety with this drug.

I think the dose is okay

. If your dog weighs 150 pounds, then the dosage range would be 1500 mg to 2200 mg.

How much cephalexin can I give my 60 pound dog?

The usual dosage of cephalexin in dogs is

10 to 15 mg for each pound of body weight

. However, concentration of the drug can vary, and you should read the instructions and follow your vet’s advice thoroughly.

What is cephalexin 250 mg used for in dogs?

Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®) is an oral antibiotic that is used

to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections

in dogs and is used off label or extra-label in cats to treat pyoderma and some other types of skin infections.

What is the strongest antibiotic for dogs?

Top Antibiotics for Dogs


Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

—This antibiotic combo is related to Penicillin and is used to treat a broad spectrum of bacterial infections, including skin infections, infections in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal infections, and genitourinary infections.

How much cephalexin can I give my 40 pound dog?

Cephalexin dosage for dogs with infections

The typical Cephalexin dosage for dogs is

10 to 15 mg for each pound of body weight

.

What is cephalexin 500 mg used for?

Cephalexin is used

to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; and infections of the bone, skin, ears, , genital, and urinary tract

. Cephalexin is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.

How long should my dog take cephalexin?

It is especially useful against Staphylococcal infections (most skin infections) and is commonly used for long (

6-8 week

) courses against deep skin infections (“pyodermas”) or kidney infections (pyelonephritis) without concern of adverse reaction.

Can you open capsule pills for dogs?

Pills. The easiest way to give a pill is to hide it inside something your dog or cat will be happy to swallow. Butter, peanut butter, canned food and commercial pill pockets are all possibilities.

With some medications, you can open a capsule or pulverize a pill and sprinkle it on a pet’s food

.

How do you give a dog a pill capsule?

Can you open antibiotic capsule and mix?

Official Answer


If you can’t swallow the capsule you can open it up and mix with a small spoonful of something, and swallow the entire contents.

How much cephalexin can I give my 25 pound dog?

Cephalexin is usually given in dogs at a dose of

10 to 15 mg per pound of body weight

.

How many times a day should I give my dog cephalexin?

The recommended dose is 22 mg/kg (10 mg/lb) of body weight

twice daily

for 28 days.

Can I give my dog Benadryl with cephalexin?


No interactions were found between Benadryl and cephalexin

.

What antibiotics are given to dogs?

  • Amoxicillin.
  • Amoxicillin/Clavulanate.
  • Cephalexin.
  • Enrofloxacin.
  • Gentamicin.
  • Metronidazole.
  • Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim.
  • Tetracycline.

Is sulfamethoxazole safe for dogs?

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

should not be used in dogs with liver tissue damage, blood cell problems, dogs that are dehydrated or at an increased risk for urinary stones, or those allergic to sulfonamides

. It should be used cautiously in Doberman Pinschers as they may be more susceptible to adverse side effects.

Can a pregnant dog take cephalexin?

Cephalexin is a very safe antibiotic in dogs of all ages and sizes. Precautions should be taken in dogs with kidney disease or dogs who have had a history of bad reactions to cephalosporins or penicillin.

If your dog is pregnant, there are other antibiotics available that are a much better choice for her.

Is cephalexin a strong antibiotics?

Is cephalexin (Keflex) a strong antibiotic?

Cephalexin (Keflex) is used to treat various types of infections

. There are other antibiotics that can treat more types of infections or more serious infections. Keep in mind that “stronger” antibiotics are not always the best choice.

Can you open cephalexin capsules?

How to take it. Cefalexin can be taken with or without food. Capsules or tablets – swallow whole with a drink of water.

Do not chew or break them

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.