Can I Give My Dog Keflex?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

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.

Can I give my dog 500 mg of Keflex?

Cephalexin was proven as safe for dogs.

However, you should always consider your dog’s weight when dosing a medication —

500 mg is an appropriate dose for a 33 kg (73.5 lb) dog, it could be dangerous for a tiny pet that weights only 1 kg (2.2 lb)

.

How much Keflex 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.

Is Keflex a good antibiotic for dogs?

Cephalexin is

effective against several infections in dogs

, including: Urinary tract (UTI) Skin and soft tissue, such as hotspots and pyoderma.

Is cephalexin harmful to dogs?


Common side effects of cephalexin in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss

. However, giving a dog food with the medication will often reduce these side effects. Further side effects include panting and drooling, skin rashes, hyperexcitability, and rapid breathing.

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 60 pound dog?

Was this answer helpful? The upper end dose of cephalexin for dogs is about

50mg per each pound of body weight

so your dog is at the high end of the dose we use but still within the recommended range.

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 the best antibiotic for dogs with skin infection?

This type of infection may impact a dog’s skin or upper respiratory tract, and can be treated using oral antibiotics such as

cephalexin, erythromycin or clindamycin

. Antibiotic ointments and shampoos can also work.

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.

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.

Is ciprofloxacin safe for dogs?

Ciprofloxacin generic tablets approved for human use frequently are administered to dogs for treatment of bacterial infections because they are inexpensive and readily available. However,

previous work indicated low and variable oral absorption in healthy research dogs

.

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.

How long should my dog take cephalexin for a skin infection?

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 I get antibiotics for my dog without going to the vet?

Although many commercial antibiotics require a veterinarian’s prescription,

natural options are always available without a vet prescription

.

What human antibiotics can a dog take?

  • Amoxicillin.
  • Cephalexin.
  • Ciprofloxacin.
  • Clavamox.
  • Otomax.
  • Penicillin.
  • Tetracycline.

What over the counter antibiotics can I give my dog?

Some of the favorites are antibiotics like

Neosporin, Bactine, Mupirocin, and Polysporin

(and, of course, any of the generic versions). For anti-fungal products, one can use anything with the effective active ingredients like Miconazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Tolnaftate, or Terbinafine.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.