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Cephalexin for Pets

Cephalexin for Pets 

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates
DVM

What does it do? | How does it work? | How is it given? | Dosage | Safety considerations | Possible drug interactions

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Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Brand names include Rilexine, Keflex and Vetolexin. Many vets prescribe cephalexin for skin infections in dogs and cats, but it may be recommended for other bacterial infections as well. This drug is a first-generation cephalosporin, a class of drugs created to improve upon penicillin.

Cephalexin for cats and dogs is a low-risk antibiotic in most cases. The majority of pets respond well to it without major side effects. Read on to learn more about when your vet may prescribe cephalexin for your dog or cat and what safety considerations to keep in mind. You can fill this prescription from Petco’s dog pharmacy or cat pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource.

What does cephalexin treat?

There are many uses of cephalexin, though its primary use is to treat skin infections. The drug is not effective against viral infections. The drug is technically off-label when used on cats, but it is commonly prescribed for felines because it has proven to be safe and effective.

While some types of bacteria have become resistant to cephalexin, it is still the first choice for many veterinarians when treating skin infections. In addition to bacterial skin problems, the drug may be used to treat:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Respiratory infections
  • Ear infections
  • Bone infections
  • Pneumonia

Cephalexin can be effective against several bacteria, including:

  • E. coli
  • Haemophilus influenza
  • Klebsiella pneumonia
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus pneumonia
  • Streptococcus pyogenes

How does cephalexin work?

Cephalexin for dogs and cats works by interfering with the bacterial cell walls. Because the drug stops bacteria from creating a protective cell wall, they become unstable and die.

The antibiotic works fast. In fact, it can begin killing bacteria as quickly as one to two hours after you administer the first dose. Be aware that while you may not notice your pet improving for a few days, the antibiotic will be hard at work killing the infection. 

How is cephalexin given?

There are a few ways to administer a cephalexin dosage to cats and dogs. The drug is available as an oral tablet, which is often chewable. It also comes in a capsule form, which can be hidden in a pill pocket to make it easier for your pet to swallow. More rarely, the drug is given as an oral suspension—a liquid form that is administered using drops.

No matter how you decide to give this antibiotic to your dog or cat, you’ll first need a prescription from a veterinarian. 

Cephalexin dosage

Your veterinarian will recommend the right dose based on many factors, including whether your pet is a dog or a cat. They will also consider the animal’s weight, breed, age and overall health status. The dose will also be informed by what your veterinarian is trying to treat—a skin infection vs. a bladder infection, for example—and other medications your dog or cat may be taking.

This medication is available in a variety of dosage amounts, including 250 mg, 333 mg and 500 mg capsules. You can also find 75 mg and 150 mg chewable pills. The general recommendation is about 10 to 15 mg of cephalexin per pound of your pet’s weight. For instance, a 12 lb. dog may be given 150 mg at every scheduled dosage. This medication is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours for several days, but your veterinarian may recommend a different dose based on the specifics of your pet’s case. Your pet should always finish their full prescription, even if they seem to be getting better or their physical symptoms abate quickly. Stopping the prescription early could allow bacteria to survive and the infection to return.

Many pets don’t experience any issues when swallowing cephalexin and can take it on its own. If your dog or cat experiences any nausea or vomiting, however, your vet may advise you to start administering it with food. Most importantly, always follow the instructions printed on the label.

Sometimes pet parents forget to give a dose or a pet refuses it. If you realize you’ve missed a dose of cephalexin within a few hours of its scheduled administration, just give it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, however, skip the missed dose and give the next one on schedule. Never double up to make up for a missed dose. 

Safety considerations

Most dogs and cats tolerate cephalexin very well and don’t experience any negative side effects. Most cephalexin side effects in dogs and cats will cause discomfort more than anything else, but they can also lead to dehydration, which can become serious.

Possible cephalexin side effects include:

  • Vomiting—Watch for vomiting the first few times you administer cephalexin. Be aware that cats may be secretive about this side effect. If your pet vomits when they take the medicine, talk to your vet about giving it with food.
  • Diarrhea—Pets can experience diarrhea when they take antibiotics since the medicine kills good bacteria in their intestinal tract. Ask your vet about probiotics and make sure your pet continues to eat and drink. Diarrhea usually resolves as a pet’s system gets used to the antibiotic.
  • Loss of appetite—Pets who vomit may also stop eating. A general sense of nausea can accompany this medicine even without vomiting. Tempting your dog or cat with treats may encourage them to keep eating. Call your veterinarian if your pet hasn’t eaten in 24 hours.
  • Drooling—Excess drooling can occur, especially in dogs. This side effect is usually short-lived and will resolve once your pet gets used to or stops taking cephalexin.
  • Kidney issues—Pets who have kidney problems or who are at risk for kidney problems may have more serious symptoms while taking cephalexin. They should be closely monitored while taking this antibiotic.

If your pet experiences diarrhea, make sure they drink a lot of water. Failure to drink water could lead to dangerous dehydration. You may find that feeding your pet before you administer medication may help relieve most of these symptoms in the future.

In addition to general side effects, there are a few species-specific effects to look out for. Dogs may become hyperactive and need an extra walk or some playtime. Cats may develop a fever. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s reaction to cephalexin.

Possible drug interactions

Always let your veterinarian know about any other medications, supplements or vitamins that you are giving to your pet. While most will not interfere with the effectiveness of cephalexin, your vet still needs to know. There is an increased risk of kidney damage when cephalexin is used in conjunction with another class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides.

If your dog or cat is on contraindicated medication, your veterinarian can prescribe a different antibiotic to treat your pet’s bacterial infection. They may also alter the dosage amount to account for your pet’s other medications or medical conditions.

Final thoughts

Cephalexin is a generally safe antibiotic for most pets. While you’ll need to watch out for changes in health and behavior, especially if your pet has kidney disease, the risk of serious side effects is low. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets and in a location where it won’t get damp or hot. Make sure you keep your dog or cat on their regular nutrition plan as they are treated for their infection. It can help with nausea and prevent some lethargy. 

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