Makes use of, Dosage, & Aspect Results

Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic generally prescribed for canine to deal with quite a lot of bacterial infections. As a first-generation cephalosporin, it’s significantly efficient towards gram-positive and a few gram-negative micro organism. This makes it a flexible choice for managing situations akin to pores and skin infections, urinary tract infections, bone infections, and respiratory tract infections. Cephalexin for canine — generally spelled “cefalexin” — is out there below a number of model names, together with Keflex®, Rilexine®, Sporidex®, Biocef®, and Keftab®.

Right here’s what it’s best to know concerning the drug’s makes use of, dosage, and negative effects for canine.

Makes use of of cephalexin for canine

Cephalexin works by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Particularly, it binds to penicillin-binding proteins inside the bacterial cell membrane, thereby inhibiting the ultimate transpeptidation step — cross-linking — of peptidoglycan synthesis. This ends in cell lysis and, in the end, the demise of the micro organism. As a result of it targets the cell wall, cephalexin is very potent towards actively rising micro organism.

Veterinarians could prescribe cephalexin for varied situations, together with however not restricted to:

• Pores and skin infections: Cephalexin is extremely efficient towards Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a typical causative agent of pyoderma in canine. It’s also used to deal with abscesses and cellulitis.
• Respiratory infections: Circumstances akin to bronchitis and pneumonia in canine might be managed with cephalexin, owing to its efficacy towards respiratory pathogens.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cephalexin is often prescribed for UTIs in canine, as it will possibly remove micro organism within the urinary tract, lowering signs like frequent urination, blood within the urine, and discomfort.
• Bone infections: Osteomyelitis — an an infection of the bone — might be handled with cephalexin on account of its potential to penetrate bone tissue.
• Ear infections: Otitis externa and different ear infections attributable to micro organism may be handled with this antibiotic.

Dosage of cephalexin for canine

The next is a suggestion for the standard use of the drug in canine and should not exchange your vet’s recommendation on your particular person pet.

The dosage of cephalexin for canine can fluctuate based mostly on the sort and severity of the an infection, in addition to the animal’s weight and total well being. Usually, the dose ranges from 10 to fifteen mg per pound of physique weight, administered each eight to 12 hours. Remedy with cephalexin normally spans from seven to twenty-eight days, relying on the an infection being handled. As such, it’s important to comply with your veterinarian’s prescription precisely to make sure efficient remedy and scale back the danger of antibiotic resistance.

Cephalexin might be administered orally within the type of capsules, tablets, or a liquid suspension. The liquid type is commonly most well-liked for canine who’ve issue swallowing tablets. You may give the medicine to your pup with or with out meals, though administering it with meals will help scale back gastrointestinal negative effects.

In case you miss giving your canine a dose of cephalexin, administer the missed dose as quickly as you keep in mind. Nevertheless, if it’s virtually time for the subsequent scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with the common dosing schedule. Don’t double up on doses to make up for the missed one, as this might enhance the danger of negative effects. To assist stop missed doses sooner or later, take into account setting a reminder or utilizing a medicine tracker. In case you have any considerations or in case your canine misses a number of doses, seek the advice of your vet for additional recommendation. They might modify the remedy plan or present extra steering to make sure your canine’s an infection is correctly managed.

Negative effects of cephalexin for canine

Whereas cephalexin is usually protected, it will possibly trigger negative effects in some canine. These could embody:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of urge for food
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Elevated thirst

Though uncommon, some canine could develop an allergic response. This might manifest as itching, rash, issue respiration, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. In case you suspect an allergic response, take your canine to the vet instantly.

Cephalexin must be prevented in canine with a recognized allergy to cephalosporins or penicillins. Furthermore, the security of this medicine in pregnant or lactating canine has not been nicely established, so it ought to solely be administered when completely crucial and below strict veterinary steering. Moreover, cephalexin is contraindicated in canine with pre-existing kidney or liver situations, as these organs are integral in metabolizing and excreting the drug.

Whereas cephalexin has no recognized drug interactions in canine, it might doubtlessly enhance the consequences of blood thinners and diuretics. As a precaution, inform your veterinarian about every other medicines or dietary supplements your canine is taking earlier than beginning remedy.

Be certain to retailer cephalexin tablets and capsules at room temperature — usually between 68°F to 77°F — away from moisture and lightweight. If the medicine is in liquid type, it might require refrigeration. Nevertheless, all the time comply with the precise storage directions supplied by the veterinarian or as indicated on the prescription label. Keep in mind to maintain the medicine out of attain of youngsters and pets to forestall unintended ingestion. Signs of overdose could embody vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and, in extreme circumstances, seizures. Within the occasion of an overdose, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for pressing recommendation.