Description

• Cephalexin is an antibiotic drug that is similar to penicillin, but it provides a wider range of defense against bacteria than penicillin. It prevents bacteria from forming a protective cell wall, thereby inevitably causing the bacteria to die. This medication is available in tablet form, and as an oral suspension. It is used in dogs to treat a variety of infections including bone infections, bladder infections and skin infections.
  
  

Approval

• Cephalexin is commonly used for humans, but it is not FDA approved for animals. Although it is not officially accepted as a treatment for animals, veterinarians are allowed to legally prescribe it as an extra-label drug. The term extra-label drug describes medication that is used in the following manner: when a veterinarian uses a drug that is only approved for humans on animals, when a drug that is specified for one disease is used for another condition, or when a medication that is approved for use in one animal species is used in another species. Veterinarians gained the right to prescribe extra-label drugs through the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act, which started in December 1996.
  
  

Effectiveness

• Bacteria is one of the primary causes of skin infections in dogs. Cephalexin is popular because it is so effective at fighting bacteria. It is most useful in treating more common, less complicated skin infections, such as staphylococcal infections. It is not effective in treating skin infections that are caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or mites.
  
  

Side Effects

• When prescribed by a veterinarian, Cephalexin is generally not harmful, but it can cause side effects for some dogs. If your dog is already sensitive to other antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin or ampicillin, then he may also be sensitive to Cephalexin. The most common side effect is vomiting, and this may occur immediately after administration. Also, some dogs develop diarrhea after receiving Cephalexin.
  
  

Dosage

• The appropriate dose of Cephalexin for dogs is 10 to 15 milligrams per pound. It is given orally every 8 to 12 hours. Contact your doctor if your pet develops any reactions. As with all antibiotics, the entire prescription should be completed as directed by your physician so that a relapse of the skin infection does not occur.