Cephalexin For Dogs
Cephalexin is one of several antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria) that are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in humans, dogs and other animals. Like other antibiotics, it is not effective against viral infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as first-generation cephalosporins. This drug is also known as cephalexin. Cephalexin for dogs is an oral medication and can be given with or without food. Offering the drug with food, however, can reduce the risk of some of the more common side effects. Tell your veterinarian if your dog is taking any other over-the-counter medicines, including herbal medicines, or has a medical problem that may prevent cephalexin treatment.
The World Health Organization has included this drug in its list of essential drugs. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and kills these insects by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall and tearing it.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, cephalexin is a semi-synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic that contains 7- (D-α-amino-α-phenylacetamido) -3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid, a monohydrate.
- Side effects of other drugs
- Gastrointestinal upset
- kidney disease
- Allergies
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding
What dog diseases can be treated with Cephalexin?
Here are a few of the conditions vets may treat with Cephalexin
- Staphylococcal infections, commonly called staph infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Hot spots on the skin
- Bone infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- ear infection
- Infections cause by Streptococcus pneumonia or Streptococcus pyogenes
- E. coli infections
- Haemophilus influenza
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Proteus mirabilis
Vets may also prescribe cephalexin as a preventative measure to protect against heart valve infection.
The drug is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and is effective against several bacteria, including
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pneumonia
- Haemophilus influenza
- E. coli
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Proteus mirabilis
Side Effects of Cephalexin in Dogs
Before giving cephalexin to your dog, you should tell your veterinarian about other medications your dog is taking, a history of illness, especially kidney disease, and any bad reactions your dog has had to past medications, especially penicillin or cephalosporins. Is, let me know. .
Each of these can lead to side effects when administering cephalexin.
Common side effects of cephalexin in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. However, giving dog food with medication often reduces these side effects. Other side effects include shortness of breath and rash, skin rash, excessive irritability and rapid breathing.
In rare cases, the dog may experience kidney damage or reduced motor control. If symptoms become severe, you should contact your veterinarian.
Dogs that are allergic to this drug may experience a rash, fever, or anaphylaxis, which can be a fatal reaction. Long-term use can also reduce platelet count, granulopenia, hepatitis, kidney problems and neutropenia.
As in humans, antibiotic treatment with drugs like cephalexin are usually well-tolerated. This drug can interact with other medications, including the antibiotic penicillin and some blood thinners. Some side effects to look out for include
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Drooling
- Hyperexcitability
- Skin rashes
If you see any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian.
Cephalexin is available by prescription. All antibiotics should be administered with veterinary supervision, and you must follow your medical professional’s instructions to the letter. Never give your dog antibiotics that have been left over from a prescription for a person or another animal.
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