Cephalexin Capsules for Dogs and Cats

What Cephalexin Is and How It Works

This medicine is a first-generation cephalosporin used in dogs and cats. It helps manage skin, wound, bone, and urinary infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This page explains how it works, how it is given, and how to access it with US delivery from Canada. It also outlines typical costs without insurance.

Keflex® is a well-known brand of the same active ingredient. The treatment inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis, which leads to bacterial death. Some labels may note it as Generic for Keflex 500 mg, indicating a match in active strength and class. For a deeper overview, see Uses And Dosage.

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Who It’s For

Clinicians may choose this antibiotic for common bacterial infections in dogs and cats. These include pyoderma and other skin infections, wounds, abscesses, and some urinary tract infections. Dental and bone infections may also be treated when culture and veterinary judgment support use. Animals with known allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins should avoid it. Pets with significant kidney disease or a history of severe drug reactions require added caution and close oversight.

When urinary pathogens are susceptible, prescribers may select a Cephalexin 500 mg UTI regimen. Your veterinarian will confirm the indication and duration based on the clinic’s assessment and test results.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your veterinarian’s directions exactly. This medicine is usually given by mouth with or without food. Giving it with a small meal or treat may reduce stomach upset. Try to administer doses at evenly spaced times each day. Do not change the schedule without veterinary guidance. Complete the full course, even if your pet seems better.

If your pet is prescribed a Cephalexin 500 mg capsule, ensure the capsule is swallowed and not split or crushed unless your prescriber advises otherwise. For animals that struggle with capsules, compounded or liquid options may be considered under veterinary instruction. Use accurate dosing tools if a suspension is provided. Keep a log of doses to improve adherence during longer treatment plans.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is commonly supplied as hard gelatin capsules and may also be available as tablets or oral suspensions. Many pharmacies stock 250 mg and 500 mg capsule strengths. You may also see the monohydrate salt referenced on labels. Availability and manufacturers can vary by pharmacy and lot.

Popular options include Cephalexin capsules 500 mg for medium or larger dogs, as well as 250 mg capsules for smaller pets. Some practices prefer suspensions for precise weight-based dosing in cats. Your prescriber will decide the form based on weight, indication, and your pet’s ability to take oral medicines.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, unless it is very close to the next scheduled time. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule. Do not double doses. If your pet vomits soon after taking a dose, contact your veterinarian about whether to repeat it. Maintain a steady rhythm over the course to support effectiveness.

When using Cephalexin 500mg, consistent timing helps keep levels stable. Set reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer for multi-pet households. Ask your clinic about tips if your pet hides or refuses oral medicines.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules in a tightly closed container at room temperature as stated on the label. Keep them dry, away from humidity and direct light. Do not store in a bathroom. Avoid exposure to heat sources. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and animals. If you receive a suspension, check the label for specific storage conditions and beyond-use dates.

When traveling, carry the original labeled container and a copy of the prescription or vet instructions. Pack the medicine in a secure pouch to prevent crushing. Do not mix different drugs in one bottle. If air travel is planned, keep your pet’s medicine in carry-on luggage to reduce temperature swings.

Benefits

This cephalosporin covers many relevant pathogens in companion animals, particularly staphylococcal skin infections. It is an oral option that can be given at home, which many owners find practical. Broad availability and generic status can make it more accessible than some narrower options. Liquid forms can aid cats or small dogs that cannot swallow solid forms. Completing the full course supports lasting resolution and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Side Effects and Safety

• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drooling or hypersalivation (more common in cats)
• Transient lethargy
• Skin rash or itching

Serious reactions are uncommon but require urgent veterinary care. Signs can include facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, severe or bloody diarrhea, or persistent vomiting. Pets with a history of severe reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics should generally avoid this class. Report new medications, supplements, or recent illnesses to your veterinarian before starting therapy. See related guidance in Antibiotic Uses.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements your pet receives. Probenecid can raise levels of this drug. Concomitant use with certain blood thinners may require additional monitoring. Cephalosporins can affect some urine glucose tests, potentially causing false positives. Report any history of seizures, significant kidney disease, or severe allergies. As with any oral antibiotic, monitor for persistent gastrointestinal upset and dehydration.

If your pet also needs a gastric protectant, your prescriber may consider options like Sucralfate when appropriate. For a broader view of treatment categories we carry, explore Pet Medications.

What to Expect Over Time

Your pet may begin to feel more comfortable as the infection is controlled. Appetite and activity can improve as symptoms resolve. Skin infections often require consistent dosing and grooming support. Urinary infections may need follow-up testing to confirm clearance. If symptoms persist, worsen, or recur, contact your veterinarian. Do not discontinue early unless your prescriber tells you to stop.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may also prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate for mixed infections or resistant organisms. Doxycycline can be useful when tick-borne disease is on the differential list or when a tetracycline is preferred. Clindamycin is often chosen for certain dental or bone infections. Learn more in our guides on Doxycycline For Dogs And Cats and Antibiotic Uses.

Pricing and Access

See current options and Canadian-sourced supply with Cephalexin 500mg cash price details shown at checkout. Pricing can vary by strength, count, and formulation. We show transparent totals before you place your order. US prescriptions are reviewed, and dispensing occurs through licensed Canadian pharmacies. Orders Ships from Canada to US using reliable carriers. Checkout is protected with encrypted processing.

If you are comparing pet antibiotic options, read our overview at Pet Antibiotics Online. Looking for occasional offers? Visit Promotions for current updates.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and suppliers can vary. If the requested strength or form is unavailable, your veterinarian may recommend a substitute from the same class or a different class based on culture results and clinical needs. We cannot provide clinical substitutions without a prescriber’s direction. Your order will reflect the specific medicine and strength on your valid prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may be suitable for dogs and cats with confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections susceptible to this class. It is not suitable for pets with known beta-lactam hypersensitivity. Extra caution is needed for animals with severe renal impairment or a history of severe gastrointestinal disease.

• Order full course: Fill the complete prescribed duration in one order.
• Ask about form: Capsules vs suspension based on your pet’s needs.
• Plan ahead: Keep a dosing log and set reminders for on-time use.
• Reduce waste: Match strength to the intended schedule to avoid splitting.
• Follow-up tests: Confirm clearance when your veterinarian advises.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which infections in my pet are most likely to respond to this therapy?
• How long should the course last, and do you recommend a recheck?
• Should I give doses with food to reduce stomach upset?
• What signs suggest an allergic reaction that needs urgent care?
• Could other medicines or supplements interact with this antibiotic?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Cephalexin Capsules

Health Canada DPD: Cephalexin

DailyMed: Keflex

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with express US shipping from Canada and temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.