Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Cephalexin is used in dog for Superficial pyoderma, Uncomplicated UTI, Deep pyoderma, Bite wound infections. Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 7 cited dose rules for Cephalexin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Keflex
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 22–30 mg/kg | q12h | 21-28 days minimum | Superficial pyoderma | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 15–20 mg/kg | q8h | 7-14 days | Uncomplicated UTI | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 22–30 mg/kg | q8h | 6-8 weeks minimum; continue 2 weeks beyond resolution | Deep pyoderma | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 22–30 mg/kg | q8h | 7-14 days | Bite wound infections | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q8-12h | 14-28 days for skin; 7-14 for UTI | Skin infections, pyoderma, UTI | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 22–30 mg/kg | q8h | 5-7 days post-operatively | Post-surgical wound infection prophylaxis | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 22–30 mg/kg | q8h | 4-8 weeks minimum | Bone/joint infections (sensitive organisms) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to PBPs. First-generation cephalosporin with good gram-positive coverage.
May cause GI upset. Use with caution in penicillin-allergic animals (cross-reactivity). Not effective against Pseudomonas.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Cephalexin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.