Standard dose: 22-30 mg/kg orally every 12 hours
Disclaimer: Always follow your veterinarian's prescription.
Cephalexin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in veterinary medicine. It treats skin infections (pyoderma), UTIs, soft tissue infections, and bone infections in dogs. The standard dose is 22-30 mg/kg every 12 hours for 7-28 days depending on the infection. For deep pyoderma or bone infections, treatment may extend to 6-8 weeks. Cephalexin is well-tolerated; the most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Giving with food reduces GI upset. It's bactericidal (kills bacteria) rather than bacteriostatic, making it effective for serious infections. Always complete the full antibiotic course to prevent resistance.