Keflex for Dogs Side Effects

Keflex is a medication that’s prescribed to treat different types of bacterial infections. Since it’s a broad spectrum antibiotic, it effectively works on bacterial infections of the urinary tract, the joints and the respiratory system. It belongs to a class of drugs termed as cephalosporins. These drugs inhibit the growth of fungal, protozoal and bacterial infections.

Infections Treated with Keflex

Infections include:

  • Skin Infections
  • Abscesses on the Skin
  • Staph infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Infected Wounds 
  • Pneumonia

Dosage and Administration

Keflex is not formulated for use in pets but it’s commonly prescribed by many vets to treat the conditions listed above. The medication is available in tablet and liquid form. You can purchase Keflex only if you produce a prescription from the vet. The drug should be administered according to the vet’s instructions so that the dog doesn’t suffer from any side effects.

As a general guideline you should give your pet 10 to 15 mg of the medication per pound of body weight every 12 hours. If your pet suffers from diabetes, you will have to administer Keflex in tablet form as the liquid suspension contains a certain amount of sucrose. It’s important for you to administer all the doses on time. If you forget to give your pet the medication on time, skip the dose instead of giving two doses at once.

Side Effects of Keflex

Side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Yeast Infections
  • Vomiting 
  • Allergic reactions

What to Watch For

If your dog becomes hypersensitive to Keflex, he will show signs of difficulty breathing, hives, skin rash and swelling of the lips. If this occurs, you must seek immediate medical help. If you know that your dog is allergic to other cephalosporin medications or penicillin based drugs, you must inform the vet about the same so that your dog doesn’t suffer from these serious side effects.

The vet may prescribe Cefadroxil to your pet if Keflex doesn’t agree with him.

Tips for Pet Owners

Although Keflex can be given on an empty stomach, you could consider administering the drug after your pet has eaten his meal so that he won’t suffer from a stomach upset. Since Keflex interacts with several medications, you must tell the vet about all other drugs that you’re giving your dog on a daily basis.

If the infection that’s being treated worsens over a period of time, you must take your dog for a follow up vet check as additional diagnostic tests may have to be performed.

Additional Precautionary Measures

If the dog is suffering from a wound or a skin infection, you must make sure that you clean the wound according to the vet’s instructions. Throw away any towels you use to clean the wound and apply all topical medications on time. Sick pets shouldn’t be allowed to roam outdoors or come in contact with other pets.

You could also find out from the vet if it’s safe to administer multivitamins to your pet to speed up recovery.

 

Comments