Cephalexin for Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for treating kennel cough in dogs.

It's essential to note that cephalexin is not a cure-all for kennel cough, but rather a treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Cephalexin works by targeting the bacteria that cause kennel cough, specifically Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The antibiotic is typically administered orally, usually in the form of a capsule or liquid suspension.

Most dogs respond well to cephalexin treatment, but it's crucial to complete the full treatment course as prescribed by a veterinarian to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

For your interest: Holistic Treatment for Kennel Cough

Cephalexin is an antibiotic. It's a type of medication that helps fight bacterial infections in dogs.

Cephalexin works by targeting and killing the bacteria that cause kennel cough. This allows the dog's immune system to recover and heal.

Kennel cough is a common illness in dogs that's caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It's usually spread through close contact with an infected dog.

The symptoms of kennel cough can vary, but they often include a persistent cough, runny nose, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, dogs may also develop pneumonia or other complications.

Cephalexin is commonly prescribed to treat kennel cough in dogs. It's usually given orally, in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension.

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a complex condition caused by a variety of germs, including viruses and bacteria.

These germs work together to cause respiratory tract inflammation, which can lead to coughing and other symptoms. The dog parainfluenza virus, an adenovirus, a coronavirus, and other pathogens are often involved in the condition.

The condition is often spread in areas where many dogs gather, such as boarding kennels, dog shows, and training programs. This is because healthy carrier dogs can exchange these organisms, leading to new combinations of bacteria and virus that can make some dogs ill.

Stress and anxiety can also play a role in the development of kennel cough, particularly in elderly dogs or those that don't handle separation well.

Suggestion: Kennel Cough Bacteria

Kennel cough is a catch-all term for a complex mix of germs that can cause a dog to cough and feel under the weather. These germs can include bacteria and viruses, and they often work together to cause respiratory tract inflammation.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is often associated with kennel cough, but it's rarely the sole cause. In fact, healthy dogs often carry this bacteria in their respiratory system without any issues.

The dog parainfluenza virus, an adenovirus, a coronavirus, and other pathogens can also be involved in kennel cough. These organisms can combine with Bordetella to make a dog ill, especially in situations where stress is involved.

Many dogs, even healthy ones, carry one or more of these organisms in their respiratory system. When these dogs gather in large groups, such as in boarding kennels or dog shows, they can exchange these organisms and create new combinations that can lead to tracheal and bronchial inflammation.

Discover more: Is Kennel Cough and Bordetella the Same

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate health issues in dogs, making them more susceptible to infections. Elderly dogs, in particular, can struggle with separation from their owners and may not handle stress well.

The combination of these factors can lead to kennel cough, a condition that can range from a mild, transitory illness to something more serious.

Dogs with dry cough may develop a subdued temperament, which can be harder for your veterinarian to observe during office visits.

Most dogs with dry cough experience only a dry, hacking cough.

Their bark may be affected by laryngitis, which can change its tenor.

Enlarged and bulging tonsils can affect their appetite and stimulate gagging or wrenching.

Light pressure on their windpipe often brings on a period of coughing.

A tight collar or taunt leash can also trigger coughing in dogs with dry cough.

Suggestion: Kennel Cough Dry Heaving

Antibiotics are often prescribed for kennel cough, but they're not always necessary. In the United States, chloramphenicol is sometimes used, but it's not the most preferred option.

Doxycycline, amoxicillin/clavulanate (Clavamox), and enrofloxacin (Baytril) are among the top antibiotics used in Australia to treat kennel cough. However, in the US, Clavamox and ampicillin are less effective due to the potential for bordetella to become resistant.

In severe cases, veterinarians may nebulize gentamycin for dogs to inhale. Cough suppressant medications like Temaril-P and Hycodan should be reserved for severe cases, as they can have negative side effects.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants are not very effective, and bronchodilators have little impact on kennel cough symptoms.

Worth a look: Clavamox for Kennel Cough

To accurately administer cephalexin to your dog, you'll need to know the correct dosage. You can use a cephalexin for dogs dosage calculator, which is a convenient tool that makes it easy to determine the right amount.

Enter your dog's weight in the calculator, and choose the drug type from the available strengths. The calculator will then display the amount required for a single dose and the entire day of treatment.

To calculate the cephalexin dosage manually, you can use the formula: Single dose = 15 mg × weight, where weight is your dog's weight in kilograms.

Cephalexin dosages for dogs can be determined by their weight, age, overall health, and the severity of the infection.

The recommended dosage is typically 7 to 20 milligrams per pound of body weight every 6 to 12 hours. However, the exact dosage will depend on your dog's individual needs.

To calculate the dosage, you can use a cephalexin for dogs dosage calculator, which will show you the amount required for a single dose and the entire day of treatment.

You can also use a formula: single dose = 15 mg × weight, where the weight is in kilograms.

Cephalexin is given twice per day, 12 hours apart. If you'd like to calculate the total daily dose, use the following formula.

Here's a dosage chart to help you find the corresponding dosage for your dog's weight:

Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when administering cephalexin to your dog to ensure their health and safety.

Side effects can be a concern when giving your pet medication. Cephalexin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, can cause side effects in some animals.

Related reading: Kennel Cough Vaccine Side Effects

The most common side effects of cephalexin include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are usually not a cause for concern and can be resolved on their own.

If your pet experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian immediately: rash, hives, scratching, facial swelling, or irregular breathing. These symptoms can indicate an allergic reaction to cephalexin.

Other possible side effects of cephalexin include lethargy, drooling, and increased activity or excitement. Some cats may also develop a fever.

High doses of cephalexin can lead to blood abnormalities, including low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). This is a serious side effect that requires veterinary attention.

In addition to these side effects, cephalexin should be used with caution in pets with a history of seizures or epilepsy, who are pregnant, or in pets with kidney (renal) failure.

Common Side Effects of Cephalexin:

Cephalexin has several brand names and alternative names. One of the most well-known brand names is Keflex, which is manufactured by Dista.

There are also various formulations of cephalexin, including cephalexin monohydrate and cephalexin monohydrochloride. These formulations are used to make the medication more effective or easier to administer.

Cephalexin is available in both human and veterinary formulations. In humans, it's sold under several brand names, such as Cephaforte and Celexin.

Some of the brand names for cephalexin in veterinary use include Rilexine, Ceporex, and Cephacare. These medications are specifically designed for use in animals.

Here's a list of some of the brand names and other names for cephalexin:

Cephalexin is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, but it can cause side effects in some animals. If your dog or cat is already sensitive to allergy or vomiting from other cephalosporin drugs or penicillin, cross-reaction with cephalexin is possible.

Signs of an allergic reaction to cephalexin include rash, hives, scratching, facial swelling, or irregular breathing. If you suspect your pet is having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The most common side effect in dogs and cats is vomiting shortly after administration, which is usually not a sign of serious disease. Other possible side effects include diarrhea, decreased appetite, drooling, lethargy, or increased activity or excitement.

If you're concerned about the potential side effects, talk to your veterinarian about alternatives to cephalexin for your dog. Some alternatives include amoxicillin, Clavamox, and cefpodoxime.

Cephalexin is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, but it can cause side effects in some animals.

The most common side effect in dogs and cats is vomiting shortly after administration, which is usually not a sign of serious disease, but indicates that the pet is sensitive to this drug.

If a dog or cat is already sensitive to allergy or vomiting from other cephalosporin drugs or penicillin, cross-reaction with cephalexin is possible, and signs of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, scratching, facial swelling, or irregular breathing.

Consider reading: Do Dogs Vomit with Kennel Cough

High doses and overdoses have led to blood abnormalities, including low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), which can be life-threatening.

Cephalexin should be used with caution in pets with a history of seizures or epilepsy, who are pregnant, or in pets with kidney (renal) failure.

Here are some common side effects of cephalexin in dogs:

If you suspect your pet has ingested enough cephalexin to overdose, contact your vet immediately, as minimal treatment is generally required for mild overdoses, but gastrointestinal decontamination and intravenous (IV) fluids may be required for large overdoses.

If your veterinarian determines that cephalexin isn't the best option for your dog, there are other antibiotics that can be used as alternatives. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type and location of the bacterial infection, its severity, and your dog's unique health considerations.

Your veterinarian may consider amoxicillin as an alternative. Clavamox is another option that can be effective against certain bacterial infections. Cefpodoxime is also a viable alternative to cephalexin for dogs.

If your veterinarian recommends an alternative antibiotic, be sure to follow their instructions carefully to ensure your dog receives the best treatment possible.

Vaccines can be a crucial part of preventing kennel cough, but not all vaccines are created equal. There are three forms of kennel cough vaccines on the market: intranasal, oral, and injectable.

Intranasal vaccines, in particular, are more likely to stimulate local immunity where it is needed – in your dog’s nose and upper respiratory system. They protect against bordetella, canine adenovirus-2, and parainfluenza.

Giving your dog a vaccine less than 5 days before boarding is unlikely to afford much, if any, protection. Some say a minimum of 7-10 days before is necessary for the vaccine to take effect.