Cephalexin for Dogs Dosage Calculator
Calculate safe Cephalexin antibiotic dosage for dogs based on weight and formulation type
Important Veterinary Notice
Always consult your veterinarian before giving Cephalexin to your dog. This calculator provides general guidelines based on NOAH recommendations only and cannot replace professional veterinary advice.
Calculate Cephalexin Dosage
Minimum weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) for safety
Select the Cephalexin formulation you have available
Dosage Results
Dog Weight: 0 kg (0.0 kg)
Formulation: Tablets (250 mg each)
Dosage Rate: 15 mg per kg per dose
Frequency: Twice daily (every 12 hours)
Treatment Schedule
Frequency: Give every 12 hours (twice daily)
Duration: Typically 14 days for UTI (follow vet instructions)
Timing: Can be given with or without food
Important: Complete the full course even if symptoms improve
⚠️ Do NOT Give Cephalexin If Your Dog Has:
Previous allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics
Known penicillin or cephalosporin allergies
Puppies weighing less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Dogs with kidney impairment or damage
Pregnant or nursing dogs (consult vet first)
Dogs currently taking other medications (check interactions)
👁️ Watch for These Side Effects:
Allergic reactions (skin rash, breathing problems)
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite
Drooling or excessive salivation
Hyperactivity (rare)
Emergency: If your dog shows severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, severe vomiting), contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Cephalexin Dosage Chart
Quick reference chart for Cephalexin dosing based on dog weight (15 mg/kg per dose):
| Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) | Dose per administration (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 11.0 | 75 |
| 10 | 22.0 | 150 |
| 15 | 33.1 | 225 |
| 20 | 44.1 | 300 |
| 25 | 55.1 | 375 |
| 30 | 66.1 | 450 |
| 35 | 77.2 | 525 |
| 40 | 88.2 | 600 |
* Give twice daily, 12 hours apart
Example Calculation
33 kg Dog with UTI (from Omnicalculator)
Dog: 33 kg (73.5 lbs) with urinary tract infection
Calculation: 33 kg × 15 mg/kg = 495 mg per dose
Rounded dose: 500 mg per dose (close to calculated 495 mg)
Daily total: 500 mg × 2 = 1,000 mg per day
Treatment: Give 500 mg every 12 hours for 14 days
16.7 kg Dog Example
Weight: 16.7 kg (36 lbs) → Dose: 16.7 × 15 = 250 mg per dose
Using 250mg tablets: Give 1 tablet every 12 hours
Perfect match: No splitting required with 250mg tablets
Common Uses for Cephalexin
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Skin and soft tissue infections
Wound infections
Respiratory tract infections
Bone and joint infections
Post-surgical infection prevention
Brand Names
Keflex
Most common human brand
Available in capsules/tablets
Rilexine
Veterinary-specific brand
Chewable tablets for dogs
Lupin
Generic cephalexin
Various strengths available
Important Notes
Complete the full course even if symptoms improve
Give doses exactly 12 hours apart
Can be given with or without food
Ensure fresh water is always available
Contact vet if no improvement after 2-3 days
Store in cool, dry place (refrigerate liquid)
Understanding Cephalexin for Dogs
What is Cephalexin?
Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to the beta-lactam family. It works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against a wide range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria commonly found in dogs.
How Does It Work?
- •Inhibits bacterial cell wall formation
- •Bactericidal (kills bacteria) at therapeutic doses
- •Well absorbed orally in dogs
- •Reaches therapeutic levels in infected tissues
Dosage Formula
Single Dose = 15 mg × Weight (kg)
Daily Dose = Single Dose × 2
Treatment Guidelines
- UTI Treatment: 14 days typical duration
- Skin Infections: 7-14 days depending on severity
- Wound Infections: 5-10 days post-surgical
- Frequency: Always twice daily (every 12 hours)
⚠️ Warning: Never use in dogs with known penicillin allergies. Beta-lactam antibiotics can cause cross-reactions with potentially fatal consequences.