The Prescription was Filled 10/25/05. This may help ensure that your dogs intestinal tract remains colonized by beneficial bacteria, which may help prevent diarrhea and other types of gastrointestinal distress. Question posted by Pibbleluvr4life on 17 Sep 2019, Last updated on 17 September 2019 by WildcatVet. In Canada, it is also available in an oral paste. As with any other prescription medication, it is important to use cephalexin responsibly and to follow your veterinarians instructions faithfully. The usual dosage of cephalexin in dogs is 10 to 15 mg for each pound of body weight. The risk of C Cephalexin is available as a capsule, chewable tablet (for dogs), and as an oral suspension. The only thing I have noticed is that my corgie has way lower energy than usual. Scared to death shaking quivering eyes wide open. Would this prevent her from getting or will it treat kennel cough if she got it while there for surgery? Cephalexin is an antibiotic and a member of the beta-lactams group that works for the variety of different bacteria. Owners can provide it to their dogs with or without food, though giving the medication to dogs with food can reduce the potential side effects. You may need to give your dog Cephalexin two or three times per day. The .gov means its official. Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. People and other animals can use it, too. That's why you should never give cephalexin to a dog that has already had an allergic reaction to beta-lactams or penicillin. Bacterial Infection - Can cephalexin cause sweating? Cephalexin is a very commonly used antibiotic in veterinary medicine, because it kills many of the bugs that cause infections in dogs. This is what the thread is under if youre inerested: A Warning For Dog Owners Can I give them to my dog as well because his neck where he was bitten has swollen up just like my hands did? Brand names for this drug include Keflex, Rilexine, and Vetolexin. Effect of food on absorption of cefadroxil and cephalexin in dogs. Cephalexin is prepared in several different forms, and your vet will prescribe the one best suited for your dogs needs. Already have a myVCA account? Infection. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. People and other animals can use it, too. 1986;32 Suppl 3:21-8. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198600323-00005. Im been feeding our visiting fox who now displays an injured rear paw. How to use the cephalexin for dogs dosage calculator? If you're allergic to penicillins or other antibiotics, you might not be able to take this medicine. Common mild side effects include nausea, panting, or drooling. However, according to the label (see info below), it sounds as if cephalexin can cause problems in dogs (and people) who already have liver disease. All antibiotics should be administered with veterinary supervision, and you must follow your medical professionals instructions to the letter. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections . For example, Pseudomonas, Enterococci, and Enterobacter are not affected by the drug. Enalapril for Dogs: Side Effects, Dosage, and More, The #1 Guide to Famotidine for Dogs aka Pepcid for Dogs, Benadryl for Dogs: Recommended Dosage, Side Effects, and More, The Best Pet Meds Without Vet Prescription: A Pros and Cons List, Using Neosporin on Dogs: Safety, Usage, and More, Carprofen for Dogs: Pain Treatment, Dosage, Side-Effects and More, Zyrtec for Dogs: A Useful Tool in the Fight Against Allergies. Cefadroxil in the treatment of susceptible infections in infants and children. Always monitor your dog closely after the first few doses contact your vet in case of any doubt. People and other animals can use it, too. In dogs whose kidneys are damaged or impaired. View more, Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is usually reserved for treating anaerobic infections or other serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria in penicillin-allergic people. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. In the case of an overdose, seek veterinary attention. Dogs are frequently exposed to pathogens and bacteria. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. I did some reading on this, because my dog has been . Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Like other antibiotics, it does not. So sorry about your pooch. Always dispose of unused medications properly and only when your vet instructs you to do so. Known by brand names such as Keflex, Cefadroxil and Biocef, cephalexin is a type of medication known as a first-generation cephalosporin. I have a large breed eight month old puppy Maremma sheepdog. Before giving cephalexin to your dog, you must make your veterinarian aware of any other medication your dog is taking, any history of medical conditions, especially kidney disease, and any bad reactions your dog has had to medications in the past, particularly penicillin or cephalosporins. Went in between her legs and her anus is raw and pus filled the size of a side plate. Visit the AKC Breeder Education Platform designed to support your continuing education needs. Many veterinarians recommend giving cephalexin along with food to help reduce the likelihood of intestinal upset. Did you know that beta thalassemia major, the most severe form of thalassemia, affects at least 1,000 people in the United States. If these side effects become severe, contact your veterinarian. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. << Back to: rec.pets.dogs: Canine Medical Information [Part 2/2] FAQ. Cephalexin should not be prescribed to any animals that are allergic to penicillin, or pregnant or nursing pets. I am discontinuing the process until I can speak with my vet come Monday. Further side effects include panting and drooling, skin rashes, hyperexcitability, and rapid breathing. 7 hours later my dog is trippin. This blood helps carry oxygen and white blood cells to the area, which can help to kill the bacteria and clear the infection. 52% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 29% reported a negative effect. What do i do? If you'd like to get expert points and benefit from positive ratings, please create a new account or login into an existing account Try our other pet tools! You may also want to ask your vet about incorporating a probiotic anytime you administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic to your dog. If you're taking blood thinners, let your doctor know. You may easily check whether e.g., 500 mg of cephalexin is indeed a correct dose for your canine friend. If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time. Im allergic to Flagyl? 6 min read . Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention (Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis). Continue with Recommended Cookies, The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, CBD for Dog Anxiety: Top 11 Products According to a Veterinarian, The Best Probiotics For Dogs in 2022 According to a Veterinarian, The Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats: Our Top 7 Picks, CBD for Cat Anxiety: Our Top 5 Picks + Reviews, The Farmers Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Ollie Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Open Farm Cat Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, By Katelyn Son | Updated February 21, 2023. Yikes, Nicole! As one of the cephalosporins class of antibiotics, it targets a broader range of activity. We have no way of knowing whats going on, but our fingers are crossed for your pooch. FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. If possible, try to give the medication at the same time each day, as this can increase its effectiveness. Its impossible for us to know if the cephalexin contributed to your dogs problem. Cefadroxil (Duricef, Mead Johnson and Company), resembles cephalexin and cephradine in spectrum of antibacterial activity but differs in human pharmacokinetic properties. A total of 35 drugs are known to interact with cephalexin: A total of 83 drugs are known to interact with clindamycin: No known alcohol/food interactions. Drugs. Most dogs can take cephalexin without having any side effects, but some dogs are more sensitive, and some can even be allergic. But, they may still have pathogens lurking in their system. It should be used with caution in pets that are sensitive to certain antibiotics including pencillins, cepamycins, and carbapenems. My dog and I were attacked by another dog and I cannot afford a vet bill, so I went to the ER and was prescribed cephalexin 500mg tablets. New in vitro kinetic model for evaluating bactericidal efficacy of antibiotics. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Prescription only. Youll just have to start by taking your pooch to the vet. Duricef (cefadroxil) can interact with your medicines and make you more likely to bleed. Shes been taking both for four days. The phrase "cephalexin killed my dog" is trending online. Like other antibiotics, it does not work against viral infections. Honestly, Id strongly caution you to avoid interacting with a wild fox, as theyre common rabies vectors and feeding him is just going to reduce his fear of humans (which will ultimately end up getting him into trouble). These are the generic names for a drug that is known by the brand names Keflex, Biocef, and Keftab. PMC She is very sick right now. All rights reserved. My dog is trippin mentally. Im not sure what the cephalexin dosage for a fox would be. For example, a 50 lb dog would need 500-1000 mg of cephalexin per day depending on the severity of disease. Missing a dose is unlikely to harm your dog, but can . Any of these can lead to complications when administering cephalexin. Pharmacies sell cephalexin under multiple different brand names, such as Keflex, Lupin, Rilexine only the latter is registered for oral use in dogs, and only in chosen countries. Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. My dog started taking this med soon as 10 min he started shaken scared shit out me and my husband he always been healthy update shots he got really bad allergies he bites but so bad he had bleeding so we started meds never again. Chances are, shes currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the park. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Medications Tell your vet if your dog is taking any other kind of drug, including herbal and over-the-counter remedies, or has a medical issue that might rule out cephalexin treatment, including: The World Health Organization includes this drug on its List of Essential Medicines. Cephalexin is an antibiotic that can be given to dogs to kill a range of bacteria and fight off infection. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication . Your vet may suggest giving your Cephalexin to your dog at the same time as a meal to reduce the risk of side effects. Cephalexin Dosage For Dogs: Whats Appropriate? These side effects are not serious unless they persist for longer than two days. Your pet prescriptions will be delivered right to your doorstep in less than a week. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help This means it can reach any affected or infected part of the body. You can even add your pet prescriptions to Autoship, so you never have to remember to order refills. Reviewed by a board-certified internal medicine physician. Cephalexin information for Healthcare Professionals. After the first dose taken with food he had diarrhea within a half hour. Or perhaps whether they need Cephalexin or another type of antibiotic? Hey, Maggie. Your answer will be published for anyone to see and rate. Our fingers are crossed for your pooch. Its one of the side effects. How do I calculate cephalexin dosage for dogs? Wed love to hear your experiences in the comments. It's also utilized by some veterinarians to treat urinary tract infections in both cats and dogs. Cephalexin is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream during treatment. See our advertising disclosure. Always make your veterinarian aware of any other medications or health conditions your pet has. What Is Cephalexin Used For in Dogs? Affiliation 1 Department . In these instances, follow your veterinarians directions and cautions very carefully. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores. It is available in different forms. Contact your veterinarian immediately in these cases. Cephalexin is effective against several infections in dogs, including: The drug is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and is effective against several bacteria, including: As in humans, antibiotic treatment with drugs like cephalexin are usually well-tolerated. It depends on the cause of the itching. Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH, Contributors: Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012. In puppies smaller than 1 kg (2.2 lb); or. I realize that veterinarian costs can be expensive but . Beta-lactams are probably the most popular type of antibiotics everybody knows of the famous penicillin or amoxicillin used in most common bacterial infections in humans. Here's an easy-to-go cephalexin dosage chart for dogs you may use: . Training isn't just for pets - here's your chance to learn too. This can help prevent side-effects. Additionally, as with just about every medication available, cephalexin may cause allergic reactions in a small number of dogs. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Cephalexin is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream during treatment. March 14, 2008 by Katherine Coble. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. government site. Would you like email updates of new search results? Most dogs tolerate cephalexin well, and side effects are generally rare and mild. Oral suspensions should be stored in the refrigerator and disposed of after 14 days. The drug also goes by the name cefalexin. My dog was given cephalexin post surgery. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. It can treat a range of bacterial infections. Cephalexin is available as a capsule, chewable tablet (for dogs), and as an oral suspension. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Cephalexin is available by prescription. Also, you will need to take your prescription exactly as prescribed until they're all used. Warm compresses can be used in some cases to enhance blood-flow to the afflicted region. Happy with the cephalexin for dogs dosage calculator? The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral cephalexin given at 30 mg/kg once daily in dogs with superficial pyoderma and to compare them with those of oral cephalexin given at 15 mg/kg twice daily. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Cephalexin is a semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic It is 7-(D--amino--phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid, monohydrate. However, some dogs appear to tolerate the medication well without food. K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. I have capsules of Cephalexin and would like to know more about dosage for a fox. ** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. Most commonly, the medication comes in capsules which should be swallowed. What is the Shelf Life for Cephalexin 500mg? The capsules are 500 MG, which I realize is more than a 12 pound fox could tolerate. Free to Autoship customers, Connect with a Vet lets you chat directly with a licensed vet between 8am and 11pm ET to answer questions, receive advice, discuss concerns you might have regarding the health and wellness of your pet, and even get referrals to your local vets or emergency clinics. The dosage amount and strength relates to the dog your vet assessed. So sorry to hear that Teresa! Bens had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. + Read More Here Cephalexin, Benadryl, Vomiting, And Diarrhea - Greytalk She had routine lab work (it was time for both dogs to get their annual They have equal effectiveness. These can help with blood flow and the circulation of white blood cells and oxygen to naturally fight infection. Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! Let's widen our horizons and calculate canine-friendly dosages using our exquisite tools: With two doses per day, your dog will consume a total of 30 mg/kg of cephalexin over 24 hours of treatment. J-STAGE, Japan Science and Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic. Always consult your healthcare provider. Cephalexin should be stored in a tightly sealed container, protected from light, and at room temperature. More than clindamycin vs cephalexin for dogs 1 in 7 American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects how well kidneys function. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This can manifest in symptoms like skin rashes, facial swelling, or difficulty in breathing. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, Skin and soft tissue, such as hotspots and pyoderma, iy_2023; im_03; id_01; ih_17; imh_30; i_epoch:1677720612855, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_01; p_epoch:1675854092826, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:01:32 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854092826. rec.pets.dogs: Canine Medical Information [Part 2/2] FAQ. We shouldn't use cephalexin in animals: PS. Cephalexin for dogs kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. May not be a good option if you have colitis or other digestive tract problems. K9 Advantix II for Dogs: What You Need to Know For Your Dogs Safety, The Benefits of Nexgard and How to Use it on Your Dog, Metacam (Meloxicam) for Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects, And More. Never use antibiotics or other prescription medications for other dogs in your home, unless your vet has given you permission to do so. It could be dangerous for a tiny pet that weighs only 1 kg (2.2 lb). The most important ones are rare allergies, which may lead to shock or even death. Duricef (cefadroxil) is available as a generic. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! The dose varies depending on the severity of the infection. Any advice? Cephalexin is not appropriate in some situations and for some dogs. 6.4 out of 10 from a total of In many cases, veterinarians may prescribe cephalexin to begin treating an infection while waiting for the results of cultures taken during an office visit. Hey, James. Hey, Steven. Once the bacteria in question has been positively identified and the lab has determined which antibiotics will treat it, the vet may change the prescription to a more effective medication. Veterinarians usually prescribe cephalexin to dogs as an oral medication that can come in liquid, tablet, or capsule forms. 1986;32 Suppl 3:1-16. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198600323-00003. Once again, before giving your dog Cephalexin, also make sure you are following your veterinarians instructions for your dog. The typical dosage of Cephalexin for dogs is between 10-15 milligrams per pound of body weight. Cephalexin is one of the most useful antibiotics for vets, and its effective in fighting a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in dogs. Veterinarians.org does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If your vet has prescribed cephalexin for your dog, then you should ask them about proper dosage and possible side effects. Cephalexin is a type of antibiotic used for treating bacterial skin infections. Other factors include the number of tablets per bottle, and the size of the concentrations in the tablet, capsule, or oral suspension. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and itching. This appears to be more than a small number of reactions, also the reactions dont appear to be mild. My vet just prescribedCephalexin in combination with Gentocin Spray for a large hot spot on my corgies throat and neck. Its important that you keep up the regimen your vet has prescribed. Drugs. It is available in the form of chewing tablets. Whether the latter are likely to affect activity in vivo was assessed by determining bactericidal activity against clinical isolates under conditions simulating the variation of drug concentration in the blood stream after an oral dose of 500 mg to adults. Cephalexin is one of several antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria) used to treat a range of bacterial infections in people, dogs, and other animals. Hi, Pibble! Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you'd like to calculate the total daily dose, use the following formula: It's not difficult at all find your dog's weight in the table and discover the corresponding dosage! Then, of course, theres the dirt, mud, and dust they so love to roll in when theyve got an itch on their back they want to scratch! The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. The calculations are extremely simple follow the equation presented below. Then let us know in the comments below! I know youre probably just trying to help the little guy, but Id recommend contacting a certified wildlife rehabilitator in your area if you think hes injured. Or for some reason, their system isnt able to fight the infection on their own. In Canada, it is also available in an oral paste. And its a good thing they do given their penchant for rolling in the dirt, sniffing poop at very close range, and licking anything vaguely interesting, dogs encounter bacteria constantly. Ben Team The shelf life of cephalexin capsules and tablets is three years when stored correctly. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dogs with a UTI should take cephalexin: For 14 days; Twice per day; With a dosing of 15 mg for every kilogram of body weight (15 mg/kg) per single dose. Side effects may include: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Ask your veterinarian if it's OK for your dog to continue with their activities as usual while taking cephalexin, Dr. McCullough encourages. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Each post is the personal opinion of the Effect of food on absorption of cefadroxil and cephalexin in dogs J Vet Pharmacol Ther. Click here to buy cephalexin for your dog with your vets prescription! Wed strongly recommend that you contact your vet immediately. Somewhat similar to penicillin, cephalexin is better suited for treating some bacterial strains than others. Infection. Get the facts about this condition. Cephalexin is a generic drug. It is also used for soft tissue infections, bone infections, lung respiratory infections, and respiratory tract infections. Big bloody pusy sores all over her body! Dont use the medication for other pets in your home. What is the cephalexin dosage for dogs with a UTI? A Guide to Deramaxx for Dogs: Benefits, Dosage, and More! You may need to take Keflex (cephalexin) 2 to 4 times a day, which can be hard to remember. Dog bites can easily become abscesses that may require surgical intervention.You might consider calling your veterinarian's office and asking whether they accept Care Credit which is a care plan that you can pay back slowly often without interest being charged. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Generally, dogs are pretty hardy animals. did the cephalexin cause her death. Make sure you administer the full course of Cephalexin medication to your dog. By Cephalexin for dogs is an oral medication and can be given with or without food. Make sure you finish the fully prescribed course of medication. Treatment with cephalexin generally lasts for seven to ten days. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted This medication is known as a cephalosporin antibiotic. All rights reserved. Your vet may advise giving this antibiotic to your dog with food. more. You must consult your vet before giving your dog any medication. Whats wrong with her. Somewhat similar to penicillin, cephalexin is better suited for treating some bacterial strains than others. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and it kills these bugs by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall and causing it to rupture. This will often necessitate the regular collection of cultures to monitor the bacteria, and it may be necessary for veterinarians to change the dosage or switch to another antibiotic altogether to avoid problems with antibiotic resistance. Cephalexin or Cefalexin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Always follow the advice given in a veterinarian on the right dosage of Cephalexin for your dog. Cephalexin is a common antibiotic. Manage Settings GC. Im attributing this to side effects of one or both meds though they were not mentioned as side effects when I just researched these two meds. The usual dosage of cephalexin for dogs is 22-40 mg/kg (10-15 mg/lb) every 12 hours. It has a broad spectrum of efficacy, and is helpful for treating infections caused by the following bacteria: But cephalexin is not effective against all bacteria. However, if you're taking blood thinners, you could be more likely to bleed. My vet gave my Dane cephalexin for an respiratory infection (cough). We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Cefadroxil (Duricef, Mead Johnson and Company), resembles cephalexin and cephradine in spectrum of antibacterial activity but differs in human pharmacokinetic properties. The duration of the treatment will also vary based on a number of factors too. There are no serious interactions with other drugs. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. So why does your dog need this drug or another type of antibiotic? Your dog might experience some side effects when taking cephalexin, but you can likely prevent them by giving the medication to your dog with a meal or snack. Caution is also needed for pets with kidney disease and kidney failure. Always complete the entire course of medication as instructed by your vet, even if your dogs symptoms begin to go away. Cephalexin for dogs is a broad spectrum antibiotic often prescribed by vets. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Theres more that this drug has done to my sweet 11 and1/2 lab. You have successfully joined our pup pack. What Is Cephalexin and What Does It Treat In Dogs? Cephalexin should be used with caution in pregnant and nursing mothers. It will depend on the type of infection your dog has, or other medication your dog may be taking. professional advice. You may need to take Keflex (cephalexin) 2 to 4 times a day, which can be hard to remember. These include staphylococci infections caused by strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus and streptococcal infections. Cephalexin targets many different strains of bacteria. There are no known drug interactions. View more. 1980 Sep;18(3):377-81. doi: 10.1128/AAC.18.3.377. Careers. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the medication, try giving it with a small amount of food. This may mean a 50-pound dog is prescribed 500 mg capsules, but not necessarily! The drug works by intefering with the growth of susceptible pathogens and is most commonly used to treat Staph, but it is versatile and can treat many different infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones, joints, soft tissue and . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some dogs may not even require antibiotics at all. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, but visible effects may take a few days to be recognized. By
You agree to hold harmless and indemnify FAQS.ORG against any claims, costs, or damages resulting from publishing your answer. It is available in different forms. Cephalexin is not typically effective at treating Bordetella. Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine, Keflex, Vetolexin) is an oral antibiotic that is used to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections in dogs and is used off label or extra-label in cats to treat pyoderma and some other types of skin infections. FAQS.ORG reserves the right to edit your answer as to improve its clarity. The most serious side effect of cephalexin is an allergic reaction. Offering the drug with food, however, can reduce the risk of some of the more common side effects.