Antibiotic Capsules for Bacterial Infections in Dogs and Cats Product Description Cephalexin 250mg Capsules are a prescription first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that veterinarians use to treat bacterial infections of the skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, bones, and joints in dogs and cats. It targets the structural integrity of bacteria in a way that leaves them unable to hold together, clearing the infection from within. The 250mg capsule is the smaller of the two available strengths and suits small dogs and cats needing lower weight-based doses. Although not FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is widely accepted and commonly prescribed across small animal practice. Benefits Skin Infection Treatment: Treats superficial and deep skin infections including pyoderma, wounds, abscesses, and lacerations caused by susceptible bacteria in dogs and cats. Urinary Tract Infection Coverage: Addresses bacterial infections affecting the bladder and urinary tract in dogs and cats where the organism is confirmed susceptible. Respiratory Infection Treatment: Prescribed for respiratory infections including bronchitis and pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria in dogs and cats. Bone and Joint Infection Coverage: Achieves therapeutic concentrations in bone and joint tissue, providing coverage for osteomyelitis and joint infections in dogs. Small Dog and Cat Dosing: The 250mg strength provides accurate weight-based dosing for small dogs and cats without requiring capsule splitting or compounding. Ingredients Active Ingredients Cephalexin 250mg How to Use Cephalexin 250mg Capsules are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product. Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet. Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet. Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free. Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats Additional Information Precautions Penicillin Allergy Contraindication: Do not give to any animal with a known allergy to penicillin or penicillin-like drugs, as cross-allergy reactions can occur with cephalosporins. Caution in Kidney Disease: Pets with compromised kidney function may struggle to clear this medication at a normal rate, increasing the likelihood of side effects during treatment. Not for Viral Infections: This medication only works against susceptible bacteria and has no effect on viruses, fungi, or parasites affecting your pet. Safety in Pregnancy Not Established: Safety in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined; use only under direct veterinary guidance in these cases. Check for Drug Interactions: Let your vet know if your pet is currently taking aminoglycosides, probenecid, chloramphenicol, or oral anticoagulants before starting cephalexin. Possible Side Effects Vomiting and Digestive Upset: Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhoea is the most commonly reported side effect and often eases when given with food. Excessive Salivation and Excitability in Dogs: Some dogs show excessive drooling, panting, or unusual excitability during cephalexin treatment that should be flagged to your vet. Fever in Cats: Cats may develop an elevated temperature during treatment, which should be reported to your veterinarian promptly if observed. Serious Allergic Reactions: Hives, facial swelling, laboured breathing, or sudden collapse all warrant immediate emergency veterinary attention without delay. Storage Information Room Temperature Storage: Store tablets in a tightly closed container away from heat and humidity, keeping conditions stable and consistent between doses. Protect from Moisture and Heat: A dark, dry storage location away from direct sunlight is the best way to keep these capsules at their full strength. Keep Out of Reach: Always store this medication somewhere secure and out of reach of children and untreated pets. Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial. Shipping & Return We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details. For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy. Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What bacterial infections does cephalexin treat in dogs and cats? Ans: This suspension tackles a broad range of bacterial conditions in dogs and cats, from skin disease and abscesses through to urinary, respiratory, and bone infections. Getting a culture done beforehand helps confirm the right antibiotic is being used. Your vet will put together the appropriate treatment plan based on what they find. Q2: Can cephalexin be given to a dog or cat that is allergic to amoxicillin? Ans: Cephalexin and amoxicillin share enough structural similarities that a pet with a known amoxicillin or penicillin allergy may react to cephalexin as well. It is not a certainty, but the risk is real enough to warrant a conversation with your vet before starting. They will weigh up the options and suggest a safe alternative if needed. Q3: Why might a cat develop a fever while taking cephalexin? Ans: A drug-induced fever in cats on cephalexin is an uncommon but recognised reaction that appears to be driven by the immune system rather than any direct toxic effect. It tends to resolve once the medication is stopped. If your cat seems warmer than usual or is off during treatment, it is worth contacting your vet sooner rather than later. Q4: How does cephalexin work against bacterial infections in dogs and cats? Ans: Cephalexin gets absorbed from the gut and makes its way to infected tissues throughout the body, where it targets the structural integrity of susceptible bacteria. Without intact cell walls, bacteria cannot hold together and the infection starts to clear. It works across a broad range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacterial species. Q5: Is it safe to stop cephalexin early if my pet's infection seems to have cleared up? Ans: Finishing the full course is important even when your pet looks like they have bounced back completely. Stopping early leaves behind bacteria that may be hardier than the ones cleared first, and those are precisely the ones most likely to come back stronger. Always see the course through and check with your vet before making any changes to the schedule.
