Cephalexin is an antibiotic crucial in fighting bacterial infections in dogs and humans.
Although dogs and humans share some physiological similarities, they also have distinct biological characteristics to understand to ensure you know Cephalexin’s uses for many common side effects such as Streptococcus pyogenes or dogs ears red and hot.
This article will provide exciting knowledge about Cephalexin and the difference between dog and human Cephalexin: Uses; dosage; production form; and user manual.
Let’s follow up closely to get the proper medication treatment for your dog.
What is Cephalexin?
Definition
As known as a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration, Cephalexin is prepared as hard capsules or powdered suspension for oral administration with the strength of 700mg, 500mg, 250mg, and 125mg.
In the history of Allergies, Cephalexin is a bactericidal antibiotic active against many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Cephalexin is stable to the action of Staphylococcus penicillinase.
Producing the enzyme penicillinase makes Cephalexin resistant to penicillinase-insensitive (or ampicillin) strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
It also helps against most ampicillin-resistant E. coli.
Pharmacological Properties
Cephalexin works by inhibiting nucleophilic incorporation of bacterial division.
Cephalosporins interfere with transpeptidase compounds by preventing peptidoglycan from formally crossing the scaffold to the cell division, causing injury.
The glycan cross framework is fundamental for the development of cell division.
It is easy to absorb Cephalexin completely, even in the presence of food and is unaffected by gastrointestinal disorders, post-gastrectomy, allergic reaction, hydrochloric acid deficiency, jaundice, ear infections, or disease diverticulum (in the duodenum or jejunum).
The drug is excreted in high concentrations in the urine, helping your dog reduce fever from dogs ears hot and red.
Difference Between Dog And Human Cephalexin
“Why are my dogs ears red and hot?” – the answer to this symptom primarily comes from a fever caused by an infection in the dog.
And Cephalexin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the cephalosporin group used to treat bacterial infections in dogs and humans.
However, here are some of the differences when using cephalexin for dogs and people:
Uses
In dogs and cats, Cephalexin may help treat skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.
The FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans and dogs, but it is not officially approved for use in other species.
In humans, Cephalexin is used to treat certain respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, and bone, skin, ear, genital, and urinary tract infections.
Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.
Dosage
The dose of cephalexin may vary between dogs and humans due to differences in body weight, metabolism, and the specific condition being treated.
Typically, dogs are prescribed cephalexin based on their weight, while humans may be prescribed a fixed dose depending on the severity of the infection.
Production Form
Cephalexin can come in different forms for dogs and people.
Human cephalexin usually comes in tablet or capsule form, while dog cephalexin is generally available in liquid, oral paste, or chewable tablet form to accommodate different administration methods.
User Manual
The strength or concentration of cephalexin allowed for use may vary between dog and human forms. This is important to ensure the proper dosage for each species.
While human cephalexin may be available with a prescription from a human doctor, cephalexin for dogs requires a prescription from a veterinarian.
It is essential to adhere to the dosage and duration of treatment indicated for each specific species.
Note: Cephalexin should always be under the guidance and supervision of a medical professional or veterinarian, depending on whether it is administered to humans or dogs.
They will consider each individual’s medical history, specific condition, and other factors to determine the correct dose and duration of treatment.
How to Use The Antibiotic Cephalexin For Dogs And Humans?
For Dogs
The dosage of cephalexin for dogs depends on the dog’s weight, the type of infection, and the specific prescription from your veterinarian.
Here is a general guide to cephalexin dosage for dogs:
- Usual Dose: The cephalexin dose for dogs is about 10-15 mg/kg of dog weight, divided into 2-3 doses per day.
- Divided into doses: Based on the above dosages, you can calculate the number of mg of cephalexin to give your dog based on your dog’s weight and use the dosage table to divide the dose into each day.
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions: It is essential to follow specific instructions regarding the dosage and duration of medication.
- Duration of Treatment: Treatment with cephalexin will also vary depending on the type of infection and the dog’s response to the medication. You should follow the entire prescribed treatment cycle to ensure that the bacterial skin infection causing dog ears red and hot are destroyed.
Note: Cephalexin in dogs should be based on specific instructions from your veterinarian to reduce drug interaction and should not be adjusted on your own or administered without medical supervision.
For Human
- The usual dose for adults is 1–4 grams/day, divided into 3–4 doses. Most infections respond to cephalexin 500 mg every 8 hours.
- Higher doses may be used in more severe infections or infections with less susceptible organisms. If necessary, use an amount higher than 4 grams/day.
- The usual dose in children over 1 year of age is 25–100 mg/kg (body weight/day), divided into 3-4 oral doses (maximum 4 grams/day).
- In case of strep throat and tonsillitis, mild urinary tract infections, 25-50 mg/kg can be used, divided into 2 equal doses. Strep throat and tonsillitis require at least 10 days of medication.
FAQs
Can I Open Cephalexin Capsules For Dogs?
Yes, you can open cephalexin capsules and mix them with dog food but in the dosage your veterinarian prescribes.
Dogs can generally use 100 mg/day of cephalexin capsules for an average-sized adult dog.
Can Antibiotics For Dogs Be Used in Humans?
No, antibiotics for dogs should not be used on humans or vice versa without specific indications and instructions from a doctor or veterinarian.
The biology and immune structure of humans and dogs are different, so some antibiotics may work effectively in dogs but not humans, and vice versa.
Can Dogs Take Cephalexin 500mg Capsule?
Yes, a dog can use 10 – 15 mg per pound of body weight. So dogs can take cephalexin 500mg capsule when it weighs 50 kg.
However, using cephalexin 500mg capsules for dogs must be done according to specific indications and instructions from your veterinarian to reduce potential side effects.
Conclusion
Through my article, most of you understand that the cause of the symptoms of dogs ears warm and red is because the dog has a high fever due to an infection, and Cephalexin is the cure.
However, we cannot use Cephalexin for dogs as it is in humans because there is still a difference between dog and human Cephalexin.
We recommend that pet parents consult their veterinarian when their dog has health problems or questions about using dog medicine, oral suspensions, and differences in drugs.
