How to give Cephalexin to a dog? - briefly
To administer Cephalexin to a dog, follow these steps:
- Calculate the correct dosage: The typical dose is 10-15 mg per pound of body weight, given every 8-12 hours for 5-7 days. Adjustments may be necessary based on your veterinarian's advice.
- Administer the medication: Crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of wet dog food or another palatable substance. Ensure your dog swallows the entire dose, monitoring closely to prevent any accidental spillage.
How to give Cephalexin to a dog? - in detail
Giving Cephalexin to a dog requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure the medication is administered effectively and safely. Cephalexin, an antibiotic from the cephalosporin family, is commonly prescribed for treating bacterial infections in dogs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to give Cephalexin to your dog:
Firstly, ensure you have the correct dosage prescribed by your veterinarian. The typical dose for dogs ranges from 10-15 mg per pound of body weight, administered every 8 to 12 hours. However, it is crucial not to deviate from the specific instructions given by your vet.
When preparing to give Cephalexin to your dog, gather necessary items: the prescribed medication, a treat or pill pocket to hide the tablet (if needed), and water for hydration. It’s also helpful to have someone assist you if your dog is particularly resistant to taking pills.
Before administering the medication, check that it is still within its expiration date and has not been exposed to heat or moisture, which can degrade its potency.
To give Cephalexin to a dog:
- Choose a quiet, calm environment where your dog feels comfortable.
- Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger. If using a treat or pill pocket, place the Cephalexin tablet inside it.
- Approach your dog from the side rather than head-on to avoid appearing threatening.
- Gently lift your dog’s upper lip on one side of the mouth to expose the teeth and gums.
- Place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible, ideally between the premolars. This reduces the likelihood of your dog spitting it out.
- Close your dog’s mouth gently but firmly.
- Gently blow on your dog's nose to encourage swallowing. Alternatively, you can stroke your dog’s throat gently from chin to neck to stimulate the swallowing reflex.
- Offer a treat or small amount of wet food immediately after to ensure the pill goes down and to reward your dog for cooperating.
- Monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy. If these occur, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Throughout the course of treatment, it is essential to complete the full prescribed dosage even if your dog appears better before finishing all the pills. Stopping early can lead to a resurgence of the infection and antibiotic resistance.
Lastly, store Cephalexin in its original container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.