Cephalexin for Dogs Dosage Calculator

Your details

Use your dog's current body weight, measured at your veterinary visit.
lb
Per dose, not per day. The MSD Veterinary Manual gives 15-45 mg/kg every 6-12 hours for dogs, and the FDA-approved Rilexine label specifies 22 mg/kg (10 mg/lb) twice daily for superficial pyoderma. Your vet sets the exact rate for the infection being treated.
mg/kg
Your vet prescribes the interval. Twice daily (q12h) is most common for skin infections; q8h or q6h is used for severe or bone infections.
Skin infections typically need 14-28 days; UTIs 7-14 days; bone infections may need 6-8 weeks or longer. Never stop early without consulting your vet.
days
Select the tablet strength or liquid concentration you have at home.
Dose per administrationCalculated dose
249.5mg

Milligrams of cephalexin to give at each scheduled time

Tablets / mL per dose0.5
Daily total499mg
Tablets / mL per day1
Total for course6,985mg
Total tablets / mL for course14
249.5 mg
Very small dog<50Small dog50-200Medium dog200-500Large dog500-900Giant breed900+

249.5 mg per dose (0.50 capsules of Capsule 500 mg)

  • Your 25 lb dog (11.3 kg) needs 249.5 mg per dose, 2 times a day (every 12 hours).
  • Give 0.50 capsules of Capsule 500 mg at each scheduled time.
  • 22 mg/kg per dose is within the 15-45 mg/kg range the MSD Veterinary Manual lists for dogs (the FDA-approved Rilexine label uses 22 mg/kg twice daily).
  • For the full 14-day course you will need approximately 14.0 capsules in total.

Next stepAlways give cephalexin with food to reduce stomach upset, complete the full course even if your dog seems better, and contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

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