This article discusses the best Antibiotic for gonorrhea in dogs, including Cephalexin. It also covers Cephalexin’s side effects and how much to give your dog. 


For more information, check out our list of Antibiotics for gonorrhea in dogs. You’ll be glad you read it! If you have questions about gonorrhea in dogs, contact our animal health team!

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How Does Cephalexin Cure Gonorrhea in Dogs?


A popular antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in dogs, Cephalexin belongs to the class of cephalosporins. The compound is similar to Penicillin, but it targets both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, killing them both. 


For this reason, veterinarians prescribe Cephalexin treat several common bacterial conditions in dogs. 

However, it is important to note that Cephalexin can cause side effects and should not be given to dogs if symptoms are a sign of an infection.

A common side effect of cephalexin is anxiety. The rise of alcohol levels in the bloodstream and the subsequent anxiety can make cephalexin treatment very uncomfortable. 


It may take two to three days before your dog starts to feel better, so be sure to stick with it until it is completely gone. 

In general, you should take cephalexin for seven to 14 days for the infection to clear. For severe cases, you may have to increase the dosage to 500 mg or more per day.

Cephalexin Dosage for Gonorrhea in Dogs


The proper Cephalexin dosage for gonorrhea in dogs depends on the severity of the infection and the individual dog. The maximum dose for most infections is 13.6 milligrams/lb given twice a day. 


A lower dose may be given to dogs with kidney problems. In general, cephalexin is taken for seven to fourteen days, depending on the severity of the infection.

The recommended dosage is ten to fifteen milligrams per kilogram of body weight, although this may vary depending on the concentration. 


Veterinarians recommend giving the drug every eight to twelve hours or two to three times per day and feeding it to your dog with food will decrease the risk of side effects. If you give the medication to your dog on its own, you are likely to encounter some side effects.

Cephalexin Side Effects in Dogs


Although it is an antibiotic, Cephalexin in dogs can cause some unwanted side effects. Cephalexin can damage the bacteria’s cell walls, making it less effective for treating certain types of infections. 


Since the antibiotic is only effective against specific types of bacteria, it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your veterinarian. 

A typical dose of Cephalexin for dogs is 10 to 15 mg per pound of body weight, and a 50-pound dog might be given 500 mg.

The trough concentrations of Cephalexin in dogs were highest at Week 8, after a three-times-daily dose of 110 mg/kg. However, this drug was not absorbed well by dogs at other times. In the same study, trough concentrations were higher in Week 4 and 12 compared to Week 8. 


The geometric mean plasma concentration of Cephalexin was 11.2 mg/mL at Week 8 after three times-daily administration of 22 mg/kg.

List of Best Antibiotics for Gonorrhea in Dogs


The CDC’s 1998 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases recommend the use of two different types of antibiotics – cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin, which is widely available and affordable, is the most commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone. 


Ciprofloxacin has been studied in children with cystic fibrosis and is a safe antibiotic for use in these patients. But it has also been associated with irreversible damage to the cartilage of the large weight-bearing joints.

Until recently, Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria were susceptible to a wide range of antibiotics, but this has changed dramatically. Now, it is resistant to only a few. 


In 1987, the CDC published guidelines for treating gonorrhea that recommended discontinuing treatment with penicillin and tetracycline. 

Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern in the treatment of gonorrhea. In one study, 28.1% of isolates tested were resistant to at least one type of antibiotic.

Conclusion: Cephalexin for Gonorrhea in Dogs


To understand how much cephalexin a dog should take, it is first important to consider its pharmacokinetics. As a general rule, cephalexin should be administered in a single dosage of 25 mg/kg daily, at least 12 hours apart. Depending on the dose and duration of exposure, cephalexin may result in a significant change in joint and cartilage damage.


Doctor Xeeshan

Doctor Xeeshan

I am Doctor Xeeshan, located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. In this blog, I am providing authentic information about dog breeds, diseases, medications, etc.

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