Death after Cephalexin in dogs

266 reports to the FDA describe death in dogs given Cephalexin. That is 9.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 5.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

266Reports
97%Marked serious
0.0%Recovered
100%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
34 15%
1–2 days
34 15%
3–7 days
38 17%
1–4 weeks
65 29%
Over a month
53 24%

How the animals did

Still unwell when reported
1 0.4%
Died
133 50%
Euthanised
132 50%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
40
4–7 years
71
8–11 years
112
12+ years
35

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Cephalexin cause death in dogs?
266 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 10 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Death with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Cephalexin in dogs · Medicines most reported with death