Itching after Cephalexin in dogs

The FDA has received 191 reports of itching in dogs after Cephalexin. That is 7.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

191Reports
52%Marked serious
30%Recovered
5.2%Died or euthanised
13 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
29 19%
1–2 days
16 11%
3–7 days
20 13%
1–4 weeks
37 25%
Over a month
47 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
44 23%
Recovered with lasting effects
14 7.3%
Still unwell when reported
77 40%
Died
4 2.1%
Euthanised
6 3.1%
Not known
46 24%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
22
1–3 years
50
4–7 years
68
8–11 years
36
12+ years
12

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Cephalexin cause itching in dogs?
191 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 13 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).

Itching with similar medicines

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