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Is 1000mg of cephalexin a high dose for a 75-pound dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Our vet just put our dog on cephalexin 500 mg 2 tab every 12 hours is a 1000 mg. A lot for a dog 75 pounds

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2016

The cephalexin dose is 10 to 15mg per LB. So this means your dog is getting 1000mg divided by 75 lbs: 13.33 mg/lb, which is a perfectly proper dosage.

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79Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The upper end dose of cephalexin for dogs is about 50mg per each pound of body weight so your dog is at the high end of the dose we use but still within the recommended range. If you have any concerns about the dose please, double-check this with your vet why he decided to use high dose of this antibiotic in your dog.

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    29Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am sorry, the recommended dose of cephalexin is 15mg per pound of body weight - my typing mistake.

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    40Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately there is no way to accurately dose a 7lb dog with a 250mg capsule of cephalexin. I'm sorry. The best option is to see a vet for antibiotics for her weight. Kisses to Nini!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 6th, 2020

    Cephalexin can be given up to three times daily. At 15mg/lb, Mojo could get up to 2160mg total per day. Discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. You may see some stomach upset, but this is common for antibiotics.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 27th, 2021

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does sound like a high dose. The most commonly used dose of cephalexin for dogs is 5 mg to 12mg per each lb of body weight, which makes 300-750mg per dose for Millie. Please, get in touch with your vets and double-check why he prescribed such a high dose for her.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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