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Dog's recurring skin infections: Can I avoid oral antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 8 months old

After every one pr two months he gets this skin infection I dont know what is it and why so frequently only my dog gets it and I took to vet he prescribes cephalexin 500mg once a day which I hate because this medicine can harm liver and kidneys so may I know what should I do to completely avoid this Infection and also can It be treat without oral antibiotics and only with topical cream with dusting powder

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2019

Ceohalexin once per day is not recommended. It needs to be given 2-3 times daily. That is likely why the infection keeps returning- it is probably never completely gone because the medication is not given correctly. A normal course of antibiotics is not likely to damage the liver or kidneys. You are making more of this possibility than you need to. That may happen 0.0001% of the time. I have never seen antibiotics, when used correctly, cause this problem in 25 years of my experience. Antibiotics are very useful drugs and needed in some cases like this. If you want a once a day antibiotic you can ask your vet for cefpodoxime. It is made for once daily dosing. He probably keeps getting these hot spots due to an underlying allergy. You can’t completely avoid this until you identify the underlying allergy. He needs allergy testing. You can try this topical medicated spray to see if it will help treat the spots. ( https://www.entirelypets.com/douxomicro200.html ) You can bathe him with the same product shampoo once a week to see if you help prevent the spots once they are healed. USE AS DIRECTED. ( https://www.entirelypets.com/duoxoc16.html )

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 29th, 2019

    Appropriate antibiotic use and monitoring shouldn't cause liver or kidney disease. Cephalexin is a relatively safe antibiotic if these organs are a concern for damage. However, it sounds like the source of the skin infection isn't being adequately evaluated. Allergies, fleas, incompletely clearing previous infections, etc. may play a part. A topical treatment like a medicated mousse or shampoo may be best. I would discuss these with your vet.

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