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My puppy is on cephalexin. Can he get his distemper vaccine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 15 lbs

I have a rescue organization. Distemper is common in the areas where I rescue dogs. One of my dogs in foster care has a skin infection and is taking cephalexin. However, because I don't want the puppy to get distemper, I asked my foster to start him on his multi-vaccines. Is the cephalexin going to interfere with the effectiveness of the multi-vaccines? (And, yes, he will need a leg amputation.)

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2021

Hello, Concurrent administration of cephalexin will most likely not have any effect on the vaccine, however if the puppy is unwell the vaccination may worsen his condition and the vaccination may not be effective. Summing up, I would vaccinate Milo (ideally with a vaccine for distemper/parvo only) if he is clinically well and if there is a high chance of getting distemper. If Milo has fever, is off food or if he is clinically unwell I would not vaccinate. I hope this will help, however please let us know if you have any further questions.

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is not an easy situation and we need to take into account how well (or unwell) the puppy is and what is the risk of getting distemper. If Milo remains in good spirit and has normal appetite and good energy level despite the problem with the right front leg AND there is a high risk of getting distemper, vaccination can be justified and should be effective. I would recommend using a vaccine that contains only distemper and parvovirus. In other situations, I would suggest to wait with the vaccination until Milo is back in full heath.

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