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How to Treat Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs – Can Cephalexin Help?
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Dogs are not just animals: they are part of our family. As such, you need to take good care of them just like you would for any other member of your family.
Apart from ensuring that your canine friend is well-fed and is free from flea and tick infestations, you need to take measures to ensure that your pet is free from bacterial infections as well. In fact, early diagnosis of bacterial infections in dogs can mean the difference between the recovery of your dog and the worst happening. You surely don’t want the latter to happen to your lovely pet, right?
As with humans, dogs are at risk of various bacterial infections that can affect various body parts, including the urinary tract, respiratory system, skin, ears, kidneys, among others. The good news is that most of these bacterial infections are treatable with the right medication, of course. However, as earlier stated, pet parents need to take decisive actions quickly as these infections can have far-reaching effects if left untreated.
In this post, we shall look at the bacterial infections in dogs and how to prevent and treat them. Continue reading to learn more.
As with humans, dogs with a weak immune system are more susceptible to bacterial infections. To that end, older dogs, stressed dogs, those with allergies, and dogs with other underlying medical conditions are more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
As such, you can significantly protect your dog from infections by following best dietary practices, exercising your dog regularly, and having your dog checked by a veterinarian regularly. These measures, coupled with giving your dog enough freshwater, will go a long way in enhancing your dog’s immune system, which will ultimately make them less susceptible to bacterial infections.
Before we look at the common bacterial infections in dogs, it is essential to first look at the common bacterial treatment in dogs. If your dog shows signs of bacterial infections, your vet might recommend some medication, including Cephalexin antibiotics for dogs. But what is Cephalexin for dogs? How do they work? And what side effects do they have to your canine friend?
Well, Cephalexin is an effective antibacterial treatment for a wide range of bacterial infections in dogs.
Cephalexin is a vet-approved oral medication that comes in either tablet, liquid, or capsule forms. As with any other medicines, it is vital to ask about the right dosage and possible side effects.
As earlier stated, Cephalexin is among the most effective antibiotics for dogs. Your vet may recommend it for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:
Common side effects of Cephalexin in dogs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, skin rashes, hyperexcitability, drooling, etc. Cephalexin can also interact with other medications, so be sure to let your vet know of any other medicines that your pet is taking. If you notice any of the above side effects, call your veterinarian doctor immediately.
Some of the most common bacterial infections include:
Your dog is likely to have leptospirosis if they come into contact with the faces or urine of an infected dog. Dogs that drink stagnant water are also at risk of getting this infection. This disease exhibits signs such as vomiting, fever, aches, depression, and lethargy.
In severe cases, leptospirosis can lead to kidney inflammation, which can have far-reaching effects on your canine friend. If you notice the above symptoms, be sure to contact your vet immediately. Remember, leptospirosis is a highly infectious disease, and can be transferred to other animals as well as humans.
Skin infections are also common problems in dogs. The best thing is that you can easily spot them. Signs of skin infections in dogs include rashes, itching, hair loss, etc. To avoid severe skin problems, call your vet when you notice such issues.
There are several bacterial eye infections in dogs, including conjunctivitis. Common symptoms associated with eye infections in dogs include itchy, red, sticky, and watery eyes. Other dogs may also have excess blinking and light sensitivity.
Another common condition in dogs is the kennel cough, a condition that affects the dog’s respiratory system. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease and is spread through coughing and sneezing.
As with leptospirosis, kennel cough is likely to affect dogs with a weakened immune system. To reduce the chances of kennel cough infection, ensure your dog is vaccinated against this infection.
