Cephalexin and Scabies in Dogs
Scabies in dogs occurs when sarcoptic or demodectic mites invade a dog's skin. These mites burrow into a dog's skin to feed and lay eggs. The resulting scabies, or mange, has some serious symptoms and secondary repercussions. The condition is treatable at home, but may require a veterinarian's attention.
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Symptoms
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A dog with scabies becomes incredibly itchy and displays rough, thickened skin, first around his face and chest, then on his entire body. The skin becomes flaky and scabby as the infection progresses. The symptoms will eventually cause hair loss, and may result in serious secondary bacterial infections on the skin.
Treatments
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Veterinarians prescribe strong chemical dips for scabies. The dips are topical treatments made of pesticides, to kill the mites and eliminate the problem. Many owners choose to treat their dogs at home with all-natural treatments such as hydrogen peroxide, medicated shampoos, vegetable oil and increased grooming. Since mites generally attack animals that have weakened immune systems, a good treatment and preventative method is to increase a dog's nutrition, and supplement his diet with raw foods such as vegetables and fruits.
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Cephalexin
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Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic related to penicillin. It kills bacteria by preventing it from developing or protecting itself. Cephalexin is a common prescription for bacterial infections such as urinary tract infection in dogs. This drug is only available through a veterinary prescription.
Cephalexin and Scabies
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Cephalexin is prescribed not to kill the mites that cause scabies, but to combat the secondary skin infections that often accompany mange. Veterinarians generally prescribe cephalexin in combination with other topical mange treatments.
Considerations
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According to Pet Place, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved cephalexin use in dogs, though veterinarians often prescribe the medication as an extra-label drug. Some animals are allergic to this medication and experience side effects such as vomiting. This medication may also interact with other medications, and could have serious repercussions.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.com
