What Is Cefpodoxime For Dogs?

Cefpodoxime is an FDA approved, vet-prescribed medication commonly used to treat skin infections, respiratory infections or urinary tract infections.¹ If your pup is suffering with any of these unfortunate ailments, your veterinarian may prescribe cefpodoxime to treat the infection. This antibiotic is taken orally and requires a regular dosing schedule that your veterinarian can decide is appropriate to get your pup back to their happy-go-lucky ways. Providing your veterinarian with all the up to date information about your pooch’s pre-existing health status is essential for them to correctly prescribe this treatment.

Read on if you are eager to learn more about this vet-recommended drug or want to understand the effects it can have on your furry friend’s body. Covering everything from side effects to exactly what the drug is, this article can serve as a comprehensive guide for you to gain an understanding on the impacts of cefpodoxime.

• What is Cefpodoxime for Dogs?
• Cefpodoxime for Dogs Side Effects
• Cefpodoxime Dosage for Dogs
• Cefpodoxime Alternatives
• FAQs
• Final Notes

What is Cefpodoxime Used for in Dogs?

Cefpodoxime is an antibiotic in the cephalosporin family and is classified as a "broad-spectrum antibiotic”, meaning it is used to effectively treat a number of different infections.² This medication can be taken orally in either liquid or tablet form, with or without food.³ However, if your dog vomits or is prone to vomiting, taking the medication with food may help to settle their stomach so that they keep the medicine down.³

Liquid forms must be dosed carefully and if your dog struggles with taking medicine, discuss with your veterinarian the most effective ways to get them to take it.¹ Effects of the medicine will begin roughly two hours after your dog has taken it, but outward effects may take a while to become recognizable.³

Veterinarians may prescribe cefpodoxime over penicillin due to the variety of bacteria it can help treat.² For example, studies show that cefpodoxime and cefovecin are more effective against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.⁴ However, they retain fair efficacy toward gram-negative organisms such as E coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus.⁴

If your dog has any problems with their kidneys, has a history of seizures or is pregnant, it is unlikely that a veterinarian will prescribe this, or will recommend to use it with caution.³

Common prescriptions of this drug include urinary tract infections, skin infections and respiratory infections. Identifying the beginnings of these issues is essential in ensuring that your dog remains healthy and happy. Here are just a few common symptoms that your dog is having issues with any of those infections:

Cefpodoxime for Dogs Side Effects

What are the side effects of cefpodoxime for dogs? Well, the less serious side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.¹ If these side effects worsen, increase or continue to persist over a few days, consult your veterinarian immediately.

More severe side effects include a fever, rashes, trouble breathing, or pale gums, which may indicate an allergy to the drug.¹ If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Likewise, allergic reactions may occur, especially in dogs that are allergic to penicillin.² If this is the case, quickly take action by consulting your veterinarian. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, but effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.³

The most common symptom of overdose is excessive vomiting, which can cause anemia and damage to the kidneys and nervous system.¹ If you notice excessive vomiting after administration of the drug, contact your veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately.

Cefpodoxime Dosage for Dogs

The recommended cefpodoxime dosage for dogs is typically 2.3 to 4.5 milligrams per pound of the dog's weight.³ As mentioned earlier, the drug can be taken in pill form or liquid form depending on what your dog responds to better. If using tablet form, the recommended dosage tends to be one pill every 24 hours.³

In order for your veterinarian to provide the effective dosage schedule, or know whether this drug is the best way to treat your pup, it is important to update them on a few things. These include your medications your dog may be taking. This also includes any vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies you give your pet.³ Ensure that you detail the exact amount you give your pup and how frequently so your vet can make the best, most informed decision possible. You should also inform your vet of any pre-existing health conditions your pup may have had, including any infections or illnesses similar to the one they are currently suffering from. They should also be made aware if your animal is pregnant, lactating, or often experiences side effects from medication - detailing exactly which side effects occur.

This medication can be prescribed for various lengths of time.¹ Stopping the treatment prematurely, even if you see signs of improvement, could cause the infection to come back as it will not have been properly eradicated - it is recommended to use the full prescribed amount by your veterinarian.³

If your pup struggles with taking oral medication in tablet form, hiding the tablets in food is a great way to trick them into taking it.² However, they may still spit out the tablet using this method, so it may be necessary for you to open your dog’s mouth and insert the pill as far back as possible in your canine’s mouth.² There are also tools you can purchase to help shoot the drug into your dog’s mouth in order to avoid getting bit if your dog is especially adverse to taking oral medication.

If you miss a dose of treatment, give the treatment as soon as you can as long as it is not too close in timeframe to the next dose. However, if you are planning to give the next dose to your dog soon, continue the treatment as normal and simply skip that dose. We do not recommend straying from the prescribed plan your veterinarian has given you, giving two doses at once or providing your pup with any extra doses.³

Cefpodoxime Alternatives

Instead of recommending cefpodoxime, your veterinarian may decide to prescribe other forms of penicillin or infection medication. These could include ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, cefsulodin, cefotaxime, cefoperazone or moxalactam.⁴ It is important to always consult your veterinarian before putting your dog on any type of medicine as they can best recommend the correct dosage course and can deduce which type of medicine may be best for your pup. In some cases, an alternative medicine to cefpodoxime may be more beneficial to your dog - kick starting their recovery to the happy, healthy pup you love.

FAQs

Is cefpodoxime a strong antibiotic for dogs?

Yes, cefpodoxime is a potent, third-generation antibiotic from the cephalosporin family.

How many days should a dog take cefpodoxime?

Dosage varies depending on the purpose of prescription and the severity of the infection. Generally, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet a day ranging from 2.3 to 4.5 milligrams per pound of the dog's weight. However, your veterinarian will prescribe the exact amount to be taken by your pup.

How long does it take for antibiotics to work in dogs?

The drugs will begin to take action approximately 2 hours after consumption but it may take a few days to notice or recognise any external results. When you do start to see improvements in your pup, it is important to continue the full course of recommended prescription to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent it from recurring. Monitoring your dog after taking any new medication is important. This includes checking for adverse reactions, side effects or symptoms of overdose.

Final Notes

Cefpodoxime is an effective prescription drug to tackle a variety of infections, including skin infections, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections. Your veterinarian can determine which course of action is best to provide your pup some relief from any discomfort they may feel - cefpodoxime may be the route they choose to take. As long as you monitor your furry companion to ensure the medication is not causing them discomfort, cefpodoxime can be a great solution to treating these infections and can easily be administered through oral means.