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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

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

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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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • 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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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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Is twice-daily Cephalexin for dog skin issues safe long-term?
Cephalexin should always be given every 12 hrs due to the half-life of the medication, and sometimes even every 6-8 hrs depending on the severity of the infection. There can be a build up of resistance to frequent use of antibiotics, so I would try to have a more in depth conversation with your vet about long term treatment options that can keep Bruno's skin barrier at optimal levels, such as daily fish oils, prescription diets, and medicated shampoo's. Bruno getting Cephalexin at the frequency that he has been getting it should no affect his liver in a negative way or reduce his lifespan, the main concern here is resistance to the antibiotics over time. Best of luck with your furry friend Bruno moving forward and managing his apparent skin allergies and skin infections. Take care!
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My dog's recurring skin rash needs antibiotics. Is it allergies?
If this is a recurring skin issue, he most likely had an underlying allergy. It could be an allergy to environmental things, or an allergy to the protein in the food. You can treat the infection, but it will keep returning if the underlying issue isn't also addressed. I would talk with your veterinarian about allergies. The antibiotics are not too harsh, and won't cause kidney damage
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My dog has atopic dermatitis. Are frequent antibiotics safe for him?
Hi. I believe this question was answered yesterday, but maybe not. The antibiotics will not cause kidney or liver damage. Some chronic allergy and skin cases do need off and on antibiotics. Allergies can be very difficult and sometimes never be 100%. We try, but don't always get there. If you are getting frustrated then a veterinary dermatology referral would be indicated
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Why do my dog's skin pimples keep coming back after antibiotics?
In most cases these skin infections, called bacterial pyoderma, are allergy-related. The antibiotics will help, but as you've experienced the skin problems will come back if the primary allergic disease isn't controlled. The hydroxyzine Becher took was an antihistamine, and that may have helped control the itchiness, however it sounds to me that he needs something a bit stronger to control the allergies and thus the skin infections. Talk to your vet about using Apoquel or Atopica on him; these are great drugs with minimal side effects that really help allergic dogs.
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My dog has a hot spot. Should I give her cephalexin or see a vet?
Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at PetCoach to recommend giving a prescription drug without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for Cleo. Typically antibiotics are not given to treat hot spots unless there is a secondary infection, treating them requires a steroid cream that is available by prescription only from the vet. I would take Cleo into the vet first thing Monday to have the hot spot treatment. In the meantime, you can give her an Epsom salt bath to see if that gives her temporary relief, and put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking at it and making it worse. You can get an Ecollar from a pet store or make one at home: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html
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Should I give my dog amoxicillin for his pyoderma skin infection?
Yes, but I prefer cephalexin or cefpodoxime for skin infection. The amoxicillin dose for a dog 40lbs would be about 200mg every 12 hours. I would recommend seeing a vet though for appropriate antibiotic therapy recommendations. Topical therapy should also be considered. I typically recommend using a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I also recommend using welactin omega 3 fish oil and essential 6 spot on by dermoscent. Malacetic conditioning spray is also a good option to spray isolated areas on the body where infection is present. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. I am also available via consultation if needed.
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Why do my dog's recurring skin infections spread when he licks?
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