Convenia for Cats and Dogs (Cefovecin Sodium)

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.  

What Is Convenia Used for in Cats and Dogs?

In cats, Convenia (active ingredient cefovecin) is a prescription antibiotic that helps treat wounds and abscesses. One injection of Convenia is generally sufficient to resolve the skin infection in cats. 

In dogs, Convenia helps treat common bacterial skin infections (often secondary to underlying allergies), wounds, and abscesses. 

Convenia is a long-acting antibiotic injection that’s administered under a dog or cat’s skin by a veterinarian. It starts working within hours, and a single injection of Convenia can last for up to 14 days.  

Convenia may be used as a sole medication in dogs or may be combined with other treatments. 

Depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s skin issue, your vet may recommend additional supportive care treatments to help your dog’s skin infection heal as quickly as possible. Such treatments may include:  

• Medicated shampoo therapy, such as Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Shampoo 

• Antibacterial spray, such as Davis Chlorhexidine Spray 

• Medicated mousse, such as Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Mousse 

• Omega fatty acid supplements, such as Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Supplement 

• Flea and tick preventatives, such as Simparica Trio or Bravecto 

Is Convenia FDA-Approved? 

Convenia is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats as the first and only long-acting antibiotic available in a single veterinarian-administered injectable dose. 

The generic formulation cefovecin injection is also FDA-approved for treating skin infections in dogs and cats.  

Speak with your veterinarian about whether Convenia or cefovecin injection is right for your pet. 

Convenia Considerations for Cats and Dogs

Cefovecin, the active ingredient of Convenia, is classified as a cephalosporin antibiotic, which is closely related to penicillin antibiotics. Because of the possibility of cross-sensitivity, Convenia should not be given to cats or dogs with a known allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. 

Safety studies had not been performed at the time of this publication to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Convenia in animals younger than 4 months nor in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals. 

Giving Convenia with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it’s important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian. 

How Convenia Works in Cats and Dogs

As an antibiotic in the cephalosporin class, cefovecin works to kill susceptible bacteria by interrupting the formation of proteins required for the production of its cell wall. 

According to the manufacturer, one injection of Convenia worked just as well as 14 days of oral antibiotic tablets or pills, some of which had to be given twice daily. 

How To Give Convenia to Cats and Dogs

Your veterinarian will administer Convenia injection under your pet’s skin, with the dosage determined by your pet’s weight.  

A cat may receive a single injection of Convenia, which is generally sufficient to resolve the infection. A dog may receive a maximum of two injections if your veterinarian feels longer treatment is necessary. 

After the injection, you will likely observe an improvement in your pet’s skin infection, wound, or abscess within two to three days. Convenia will continue to fight the skin for 14 days.  

Your veterinarian will check your pet’s response to Convenia to determine if the treatment is working for them. If your pet has not improved within three to four days, your vet may reconsider your pet’s diagnosis and choose a different treatment. 

Missed a Dose? 

If you forget to bring your pet in for their Convenia injection, please contact your vet.  

In general, your veterinarian will schedule an appointment for your pet as needed to assess your pet’s response to Convenia and administer the next treatment if needed.  

Possible Side Effects of Convenia in Cats and Dogs

Convenia is well tolerated in cats and dogs. It can uncommonly cause side effects, including:    

• Vomiting  

• Diarrhea 

• Lethargy  

• Loss of appetite 

Allergic reactions to Convenia are rare but can happen. Symptoms may include:  

• Skin rashes 

• Fever  

• Collapse  

• Difficulty breathing 

Human Side Effects 

Convenia is not an approved medication for humans. To be safe, do not participate in any way during the injection. Veterinary staff will hold your pet as the vet administers the medication.  

If you accidentally become injected with a pet medication, seek medical attention immediately. Show the package leaflet or label to the physician, if available, and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. 

Monitoring Your Pet 

No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications that may be prescribed, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication. 

When To Call Your Vet 

Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of Convenia: 

• Severe side effects (above) 

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment 

• You see or suspect an overdose 

Convenia Overdose Concerns in Cats and Dogs

Overdoses of Convenia are generally uncommon. 

Safety studies showed that dogs and cats who received several times higher than the recommended dosage, as well as more frequent doses, developed vomiting and diarrhea. 

Dogs in the safety study also developed irritation and swelling at the injection site. 

If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply. 

• Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661  

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435  

How To Store Convenia for Cats and Dogs

Your vet should store Convenia in a refrigerator with a temperature of 36–46 F (2 C–8 C), according to product insert instructions.  

Keep out of reach of children and pets.