Medication Dosage Calculator
Calculate safe medication doses for your dog
About This Calculator
The Medication Dosage Calculator helps you determine appropriate medication doses based on your dog's weight. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog.
How This Generic Dosage Calculator Works
This tool uses the standard veterinary formula: Amount to Give = (Weight in kg × Dose in mg/kg) / Concentration in mg/unit.
It first converts your dog's weight to kilograms (if needed). Then, it calculates the total required milligrams (mg) of the drug.
Finally, it divides the total mg needed by the concentration of the drug (mg per milliliter or mg per tablet) to determine the final amount to administer in volume (mL) or pill count.
Important: Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog.
Why Accurate Medication Dosing is Critical
Medication errors are a leading cause of preventable harm in veterinary medicine. Getting the dose right is literally a matter of life and safety.
Dogs metabolize medications differently than humans, and dosages vary dramatically by weight. A dose safe for a 70-lb dog could be fatal for a 10-lb dog.
Under-dosing is also dangerous—it may not treat the condition effectively and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
This calculator helps you understand weight-based dosing principles, but always verify with your veterinarian before giving any medication.
Tips for Safe Medication Administration
- • Always weigh your dog before calculating doses—don't estimate. Weight changes can affect dosing significantly.
- • Use the measuring devices provided with liquid medications—kitchen spoons are not accurate enough.
- • Complete the full course of antibiotics even if your dog seems better. Stopping early promotes resistance.
- • Keep a medication log noting drug, dose, time, and any reactions observed.
- • Store medications properly—some need refrigeration, others should be kept away from light.
How to Use
- 1. Enter your dog's weight accurately
- 2. Select the medication type
- 3. Get the recommended dosage range
- 4. Always verify with your veterinarian
Benefits
- ✓ Prevent under-dosing or overdosing
- ✓ Quick reference for common medications
- ✓ Better prepare for vet consultations
- ✓ Understand weight-based dosing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog human medications?
Some human medications are safe for dogs at appropriate doses (like certain antihistamines), but many are toxic. Never give human medication without explicit veterinary guidance.
What if I miss a dose?
Don't double up. Give the next dose at the regular time unless otherwise directed by your vet. For critical medications, call your vet for specific guidance.
Why is my dog's dose different from another dog the same size?
Dosing can vary based on the specific condition being treated, your dog's kidney/liver function, other medications they're taking, and their individual response to the drug.
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