What is this?
A pet medication dosage calculator helps owners determine safe medication doses for dogs and cats based on weight. It provides dosing ranges in mg/kg, typical starting doses, frequency guidelines, and safety warnings for common veterinary medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and antihistamines.How to use
Select your pet type (dog or cat), enter accurate weight in pounds, and choose the medication. The calculator shows dose range, typical starting dose, frequency, administration notes, and safety warnings. Always follow your veterinarian's specific instructions.Tips
- Weigh pet at vet office for accuracy - home scales can be inaccurate for small pets
- Dosing in mg/kg: multiply weight in kg by dose rate (1 kg = 2.205 lbs)
- Amoxicillin: 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours (dogs and cats) - complete full course
- Cephalexin: 15-30 mg/kg every 12 hours - broad-spectrum antibiotic
- Carprofen (Rimadyl): 2-4 mg/kg for dogs ONLY - toxic to cats
- Gabapentin: 5-10 mg/kg every 8-12 hours - pain and anxiety
- Benadryl: Dogs 2-4 mg/kg, cats 1-2 mg/kg every 8-12 hours
- Always give with food if medication causes stomach upset
- Complete antibiotic courses even if pet seems better - prevents resistance
- Never split or crush tablets unless vet approves - some are extended-release
- Pill pockets, cheese, or peanut butter help with administration
- Liquid medications: shake well, use syringe for accurate dosing
- Store medications properly - some require refrigeration
- Keep human medications away from pets - many are toxic
- Signs of overdose: lethargy, vomiting, tremors, seizures - call vet immediately
