Ivermectin Dosage for Dogs Calculator and Guidelines

✅ Verified by veterinary expert Dr. Asad Azad

To find out the correct dosage of ivermectin for dogs based on their weight and condition being treated is very critical for the drug safety and its effectiveness. Ivermectin is commonly known as powerful antiparasitic drug to address the issues of heartworm and also frequently used to treat many internal and external parasites of dog’s body. In veterinary medicine the exact dose depends upon the weight and severity of the condition being treated, so the dog owners should understand the proper dosage guidelines of ivermectin to administer to their loved ones. We have designed an ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs to calculate the accurate dosage for their dogs based on the condition.

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Ivermectin for Dogs

Ivermectin is generally known as a dewormer for dogs which is used to treat intestinal, external and lungs parasites and other use of ivermectin is to prevent heartworm in dogs. Ivermectin is available in market in several forms like tablets, injections and paste. Every form has different dosage calculation and it should be administered to the dogs under proper veterinary guidelines. Our Ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs is primarily designed to give the dosage in tablet and injection form but it does not give dosage in paste form because paste is not intended for dogs due to its higher concentration (1.87%). Paste is solely formulated for large animals like horses.

Ivermectin Dosage for Dogs

Ivermectin dosage mainly depends upon the purpose of administering the ivermectin and the weight of your dog. Our ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs mainly focus on the three conditions and use the below given dosage guidelines. You can choose the form of ivermectin as injection or tablet; calculator will adjust the dose. However, it is strongly recommended to use the drug under supervision of your veterinarian.

• Heartworm Prevention: Monthly doses of 0.0015 to 0.003 mg per pound (0.003 to 0.006 mg/kg).
• Skin Parasites: One dose of 0.10 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg), followed by another dose in 14 days.
• Gastrointestinal Parasites: One dose of 0.1 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg).

The calculator can be set to accommodate these guidelines, helping you to deliver a safe and effective dose.

Ivermectin Dosage for Dogs by Condition

For easy reference, here’s a Ivermectin dosage chart for dogs based on the condition being treated and the dog’s weight:

Ivermection injection dosage for dogs

If you have the prescription of only dosage of ivermectin for your dog and you want to convert it to liquid dosage, you can use the following formulation to convert the dosage into liquid.

Formula for Conversion:

Dosage in ml= (Weight of dog in kg × dosage rate) ÷ (Concentration in mg per mL)

Our ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs also uses the above given formulation to calculate the liquid dosage of ivermectin but this calculator only uses 1% (10mg/ml) concentration (commonly available) of ivermectin to calculate the dose. If you are using other concentrations of ivermectin then you have to use the above given formulation to calculate the right dosage.

How to use Ivermectin Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Our calculator design is very simple yet effective in usage. Follow the steps given below.

• Enter you dog weight
• Select weight unit
• Select condition being treated
• Select dosage form
• Click on the calculate button and it will instantly give the dosage for your dog according to the guidelines.

Factor of Toxicity

Ivermectin is generally safe to use in dogs but there are some breeds that are being considered as highly sensitive to ivermectin. Some herding breeds and mix breeds of dogs can have over sensitivity issue to ivermectin. Main factor which causes the toxicity in some specific breeds is due to the mutation of MDRI gene. According to the article published by University of Missouri following breeds can have the gene mutation.

• Border collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Long haired whippet
• Silken windhound
• Rough and smooth coated collies
• Associated Mix breeds

Study also suggested that ivermectin toxicity can occur in sensitive breeds upon giving doses as low as 100 microgram per kg. However, the dose of 6 microgram per kg proven to be safe in sensitive breeds.
According to the study in non-sensitive breeds the dose of more than 2000 micrograms per kg can have the effects of toxicity of ivermectin.
It is recommended to make the required test of MDR1 gene mutation before administering the ivermectin to your dog.

Safety Precautions When Using Ivermectin for Dogs

Ivermectin is generally safe to use for dogs except some breeds but there are also some other factors which should be in mind before administering the ivermectin to your dog.

• Testing for Heartworms: If you are using ivermectin to prevent heartworm then it is advised to conduct a test of heartworm. Only heartworm positive dogs should receive the ivermectin under proper veterinary care.
• Age Restrictions: Do not administer ivermectin in puppies having age less than 6 months if you are using ivermectin in pregnant and lactating dogs then it should be under veterinary guidance.
• Combining Medications: Higher end doses of ivermectin should be used cautiously if combined with certain medications like Comfortis™ to avoid any severe interaction.

Possible Side Effects of Ivermectin for Dogs

Generally, ivermectin is safe for use in dogs and it is well tolerated by dogs if given in safe dosage range. Side effects can occur if you overdose ivermectin and also due to combination of some other drugs. Following are the signs of ivermectin side effects and they appear within 12 hours of dose administration.

• Stumbling
• Tremors
• Disorientation
• Blindness
• Muscle weakness

If these signs appear within 12 hours, IV fluids, anti-seizure medicines and hospitalization is mandatory specifically for heartworm positive dogs. Always monitor your dog closely especially if you are giving the medication first time to your specific dog.

Additional Considerations

Ivermectin has specific handling requirements, if not properly handled it can be remained ineffective or can cause harm to your dog.

• Storage: Always store the ivermectin in cool, dry place and keep out of the reach to your children
• Veterinary Supervision: Always consult with your veterinarian before adding ivermectin to your dog health schedule, especially if you are using other medications also.
• Adjusting Doses: Always start with the lowest dose possible according to your dog weight and condition, especially if your dog has shown sensitivity to other medications in the past.

Important Note

Our ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs is designed according to the general guidelines but you have to verify the dosage with your vet given by our calculator. Every dog has separate metabolism and conditions so it is advised to double verify the dosage.

Conclusion

Our ivermectin dosage calculator for dogs is valuable tool to determine the accurate dosage based on the condition being treated, however always consult with your Vet before administering the medication to your dog. This tool is only provided for informational purposes and is not the substitute of veterinary advice.

Sources and References

1. Ristic Z, Medleau L, Paradis M, White-Weithers NE. Ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995 Nov 15;207(10):1308-10. PMID: 7591924.
2. Daurio CP, Cheung EN, Jeffcoat AR, Skelly BJ. Bioavailability of ivermectin administered orally to dogs. Vet Res Commun. 1992;16(2):125-30. doi: 10.1007/BF01839009. PMID: 1496814.