How To Use

Look up estimated OTC medication dosages for dogs and cats based on weight. This tool is for informational purposes only — always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Quick Steps

  • 1 Select your Pet Type (dog or cat).
  • 2 Enter your pet's Weight in pounds.
  • 3 Select the Medication from the list.
  • 4 Click Calculate to see the estimated dose.
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Pet Medication Dosage Calculator

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⚠️ Important: This tool is for general reference only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Dosages vary based on health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

⛔ Never Give These to Pets

Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen)

Severe kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding. NEVER give to dogs or cats.

Acetaminophen / Paracetamol (Tylenol, Panadol)

Causes liver failure in dogs and red blood cell damage in cats. NEVER give to pets.

Naproxen (Aleve)

Highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)

Found in many cold/allergy tablets. Causes rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures.

Xylitol

Sugar substitute in many human products (gum, melatonin, peanut butter). Causes life-threatening hypoglycaemia in dogs.

Pepto-Bismol (for cats)

Bismuth subsalicylate is toxic to cats — causes salicylate poisoning. Dogs only.

Meloxicam / NSAIDs (for cats, long-term)

Cats are highly sensitive to NSAID toxicity. Long-term use without strict vet monitoring can cause kidney failure.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What medications does this calculator cover?

This calculator covers a wide range of commonly used dog and cat medications including Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Famotidine (Pepcid), Melatonin, Pepto-Bismol, Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Trazodone, Prednisone/Prednisolone, Cephalexin, Meloxicam (Metacam), Gabapentin, Amoxicillin, and Aspirin. Prescription medications are clearly labelled — always have a valid vet prescription before administering these.

What is the correct Trazodone dose for dogs?

The typical Trazodone dose for dogs is approximately 1–1.6 mg per pound (2.5–3.5 mg/kg), with a maximum of 300 mg per dose. It is commonly prescribed for situational anxiety, post-surgical confinement, and noise phobia. Trazodone is a prescription medication — do not use without a valid vet prescription. Our dog Trazodone dose calculator above will give you the estimated dose by weight.

How much Prednisone should I give my dog?

The standard anti-inflammatory Prednisone dose for dogs is approximately 0.25 mg per pound (0.5 mg/kg) once daily. Immune-suppressive doses are higher and must be directed by your vet. Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid — never start or stop it without veterinary guidance, as abrupt stopping can cause Addisonian crisis.

What is the Cephalexin dose for dogs?

The typical Cephalexin dose for dogs is 5 mg per pound (10–15 mg/kg) given every 8–12 hours. It is a prescription antibiotic commonly used for skin, wound, and urinary tract infections. Our Cephalexin dosage calculator for dogs above calculates the dose by your dog's weight.

How is Metacam (Meloxicam) dosed for dogs?

The initial Metacam/Meloxicam dose for dogs is 0.09 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg) on day one, followed by a maintenance dose of approximately 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) daily. It must be given with food. Metacam is a prescription NSAID — do not combine with other NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroids. Metacam is not safe for long-term use in cats.

What is the Gabapentin dose for dogs and cats?

For dogs, Gabapentin is typically dosed at 2–4.5 mg per pound (5–10 mg/kg) every 8–12 hours for pain, or as a single pre-visit dose for anxiety. For cats, it is used similarly and is very commonly prescribed as a pre-vet-visit anxiolytic at 50–100 mg. Gabapentin requires a prescription.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs?

Plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is generally safe for most dogs at approximately 1 mg per pound, up to 50 mg per dose. However, many Benadryl products contain additional ingredients like xylitol, decongestants, or acetaminophen that are toxic to dogs. Always check the full ingredient list.

Is this tool a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. This tool provides general dosing guidelines based on published veterinary references. It is intended for reference purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before giving any medication — especially prescription drugs.

What medications should I NEVER give my pet?

Never give ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve) to dogs or cats — these cause kidney failure, liver failure, or death. Never give Pepto-Bismol to cats. Avoid any product containing xylitol. In an emergency, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

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