Dog Medication Dosage Calculator
Calculate safe OTC medication doses for your dog based on weight. Get exact dosing ranges, tablet counts, frequency, and breed-specific warnings for common over-the-counter medications.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving ANY medication to your dog. This calculator provides general dosing guidelines for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
NEVER Give These to Your Dog
How Dog Medication Dosing Works
Medication dosing for dogs is based on body weight, just like it is for humans. However, dogs metabolize drugs differently, so human doses are never safe to use directly. Each OTC medication has a specific milligram-per-pound or milligram-per-kilogram range that veterinarians consider safe for canine patients.
This calculator converts your dog's weight and the selected medication into a precise dose range using veterinary-accepted guidelines. It also shows you how that translates into common tablet sizes so you can measure accurately. Always start with the lowest effective dose and consult your vet before increasing.
Weight accuracy matters enormously. A dose that is safe for a 50-pound dog could be dangerous for a 15-pound dog. If you are unsure of your dog's exact weight, weigh them at your vet's office or use a home scale. Even a few pounds can change the recommended dose significantly for smaller breeds.
Common OTC Medications for Dogs
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is one of the most commonly recommended OTC medications for dogs. It helps with allergies, itching, motion sickness, and mild anxiety. The standard dose is 1 to 2 mg per pound of body weight, given every 8 to 12 hours. Use plain Benadryl only — avoid formulations with decongestants or alcohol.
Famotidine (Pepcid AC) reduces stomach acid and helps with nausea, acid reflux, and gastritis in dogs. The typical dose is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound, every 12 to 24 hours. It is generally well-tolerated and commonly used before and after surgery.
Glucosamine supports joint health and is widely used for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. At 20 mg per pound daily, it is considered very safe for long-term use and can significantly improve mobility in older dogs.
Breed-Specific Medication Warnings
Not all medications are safe for every breed. Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them extremely sensitive to Loperamide (Imodium). Even a standard dose can cause neurological toxicity, seizures, or death in these breeds. Always have your herding breed tested for the MDR1 mutation before giving any medication.
Hydrogen peroxide should only be used to induce vomiting under direct veterinary guidance. Never use it on brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) as they are at high risk of aspiration pneumonia. The maximum dose is 3 tablespoons regardless of dog size, and it should only be given once.
When in doubt, call your veterinarian first. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available at (888) 426-4435 for emergencies. No online calculator can replace professional veterinary judgment for your specific dog's health conditions, current medications, and breed-specific risks.
Tips for Giving Medication Safely
Always use plain formulations without added flavors, xylitol, alcohol, or decongestants. Check the inactive ingredients list carefully. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some liquid medications, is extremely toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Use a pill cutter for accurate dosing when the calculated dose does not match a standard tablet size. Liquid formulations can be easier to measure for very small dogs. Hide pills in a small amount of peanut butter, cheese, or a pill pocket treat to make administration easier. Keep a medication log with dose, time, and any observed side effects to share with your veterinarian.