Ivermectin Dosage for Dogs: Liquid, Injectable & Tablets

When it comes to preventing and treating parasitic infections, understanding the correct Ivermectin dosage for dogs is crucial. Ivermectin is widely used to combat various parasites in dogs, but its dosage and administration must be carefully managed to avoid potential complications.

In this guide, we delve into everything you need to know about Ivermectin dosage for dogs, including its uses, safety considerations, and how to administer it effectively.

Read on to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to keep your canine companion healthy and happy.

Disclaimer: Administrating Ivermectin for dogs wrongly can be fatal there for knowing about the safe Ivermectin dosage for dogs is crucial. Ivermectin toxicity is considered a medical emergency. If you believe your dog may be experiencing ivermectin toxicity, contact your local animal hospital immediately.

Ivermectin for Dogs Overview

Purpose	Treatment and prevention of various parasitic infections in dogs
Safe Dosage	0.024 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg
Forms	Oral tablets, topical solutions, and injectable formulations.
Popular Brand Names	Heartgard® Plus, Ivomec®, Iverhart®
Treatment Duration	Depends on the condition being treated
Precautions	Dogs with MDR1 gene mutation are sensitive to ivermectin.
Side Effects	-Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, Dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, coma.
Drug Interactions	Spinosad, ketoconazole, cyclosporine, certain antibiotics, benzodiazepines.
Monitoring	Regular veterinary check-ups recommended
Special Notes	Follow veterinarian’s instructions carefully Avoid off-label use without veterinary guidance.

Is Ivermectin Safe for Dogs?

Yes, Ivermectin can be safe for dogs when used appropriately and under veterinary guidance. It’s commonly used to treat various parasitic infections in dogs, such as heartworm disease and certain types of mites.

However, the dosage is critical because dogs can be sensitive to Ivermectin, especially certain breeds like Collies and related breeds, which can have a genetic mutation making them more susceptible to its effects.

Therefore, it’s crucial to always consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to your furry friend, including Ivermectin.

How Ivermectin Works in Dogs

Dog Ivermectin works by interfering with the nerve and muscle functions of parasites, causing their paralysis and death. This mechanism makes it incredibly effective against a wide range of internal and external parasites, including heartworms, mites, and certain types of ticks.

Ivermectin Dosage for Dogs

The ideal and safe Ivermectin dosage for dogs is 0.024 mg/kg (0.0109 mg/lb) once a month for heartworm prevention. For treating skin parasites in dogs, the dose is 0.3 mg/kg (0.136 mg/lb) once, then repeated in 15 days. For gastrointestinal parasites, the dose is 0.2 mg/kg (0.091 mg/lb) once.

Please remember, the correct Ivermectin dog dosage depends on several factors, including the pup’s weight, age, health status, and the specific condition being treated. It’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely.

Ivermectin Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

Dog Weight (kg)	Dog Weight (lb)	Ivermectin Dosage for Heartworm Prevention	Ivermectin Dosage for Skin Parasites	Ivermectin Dosage for Gastrointestinal Parasites
1	2.2	0.024mg	0.3mg	0.2mg
2	4.4	0.048mg	0.6mg	0.4mg
5	11.0	0.12mg	1.5mg	1.0mg
10	22.0	0.24mg	3.0mg	2.0mg
20	44.0	0.48mg	6.0mg	4.0mg
30	66.0	0.72mg	9.0mg	6.0mg
40	88.0	0.96mg	12.0mg	8.0mg
50	110.0	1.20mg	15.0mg	10.0mg

Notes:

Heartworm Prevention: Dosage is administered once a month.

Skin Parasites: Dosage is administered once, then repeated in 15 days.
Gastrointestinal Parasites: Dosage is administered once

Common Brand Names

Ivomec®

Heartgard®
Zimectrin®
Eqvalan®

Iverhart®

How Ivermectin for Dogs Is Supplied

Injectable form: 10 mg/ml and 2.7 mg/ml
Paste form: 0.153% and 1.87%

Liquid oral form: 10 mg/ml
Tablets: 68 mcg, 136 mcg, and 272 mcg

Selecting the safe form of dogs Ivermectin is crucial, as one or more variants of this medication may not be suitable for your canine companion and can be toxic. Make sure to confirm the safe variant of the medicine with your vet first.

Ivermectin (2.7–10 mg/ml) Injectable for Dogs

The ideal dose of Ivermectin 2.7 mg/ml injectable for dogs is 0.0089 ml/kg, and for Ivermectin 10 mg/ml injectable, it is 0.0024 ml/kg. This means a 5 kg canine should be dosed with 0.044 ml of the 2.7 mg/ml injectable and 0.012 ml of the 10 mg/ml injectable.

Ivermectin Injectable Dosage Chart for Dogs

Dog Weight (kg)	Dog Ivermectin Injectable (2.7 mg/ml) Dosage	Dog Ivermectin Injectable (10 mg/ml) Dosage
5 kg	0.044 ml	0.012 ml
10 kg	0.089 ml	0.024 ml
15 kg	0.133 ml	0.036 ml
20 kg	0.178 ml	0.048 ml
25 kg	0.222 ml	0.060 ml
30 kg	0.267 ml	0.072 ml
35 kg	0.311 ml	0.084 ml
40 kg	0.356 ml	0.096 ml

Ivermectin Paste (0.153%-1.87%) Dosage Chart for Dogs

Dog Weight (kg)	Ivermectin 0.153% Paste Dosage	Ivermectin 1.87% Paste Dosage
5	0.016 ml	0.006
10	0.031 ml	0.013
15	0.047 ml	0.019
20	0.063 ml	0.026
25	0.078 ml	0.032
30	0.094 ml	0.038
35	0.109 ml	0.045
40	0.125 ml	0.051

Ivermectin Liquid Oral (10 mg/ml) Dosage Chart for Dogs

Dog Weight (kg)	Ivermectin Liquid Dosage
5 kg	0.012 ml
10 kg	0.024 ml
15 kg	0.036 ml
20 kg	0.048 ml
25 kg	0.060 ml
30 kg	0.072 ml
35 kg	0.084 ml
40 kg	0.096 ml

Ivermectin 68 mcg. 136 mcg, 272 mcg Tablets Dosage Chart for Dogs

Weight (kg)	68 mcg Tablets	136 mcg Tablets	272 mcg Tablets
5	1 Tablet	–	–
10	3 Tablets	1 Tablet	–
15	–	2 Tablets	1 Tablet
20	–	3 Tablets	1 Tablet
25	–	–	2 Tablets
30	–	–	2 Tablets
35	–	–	3 Tablets
40	–	–	3 Tablets

Note: It’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to ensure the correct and safe dosage for your dog.

Ivomec® and Heartgard® Dosage for Dogs

Ivomec® and Heartgard® are trusted brands for veterinary use. The veterinarian-recommended dosage of Ivomec® and Heartgard® is 0.024 mg/kg minimum dose and 0.2 mg/kg maximum dose.

Always start with the lower dose and increase the dose with veterinary advice only.

What is Ivermectin Used for in Dogs?

Heartworm prevention

Treatment of ear mites
Treatment of mange (sarcoptic and demodectic)
Treatment of intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms)

Side Effects

Mild Side Effects:

Vomiting
Diarrhea

Decreased appetite
Lethargy

Moderate to Severe Side Effects:

Drooling
Dilated pupils
Disorientation

Tremors
Seizures
Coma

Precautions

Some dog breeds, particularly herding breeds like Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, and Old English Sheepdogs, may have a genetic mutation (MDR1 gene mutation) that makes them more susceptible to ivermectin toxicity. A genetic test is available to determine if a dog carries this mutation.
Always follow the veterinarian’s dosage recommendations. The dose for heartworm prevention is much lower than the dose used for treating other types of parasites. An overdose can be toxic and potentially fatal.
Canines with certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, may require adjusted doses or may need to avoid ivermectin altogether.

Ivermectin in digs can interact with other medications, such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, and certain other antiparasitic drugs. Inform your veterinarian of all medications and supplements your pooch is taking.

Ivermectin Toxicity in Dogs

Ivermectin is a medication commonly used to treat various parasitic infections in dogs. However, it can be toxic to some dogs, particularly those with a genetic mutation known as the MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) gene mutation.

This mutation is more prevalent in certain breeds, such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Old English Sheepdogs.

Symptoms of Ivermectin Toxicity

Signs of ivermectin toxicity can vary depending on the dose and the dog’s sensitivity. Common symptoms include:

Dilated pupils
Drooling

Vomiting
Tremors
Seizures

Disorientation
Coma

Treatment of Ivermectin Toxicity

If you suspect your dog has ivermectin toxicity, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment typically involves:

Inducing vomiting if the ingestion was recent
Administering activated charcoal to limit absorption
Providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medications to control symptoms

Hospitalization for severe cases, possibly with intensive care

Prevention

To prevent ivermectin toxicity in canines, consider the following measures:

Test for the MDR1 gene mutation if your dog is a breed known to be at risk.

Follow dosage instructions carefully and consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.
Avoid giving your puppy medications meant for other animals or humans.

What to Do in Case of Suspected Overdose

If you suspect your dog has been overdosed with ivermectin or is showing signs of toxicity, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Early treatment is crucial and may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to limit absorption, and supportive care to manage symptoms.

Safe Use Guidelines

Administer dogs ivermectin only under the guidance and prescription of a veterinarian.
Be aware of your dog’s breed and any potential sensitivity to the drug.

Monitor your pooch closely for any adverse reactions after administration.
Regularly consult your veterinarian for heartworm prevention and parasite control strategies suitable for your furry friend.

Does Ivermectin Interact with any other Dog Medications?

Yes, ivermectin in dogs can interact with other medications, leading to increased risk of toxicity or reduced efficacy of treatments. Some notable interactions include:

Medications That May Interact with Ivermectin

Spinosad (Comfortis, Trifexis):
- Used for flea control.
- Concurrent use can increase the risk of neurological side effects like tremors and seizures.

Ketoconazole:
- An antifungal medication.
- It can increase ivermectin levels in the bloodstream, raising the risk of toxicity.

Cyclosporine:
- An immunosuppressant used for various conditions, including autoimmune diseases.
- Can increase ivermectin levels, enhancing the risk of side effects.

Certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin):
- These can interfere with the metabolism of ivermectin, increasing its concentration in the body.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, midazolam):
- These can exacerbate the sedative effects of ivermectin.
Other macrocyclic lactones (e.g., milbemycin, selamectin):
- These are often used in combination treatments for parasites and can increase the risk of ivermectin toxicity.

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Which Dogs Should Not Take Ivermectin

Ivermectin can be harmful to certain dog breeds or individuals at high doses, especially those with a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to the drug.

Breeds commonly affected include Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and related herding breeds.

It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before administering any medications like ivermectin to your dog, especially if they belong to one of these breeds.