liminfoPlumb's Veterinary Drug Reference
Free reference guide: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Reference
About Plumb's Veterinary Drug Reference
The Veterinary Drug Dosage Reference provides a searchable collection of commonly used medications for dogs and cats, including precise dosages (mg/kg), routes of administration (PO, SC, IM, IV), dosing intervals, indications, contraindications, and monitoring requirements organized by therapeutic category.
Coverage spans antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Enrofloxacin, Cefovecin, Metronidazole, Doxycycline), anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs (Carprofen, Meloxicam, Gabapentin, Tramadol), steroids (Prednisolone), cardiac medications (Pimobendan, Furosemide, Atenolol), and gastrointestinal drugs (Maropitant, Omeprazole).
Additional categories include behavioral medications (Fluoxetine, Phenobarbital), dermatology drugs (Oclacitinib/Apoquel), antiparasitics (Ivermectin, Fenbendazole), antifungals (Fluconazole, Itraconazole), insulin therapy for diabetic pets, thyroid management with Methimazole, and emergency drugs like Atropine and subcutaneous fluid therapy protocols.
Key Features
- Dog and cat specific dosages in mg/kg with routes (PO, SC, IM, IV) and dosing intervals (q8h, q12h, q24h)
- Antibiotic reference covering Amoxicillin, Enrofloxacin, Cefovecin (Convenia), Metronidazole, and Doxycycline
- NSAID dosing for Carprofen (Rimadyl), Meloxicam (Metacam) with species-specific restrictions and monitoring
- Cardiac drug protocols for Pimobendan (Vetmedin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Atenolol with DMVD/DCM guidance
- Insulin therapy details for canine Vetsulin and feline Glargine with glucose curve monitoring targets
- Behavioral drug dosing for Fluoxetine (separation anxiety) and Phenobarbital (epilepsy) with therapeutic ranges
- Antiparasitic protocols including Ivermectin with MDR1/Collie breed warnings and Fenbendazole Giardia treatment
- Emergency drug doses for Atropine (bradycardia, organophosphate toxicity) and subcutaneous fluid therapy for CKD cats
Frequently Asked Questions
What antibiotics are covered in this veterinary drug reference?
This reference includes Amoxicillin (10-25 mg/kg PO q8-12h for dogs and cats), Enrofloxacin (5-20 mg/kg for dogs, max 5 mg/kg for cats due to retinal toxicity), Cefovecin/Convenia (8 mg/kg SC for 14-day duration), Metronidazole (10-15 mg/kg for dogs, 10-25 mg/kg for cats), and Doxycycline (5-10 mg/kg). Each includes species-specific dosing, indications, and contraindications.
What are the key differences between Carprofen and Meloxicam for pain management?
Carprofen (Rimadyl) is approved only for dogs at 4.4 mg/kg q24h or 2.2 mg/kg q12h for osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain, with liver enzyme monitoring required. Meloxicam (Metacam) can be used in both species: dogs at 0.2 mg/kg day 1 then 0.1 mg/kg, and cats with a single 0.1 mg/kg SC post-surgical dose. Long-term cat use at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg remains controversial.
How do I dose Pimobendan for heart disease in dogs?
Pimobendan (Vetmedin) is dosed at 0.25-0.3 mg/kg PO q12h, administered one hour before food for optimal absorption. It is indicated for DMVD (degenerative mitral valve disease) and DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). The EPIC study demonstrated efficacy even in preclinical DMVD. It is contraindicated in HCM and aortic stenosis.
What insulin protocols are recommended for diabetic dogs and cats?
Dogs typically receive Vetsulin (porcine Lente insulin) at 0.25-0.5 IU/kg SC q12h. Cats generally respond better to Glargine (Lantus) at 0.25-0.5 IU/kg SC q12h. Monitor with glucose curves every 2 hours for 8-12 hours, targeting blood glucose of 100-250 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia below 60 mg/dL is an emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Why is Ivermectin dangerous for Collie breeds?
Collie breeds and related herding dogs can carry the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation that impairs the blood-brain barrier P-glycoprotein pump. This allows Ivermectin to accumulate in the brain at standard demodex treatment doses (300-600 mcg/kg), causing neurotoxicity. Heartworm prevention doses (6 mcg/kg monthly) are generally safe. MDR1 genetic testing should be performed before prescribing.
How is Oclacitinib (Apoquel) used for allergic dermatitis in dogs?
Oclacitinib (Apoquel) is a JAK inhibitor dosed at 0.4-0.6 mg/kg PO q12h for the first 14 days (loading phase), then reduced to q24h for maintenance. It provides rapid pruritus relief within 4 hours. Minimum age is 12 months. It is contraindicated in dogs with serious infections or neoplasia history. Cat use remains off-label and under study.
What antiemetic options are available for vomiting in dogs and cats?
Maropitant (Cerenia) is the primary veterinary antiemetic, an NK1 receptor antagonist. For dogs: 2 mg/kg PO q24h or 1 mg/kg SC/IV q24h. For cats: 1 mg/kg SC q24h. It treats vomiting, motion sickness, and post-surgical nausea. Minimum age is 8 weeks, with maximum 5 consecutive days for SC use. Refrigerating the SC injection reduces injection site pain.
How do I manage feline hyperthyroidism with Methimazole?
Start Methimazole (Tapazole) at 1.25-2.5 mg PO q12h, adjusting to maintenance dose of 2.5-5 mg PO q12h based on T4 levels. Monitor T4, CBC, and liver enzymes every 2-4 weeks initially. Side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and hepatotoxicity. Transdermal application on the inner ear pinna is available for cats difficult to medicate orally.