The Ivermectin Dosage Calculator for Dogs is a veterinary dosage tool designed to help dog owners and pet care professionals determine the appropriate daily or monthly dose of ivermectin based on a dog’s body weight and the intended medical use. Ivermectin is commonly used for two major purposes in dogs: heartworm prevention and demodectic mange treatment. Due to the narrow safety margin and breed-specific sensitivity (particularly in herding breeds), precise dosage calculations are essential.

Input Parameters

• Dog Weight (in kilograms): The dog’s current body weight is used to calculate dosage.
• Use Case: Select between “heartworm prevention” and “demodectic mange treatment” to apply the correct dosing formula.

Output

• Recommended Ivermectin Dose per kg (mcg/kg): The standard dose based on veterinary protocols.
• Total Dose (mcg): The total ivermectin dose in micrograms required per treatment, based on the dog’s weight.

How to Use

1. Weigh your dog accurately in kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lbs).
2. Select the purpose of ivermectin use:
   • Heartworm prevention – typical monthly dose of 6 mcg/kg.
   • Demodectic mange treatment – higher dose, typically 300 mcg/kg daily under close veterinary supervision.
3. Enter the weight and use case into the calculator.
4. The output will display the recommended dose per kilogram and the total micrograms needed for one dose.

Calculation Method

The calculator multiplies the dog’s weight by a standard dose rate (either 6 mcg/kg for heartworm or 300 mcg/kg for mange) to calculate the total required ivermectin dose. The formula is:

Total Dose (mcg) = Weight (kg) × Dose Rate (mcg/kg)

Important Safety Notes

Ivermectin is a powerful antiparasitic drug with a narrow therapeutic index in dogs. Some breeds (e.g., Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties) may carry the MDR1 gene mutation and are highly sensitive to ivermectin toxicity. Symptoms of overdose can include lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and even coma. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before beginning treatment, especially for off-label or high-dose use.

This tool is intended for educational and planning purposes and does not replace professional veterinary guidance.