Calculate the vet-standard paracetamol dose for your dog by weight
WARNING: This calculator is for informational purposes ONLY. Paracetamol can be FATAL to cats and dangerous to dogs if dosed incorrectly. NEVER give paracetamol to your dog without explicit instructions from your veterinary surgeon. ALWAYS consult your vet before administering any medication. If you suspect an overdose, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately.
This dog paracetamol dose calculator provides the vet-standard dosage of paracetamol (acetaminophen) for dogs based on body weight. Paracetamol can be prescribed by veterinary surgeons for pain relief in dogs, but it must ONLY be given under explicit veterinary instruction. Incorrect dosing can cause serious liver damage and death. The standard veterinary dose for dogs is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, with a maximum of 15 mg/kg per dose. Paracetamol should not be given more than three times per day (every 8-12 hours) and should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days without veterinary review. These guidelines are based on the BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) formulary and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service. It is critically important to understand that paracetamol is FATAL to cats. Even a single standard human tablet (500 mg) can kill a cat. This calculator is designed exclusively for dogs and must never be used for cats or any other animals. Very small dogs (under 5 kg) are at higher risk of adverse effects from paracetamol and should generally not receive it without specific veterinary guidance. Puppies, pregnant dogs, and dogs with liver or kidney disease should also be assessed by a vet before any paracetamol is administered. If you suspect your dog has ingested paracetamol accidentally or has received too much, contact your vet immediately or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000. Time is critical in cases of paracetamol toxicity.
To calculate the paracetamol dose for your dog: 1. Enter your dog's weight in kilograms. If you only know the weight in pounds, divide by 2.2 to convert to kilograms. Weigh your dog as accurately as possible; even small errors in weight can affect the dose significantly for smaller dogs. 2. Select the tablet strength. Standard UK paracetamol tablets are 500 mg. Paediatric formulations may be 100 mg or 250 mg. Your vet may recommend a specific strength. Do not use paracetamol products that contain additional active ingredients (such as codeine, caffeine, or decongestants). 3. Review the dose. The standard dose (10 mg/kg) is shown alongside the number of tablets. The maximum dose (15 mg/kg) is the upper safe limit per dose. The toxic dose threshold (75 mg/kg) shows the level at which serious poisoning occurs. 4. Follow the dosing frequency. Give no more than 3 doses per day, spaced at least 8 hours apart. Do not exceed 3 consecutive days of treatment without returning to your vet. 5. ALWAYS consult your vet before giving paracetamol. This calculator is for reference only. Your vet may adjust the dose based on your dog's specific condition, other medications, and health status.
The paracetamol dosing calculation uses the following formulas: Standard dose = dog weight (kg) x 10 mg/kg Maximum dose = dog weight (kg) x 15 mg/kg Toxic dose threshold = dog weight (kg) x 75 mg/kg Tablets per dose are rounded to the nearest quarter tablet for practical administration. For example, a 20 kg dog with 500 mg tablets: standard dose = 200 mg, which is 0.5 of a 500 mg tablet. The toxic dose of 75 mg/kg is the threshold at which clinical signs of poisoning are expected. This means that for a 20 kg dog, ingesting 1,500 mg (three 500 mg tablets) or more is likely to cause toxicity. However, some dogs may show adverse effects at lower doses, particularly those with pre-existing liver conditions. Daily maximum = maximum dose x 3 doses per day. For a 20 kg dog, this is 300 mg x 3 = 900 mg per day. Small dogs (under 5 kg) receive a warning because the margin between therapeutic and toxic doses becomes very narrow at low body weights, making accurate dosing difficult and the risk of overdose higher.
Inputs: Dog's weight: 20 kg. Tablet strength: 500 mg.
Inputs: Dog's weight: 8 kg. Tablet strength: 100 mg.
Inputs: Dog's weight: 3 kg. Tablet strength: 500 mg.
Paracetamol works as an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) in dogs. It is sometimes prescribed by vets for mild to moderate pain, particularly post-operative discomfort or musculoskeletal pain. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) specifically formulated for dogs, such as meloxicam, are more commonly prescribed in the UK. Signs of paracetamol toxicity in dogs include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the gums and eyes), dark brown urine, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. Toxicity can progress to liver failure and death if untreated. Treatment is most effective when administered within hours of ingestion, which is why immediate veterinary attention is essential. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) provides 24-hour advice to veterinary professionals on poisoning cases. The Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) is available to pet owners and charges a per-call fee. Keep these numbers accessible in case of emergency. Never give your dog ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other human pain medication without veterinary advice. Many over-the-counter painkillers are toxic to dogs. Always check that any paracetamol product you use contains only paracetamol as the active ingredient, with no added codeine, caffeine, or other drugs. Store all medications securely out of reach of pets. Accidental ingestion of paracetamol is a common cause of poisoning in dogs, particularly when tablets are left on low tables or dropped on the floor.