Calculate the correct carprofen dosage for your dog based on their weight.
Pounds (lb)
Kilograms (kg)
Typical range for osteoarthritis: 4.4 mg/kg once daily.
Recommended Carprofen Dosage:
— mg —
Understanding Carprofen Dosage for Dogs
Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed by veterinarians to manage pain and inflammation in dogs. It is particularly effective in treating osteoarthritis and pain associated with orthopedic or surgical procedures. Like all medications, it's crucial to administer carprofen at the correct dosage to ensure efficacy and minimize the risk of adverse side effects.
The dosage of carprofen is primarily determined by the dog's weight and the specific condition being treated. The standard recommendation for managing osteoarthritis is typically 4.4 mg per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, administered once daily. For post-operative pain, a higher dose (e.g., 1-2 mg/kg every 12 hours) may be prescribed by your veterinarian, but this calculator focuses on the common daily maintenance dose for chronic conditions.
How the Calculation Works:
Our calculator simplifies the process of determining the correct carprofen dosage. Here's the breakdown:
Weight Conversion: If the dog's weight is entered in pounds (lb), it is first converted to kilograms (kg) using the conversion factor 1 lb = 0.453592 kg.
Dosage Calculation: The converted weight in kilograms is then multiplied by the prescribed dose per kilogram. For general osteoarthritis management, this is typically 4.4 mg/kg.
Formula:
If weight is in lbs: (Weight in lbs * 0.453592) * Dose per kg = Total Daily Dose (mg)
If weight is in kgs: Weight in kgs * Dose per kg = Total Daily Dose (mg)
Important Considerations:
Always consult your veterinarian before administering carprofen or any medication to your dog. This calculator is a tool to help you understand potential dosages based on standard recommendations and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Veterinary Prescription: Carprofen is a prescription medication. Your vet will diagnose the condition and determine if carprofen is appropriate.
Individual Needs: Factors such as age, kidney function, liver function, and other concurrent medications can affect the appropriate dosage. Your veterinarian will consider these when prescribing.
Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects, which can include gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss), lethargy, or behavioral changes. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any concerning signs.
Monitoring: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential when a dog is on long-term medication like carprofen to monitor its effectiveness and check for any adverse effects.
Using this calculator can help facilitate discussions with your vet about your dog's pain management plan.
function calculateDosage() {
var dogWeightInput = document.getElementById("dogWeight");
var weightUnitSelect = document.getElementById("weightUnit");
var dosePerWeightInput = document.getElementById("dosePerWeight");
var calculationResultDiv = document.getElementById("calculationResult");
var dosageExplanationDiv = document.getElementById("dosageExplanation");
var dogWeight = parseFloat(dogWeightInput.value);
var weightUnit = weightUnitSelect.value;
var dosePerWeight = parseFloat(dosePerWeightInput.value);
// Clear previous results
calculationResultDiv.textContent = "– mg –";
dosageExplanationDiv.textContent = "";
// Input validation
if (isNaN(dogWeight) || dogWeight <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid weight for your dog.");
dogWeightInput.focus();
return;
}
if (isNaN(dosePerWeight) || dosePerWeight <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid dose per kilogram.");
dosePerWeightInput.focus();
return;
}
var weightInKg;
if (weightUnit === "lb") {
weightInKg = dogWeight * 0.453592;
} else { // kg
weightInKg = dogWeight;
}
var totalDosageMg = weightInKg * dosePerWeight;
// Format the result to 2 decimal places
var formattedDosage = totalDosageMg.toFixed(2);
calculationResultDiv.textContent = formattedDosage + " mg";
var explanation = "For a dog weighing " + dogWeight + " " + weightUnit + " (approx. " + weightInKg.toFixed(2) + " kg), ";
explanation += "at a dosage of " + dosePerWeight + " mg/kg, the recommended daily dose is ";
explanation += formattedDosage + " mg of Carprofen.";
dosageExplanationDiv.textContent = explanation;
}