Canine IV Drip Rate Calculator
Calculate fluid therapy flow rates and drip speeds for dogs
Kilograms (kg)
Pounds (lbs)
Common rates: Maintenance (2-6 mL/kg/hr), Surgery (5-10 mL/kg/hr), Shock (up to 90 mL/kg/hr)
15 gtt/mL (Standard Macrodrip)
10 gtt/mL (Large Macrodrip)
20 gtt/mL (Macrodrip)
60 gtt/mL (Microdrip/Paediatric)
Select the drop factor printed on your IV administration set packaging.
REQUIRED DRIP RATE
—
drops per minute (gtt/min)
Total Hourly Volume:
— mL/hr
Approx. Drops per 10 Seconds:
—
Time Per Drop:
— seconds
Standard Bag (1 Liter) Duration:
— hours
How to Calculate IV Drip Rates for Dogs
Correctly calculating the intravenous (IV) fluid rate is a critical skill in veterinary medicine to ensure patient safety during surgery, recovery, or hospitalization. This calculator uses the patient's weight and the prescribed dosage rate to determine the flow rate required for your infusion pump or gravity drip.
The Drip Rate Formula
To calculate the drip rate manually, veterinary professionals use the following formula:
Drip Rate (gtt/min) = (Total Volume in mL/hr × Drop Factor) ÷ 60 minutes
Where:
- Total Volume (mL/hr): Calculated by multiplying the dog's weight (kg) by the prescribed rate (mL/kg/hr).
- Drop Factor (gtt/mL): The calibration of the administration set (e.g., 10, 15, 20, or 60 drops per mL).
Choosing the Right IV Set
Selecting the correct administration set depends largely on the size of the patient and the required flow rate:
- Macrodrip Sets (10, 15, 20 gtt/mL): Typically used for dogs weighing more than 10kg (22 lbs). These deliver larger drops, allowing for higher fluid volumes to be delivered efficiently.
- Microdrip Sets (60 gtt/mL): Often called paediatric sets, these are used for small dogs (under 10kg) or when precise, slow administration is required. 60 microdrops equal 1 mL.
Common Fluid Rates
Always follow the specific prescription from the attending veterinarian. However, general guidelines include:
- Anesthesia/Surgery: 5–10 mL/kg/hr is a common starting range to support blood pressure during procedures.
- Maintenance: 2–6 mL/kg/hr typically meets the daily physiological requirements for hydration.
- Shock Rates: significantly higher rates (up to 90 mL/kg/hr for dogs) may be used in emergencies for short boluses.
Disclaimer: This calculator is a tool for educational and verification purposes. Always double-check calculations before administering medication or fluids to a patient.