When it comes to pet health, finding the right dose of medication for your pet can be a challenge. Luckily, there are medications available that are both safe and effective for dogs, such as ivermectin. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that is commonly used to treat a variety of infestations in dogs, including mange, heartworm, and other parasites. While it can be effective in treating such parasites, it is important to know how much ivermectin is appropriate for your dog. This post will provide information on how to determine the right dose for your pet, and when it is appropriate to use ivermectin. We’ll also discuss safety tips for administering the medication and potential side effects you should be aware of. With the right information, you can feel confident in using ivermectin to keep your beloved pet healthy and parasite-free.
How much do I give my dog?
For dogs: Dose is 0. 0015 to 0. 003 mg per pound (0. 003 to 0. 006 mg/kg) once a month for heartworm prevention; 0. 15 mg per pound (0. For skin parasites, administer 3 mg/kg once, then repeat in 14 days; and 0 1 mg per pound (0. 2 mg/kg) once for gastrointestinal parasites. (Source: https://www. petplace. com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/ivermectin-ivomec-heartgard-for-dogs-and-cats/).
Before the dogs started getting sick, the owners were unaware of what had happened. The puppy that initially displayed symptoms had not responded to treatment. In the meantime, two more had passed away, and the owners called me to put the last puppy, who was unconscious, to sleep. My clients were obviously devastated by the loss of their puppies to a preventable poisoning and felt terrible about it. I’d like to take this chance to recap some fundamental details about ivermectin. Ivermectin belongs to the class of parasiticides known as macrocytic lactones. It is frequently used to treat certain types of external (e.g., skin) infections and as a preventative for heartworm in small animals. g. , mites) and internal parasites in many different species. Ivermectin dosage and animal sensitivity to the drug are the only factors separating safe use from poisoning of the drug. Ivermectin dosages and other medications that are safe for the majority of dogs carry a gene (MDR1 or ABCB1) that renders them dangerous for those dogs. Since dogs were involved in 282 of the 318 potentially toxic ivermectin exposures reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center between 2008 and 2009, I’m going to concentrate on them from this point forward. Typical doses for ivermectin in dogs are:
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Normally, non-sensitive breeds need to be exposed to more than 2,000 ug/kg before any noticeable symptoms appear, but in MDR1 positive individuals, the potentially toxic dose can be as low as 100 ug/kg. Be aware that even the most sensitive dogs won’t experience any harm from the incredibly low dose used for heartworm prevention. However, it is possible to test for the MDR1 gene mutation in at-risk dogs before administering higher doses of ivermectin. For breeds like Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, English Shepherds, German Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets, Silken Windhounds, and mutts that may be descended from these breeds, this is especially crucial. Ivermectin can be absorbed by animals orally, topically, and by injection. When a drug is present in the body in amounts high enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and negatively impact neurologic function, symptoms start to appear. Typical signs include:
Ivermectin overdose is typically treated with symptomatic and supportive measures. Decontamination is beneficial if the poisoning is discovered quickly (e g. , giving activated charcoal to animals within a few hours of ingesting, or washing pets after topical exposure) It may also be necessary to administer intravenous fluid therapy, endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, intensive nursing care, manage seizures, apply eye lubricants if the patient is unable to blink, and provide nutritional support. Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy, a novel but promising treatment for specific poisonings, may be appropriate in some circumstances. A pet’s prognosis can be quite good if aggressive treatment is started right away, but because severe ivermectin overdose cases frequently require several weeks of therapy, the cost is frequently prohibitive. In my clients’ unfortunate case, they chose to put the last puppy in their eagerly awaited litter to sleep.
Using Ivermectin 1% Injectable Solution to treat demodectic mange (demodex)
Demodectic mange (demodex) can be treated with undiluted ivermectin 1% injectable solution. The dosage is 50–100 times greater than that used to prevent heartworms. Before starting treatment for demodex, it’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian because this dosage is given daily for weeks to months. Dogs who have or may have the MDR1 mutation that causes ivermectin sensitivity shouldn’t receive this treatment (for more information, see Ivermectin Sensitivity above).
One study found that giving oral ivermectin with a fatty meal increases absorption significantly. This could be problematic for dogs getting high doses of ivermectin, as are used to treat mange. It is safer to give away from meals.
Dogs with demodex should get weekly baths with shampoo containing either chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide. Dogs with mild or localized demodex may respond to this therapy alone, without the use of medication. In addition to weekly bathing, dogs with generalized demodex will need medication therapy. Particularly if the demodex sores are itchy or oozing, secondary bacterial infections, which your veterinarian can check for with the same skin scraping used to look for mites, are frequent and call for antibiotic treatment. Weekly topical (spot-on) moxidectin with imidacloprid (Advantage Multi) may be effective for mild disease; a noticeable improvement should be noticed within a few weeks.
Ivermectin requires a high dosage to treat demodex, so you shouldn’t administer it unless you are certain that it is necessary. Puppies frequently experience demodex and grow out of it without the need for treatment. Adult dogs rarely get demodex unless their immune systems are weakened for some reason, like hypothyroidism, hyperadreocorticism (Cushings disease), or taking immunosuppressive medications like prednisone. It’s crucial to provide your dog with a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein. There are also supplements, like fish oil, that can help the immune system function properly. You could initially try treating the issue with diet, supplements, and weekly baths to see if it resolves it without the need for medication if it is minor and not spreading. Keep in mind that dogs with demodex should not be used for breeding due to a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Other treatments for demodex include Afoxolaner (NexGardâMerial), fluralaner (BravectoâMerck) and sarolaner (SimparicaâZoetis) are isoxazolines, a new class of insecticides that have demonstrated higher efficacy and safety in the treatment of Demodex species than any other drugs. See Is your demodicosis knowledge a bit (c)rusty? for more information.
Ivermectin 1% solution is given orally.
Dosage using Ivermectin 1% solution for treatment of demodectic mange:
If you think your dog might have the MDR1 mutation, start with one-third the recommended dose for three days, then increase it to two-thirds for another three days. This is how to treat demodectic mange (demodex). If symptoms of ivermectin toxicity are noticed, such as tremors, loss of coordination, lethargy, loss of balance, etc., stop the treatment right away. Increase to the full advised dose if no negative effects are noticed. If a skin scraping reveals no live mites, give this dose every day for one month. This may take three to six months. A few dogs may require weekly therapy for life.
Calculations: Dosage is 300 to 600 mcg/kg of body weight. 10,000 mcg of ivermectin are present in each milliliter of 1% solution; 0 1 cc = 1,000 mcg ivermectin.
Keep Ivermectin products protected from light, heat, and air. Ivermectin should be stored in the dark or by putting containers in an opaque bag because it is sensitive to ultraviolet light. It can be kept chilled or at room temperature (not above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius)).
Ivermectin used to treat mange in high doses should not be combined with any product that contains spinosad, including Comfortis and Trifexis (also known as Vethical AcuGuard and ComboGuard). Dogs with the MDR1 mutation, which makes them sensitive to ivermectin, should not receive high doses of the insecticide. See Ivermectin Sensitivity above for more information.
FAQ
How much ivermectin do you give a dog per pound?
General dosing guidelines follow. For dogs: Dose is 0. 0015 to 0. 003 mg per pound (0. 003 to 0. 006 mg/kg) once a month for heartworm prevention; 0. 15 mg per pound (0. For skin parasites, administer 3 mg/kg once, then repeat in 14 days; and 0 1 mg per pound (0. 2 mg/kg) once for gastrointestinal parasites.
How much ivermectin do you give a 50lb dog?
1 cc of ivomec 0. 08% sheep drench solution contains 800 mcg ivermectin; 0. 1 cc = 80 mcg ivermectin. The minimum dosage is 0. 034 cc per 10 pounds of body weight, approximately 0. 1 cc per 30 pounds of body weight. The minimum dosage is 0. 136 grams per 10 pounds of body weight. Give 1/4 tsp per 50 pounds of body weight.
How much ivermectin is too much for dogs?
The toxic dose of ivermectin in dogs and cats is between 0 and 10 mg/kg. 1 and 2. 5 mg/kg (100 and 2,500 μg/kg).
Can I give human ivermectin to my dog?
Ivermectin is safe for most dogs when administered at the right doses and under a veterinarian’s supervision. It is also very effective at treating and preventing a variety of parasites. However, a dog with the mutation who consumes the medication may experience a severe, potentially fatal reaction known as ivermectin toxicity.