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Pet Medication Dosage Calculator

Find the right dose of common OTC medications for your dog or cat by weight

Dose

50 mg

Frequency

Every 8–12 hours

Form

Tablet

Veterinary Disclaimer

Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. This calculator provides general guidelines only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Dosages may vary based on your pet’s health conditions and other medications.

Always Consult Your Veterinarian

These are general OTC guidelines. Your pet’s specific health conditions, other medications, and individual sensitivities may require different dosages. When in doubt, call your vet first.

Dose per Administration

50 mg

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Tablets

2.0

Daily Total

150 mg

Dosing Schedule

FrequencyEvery 8–12 hours (2–3x daily)
DurationUse for up to 3 days for allergies. Consult vet for longer use.

Important Warnings

Use plain diphenhydramine only — NO combination products (no ‑D, no sinus)
Avoid if pet has glaucoma, high blood pressure, or urinary retention

Example Calculations

1Benadryl for 50-lb Dog

Inputs

PetDog
Weight50 lbs
MedicationBenadryl (Diphenhydramine)
FormTablet

Result

Dose50 mg per administration
Tablets (25mg)2.0
FrequencyEvery 8–12 hours
Max Daily150 mg

A 50-lb dog gets 1 mg/lb = 50 mg per dose. That is two standard 25-mg tablets, up to 3 times daily for a maximum of 150 mg per day.

2Pepto-Bismol for 30-lb Dog

Inputs

PetDog
Weight30 lbs
MedicationPepto-Bismol
FormLiquid

Result

Dose3.0 tsp (15.0 ml)
FrequencyEvery 6–8 hours
Max Daily12.0 tsp

A 30-lb dog gets 1 tsp per 10 lbs = 3 tsp (15 ml) per dose. Can be repeated every 6–8 hours, up to 4 times per day maximum.

3Fish Oil for 10-lb Cat

Inputs

PetCat
Weight10 lbs
MedicationFish Oil (EPA+DHA)
FormLiquid

Result

Dose200 mg EPA+DHA
Capsules (300mg)0.7
FrequencyOnce daily

A 10-lb cat needs 20 mg/lb = 200 mg EPA+DHA daily. About 2/3 of a standard 300-mg fish oil capsule, mixed into food once daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much Benadryl can I give my dog?

The standard Benadryl dosage for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times daily. A 50-pound dog gets 50 mg (two 25-mg tablets). Use only plain diphenhydramine — never combination products like Benadryl-D that contain pseudoephedrine.

  • Dosage: 1 mg per pound of body weight per dose
  • 25-lb dog: 25 mg (one 25-mg tablet) every 8–12 hours
  • 50-lb dog: 50 mg (two 25-mg tablets) every 8–12 hours
  • 75-lb dog: 75 mg (three 25-mg tablets) every 8–12 hours
  • ONLY use plain diphenhydramine — NO decongestants, NO acetaminophen combos
Dog WeightDose (mg)Tablets (25mg)Liquid (12.5mg/5ml)
10 lbs10 mg0.5 tablet4 ml
25 lbs25 mg1 tablet10 ml
50 lbs50 mg2 tablets20 ml
75 lbs75 mg3 tablets30 ml
Q

Can I give my cat Benadryl?

Yes, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is generally safe for cats at 1 mg per pound, given up to twice daily. A 10-pound cat gets 10 mg. Cats often drool excessively when given liquid Benadryl — this is a taste reaction, not an allergic response.

  • Cat dosage: 1 mg per pound of body weight, 2x daily max
  • 8-lb cat: 8 mg (about 1/3 of a 25-mg tablet)
  • 10-lb cat: 10 mg, twice daily for allergies
  • Liquid form may cause excessive drooling (normal taste reaction)
  • Consult vet before use — some cats have paradoxical excitation
Q

Is Pepto-Bismol safe for dogs?

Pepto-Bismol can be given to dogs at 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, every 6-8 hours. It is NOT safe for cats — it contains salicylate (aspirin-like compound) that can cause toxicity in felines. Stool may turn dark, which is normal.

  • Dog dose: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per 10 pounds of body weight
  • Frequency: every 6–8 hours, max 3–4 doses per day
  • TOXIC TO CATS — salicylate can cause liver failure in cats
  • Do not use with NSAIDs (Rimadyl, Metacam) or aspirin
  • Dark/black stool is a normal temporary side effect
Q

How much fish oil should I give my pet?

The recommended fish oil dose is 20 mg of combined EPA+DHA per pound of body weight daily. A 50-pound dog needs about 1,000 mg EPA+DHA, roughly 3 standard fish oil capsules (300 mg each). Start with half the dose for the first week.

  • Dose: 20 mg EPA+DHA per pound daily
  • 10-lb pet: 200 mg EPA+DHA (about 1 capsule)
  • 30-lb dog: 600 mg EPA+DHA (about 2 capsules)
  • 50-lb dog: 1,000 mg EPA+DHA (about 3 capsules)
  • Benefits: coat health, joint support, reduced inflammation (4–6 weeks to see results)
Q

When should I use hydrogen peroxide to make my dog vomit?

ONLY use hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting when directed by a veterinarian or poison control. The dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, maximum 3 tablespoons. Never induce vomiting for caustic substances, sharp objects, or petroleum products.

  • ALWAYS call vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) first
  • Dose: 1 tsp per 10 lbs body weight (3% hydrogen peroxide only)
  • Maximum dose: 3 tablespoons regardless of dog size
  • NOT safe for cats — causes severe gastric hemorrhage
  • Do NOT induce vomiting for bleach, batteries, sharp objects, or gasoline

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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