Ivermectin dosage for dogs typically runs 0.0015–0.003 mg per pound (0.003–0.006 mg/kg) once a month for heartworm prevention, though parasite treatment requires higher doses and always needs a vet’s okay.
How much ivermectin do you give a 50lb dog?
For heartworm prevention, a 50 lb dog usually needs 0.075–0.15 mg total (0.0015–0.003 mg/lb) once a month.
If you’re tackling mange or other parasites, the dose jumps—way up—and should only happen under a vet’s watchful eye. Never go rogue with the numbers; even the “approved” heartworm doses can turn toxic in sensitive breeds. Stick to products made for dogs, not the stuff meant for cows or pigs. When you’re dealing with off-label uses like sarcoptic mange, your vet will crunch the numbers based on your dog’s exact weight and condition.
How much ivermectin can I give my 10 pound dog?
A 10 lb dog’s safe monthly heartworm dose is 0.015–0.03 mg total (0.0015–0.003 mg/lb).
That’s 15–30 micrograms (mcg) in total. Heartworm products like Heartgard deliver this exact dose in each chewable tablet—no guesswork needed. Skip the livestock ivermectin or DIY mixes, because those aren’t built for dogs and can easily turn deadly. Double-check the concentration and dose with your vet before you even think about giving it.
How much ivermectin can I give my 70 pound dog?
For heartworm prevention, a 70 lb dog needs 0.105–0.21 mg total (0.0015–0.003 mg/lb) once a month.
Need to treat parasites like sarcoptic or demodectic mange? Those doses are way higher (up to 300 mcg/kg or 400–600 mcg/kg, respectively), but your vet has to calculate and monitor them closely. Some breeds freak out over even tiny amounts. The Merck Veterinary Manual drops a serious warning: ivermectin can sneak past the blood-brain barrier in dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation, upping the risk of nerve damage.
Can you overdose a dog on ivermectin?
Absolutely—ivermectin overdose can kill if you don’t act fast.
Watch for vomiting, drooling, acting drunk, tremors, seizures, or even passing out. The Merck Veterinary Manual says severe cases can shut down breathing and lead to death. Overdoses sneak up when you use livestock-strength stuff, miscalculate, or have a dog with the MDR1 mutation. If you suspect an overdose, call your vet or an animal poison hotline immediately—every second counts.
How much ivermectin do I give a dog with sarcoptic mange?
Vets usually go with 300 mcg/kg (0.3 mg/kg) of ivermectin for sarcoptic mange, repeated weekly for 4–6 weeks.
That’s a far cry from the heartworm dose, so your dog’s weight and condition matter a ton. Some vets lean toward topical or injectable options approved for mange instead. Make sure your vet confirms the diagnosis first—sarcoptic mange loves to masquerade as other skin issues. Treatment should keep going until you get two clean skin scrapings, usually spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
How do you mix ivermectin for dogs?
To safely dilute ivermectin for dogs, blend 0.1 cc of 1% ivermectin solution with 0.9 cc of propylene glycol or vegetable oil.
That whips up a 0.1% solution you can dose by weight. For example, this mix lets you treat a 100 lb dog with about 1 cc of the solution. Always use a sterile syringe and stick to vet-approved diluents—never shoot undiluted ivermectin into your dog. Follow your vet’s exact dilution instructions for your dog’s weight and health.
How much ivermectin do I give a dog for heartworm?
For heartworm prevention, the standard dose is 6 mcg/kg (0.006 mg/kg) once a month.
That’s 0.0015–0.003 mg per pound of body weight. Chewable tablets like Heartgard, Tri-Heart, and Iverhart Plus nail this dose in tasty form. Missing a month leaves your dog unprotected, so consistency is everything. If your dog already has heartworms, ivermectin alone won’t cut it—you’ll need a full adulticide treatment plan and strict rest.
How do you give a dog ivermectin?
Give ivermectin by mouth, either straight from a syringe (needle removed) or hidden in a treat like cheese or bread.
Never inject ivermectin meant for oral use. For liquids, draw the right dose into a dosing syringe and squirt it to the back of your dog’s mouth to encourage a swallow. Follow the product instructions to the letter. If your dog spits it out, don’t just redose—call your vet first. Keep ivermectin locked up tight; it’s dangerous for humans and other pets too.
Can golden retrievers take ivermectin?
Golden retrievers can handle ivermectin fine at heartworm doses.
That said, some goldens carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them extra sensitive to ivermectin and other drugs. At the approved heartworm dose (6 mcg/kg monthly), most goldens sail through with no issues. But if your dog is a breeder or shows weird reactions (think tremors or lethargy), a quick genetic test can check for the mutation. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests chatting with your vet about breed-specific risks.
Can German shepherds take ivermectin?
German shepherds can take ivermectin at standard heartworm prevention doses when used correctly.
Like other breeds, German shepherds can carry the MDR1 mutation, which raises the risk of ivermectin toxicity. At the low monthly heartworm dose (6 mcg/kg), even MDR1-positive dogs usually handle it without a hitch. But if you’re using higher doses for parasite treatment, that’s vet territory only. Start low, watch closely, and stop if anything looks off.
What dogs Cannot take ivermectin?
Puppies under 6 weeks, dogs without a recent negative heartworm test, and breeds prone to the MDR1 mutation should steer clear unless a vet signs off.
Collies, Australian shepherds, Shetland sheepdogs, and their close cousins top the list for MDR1 mutations. Puppies under 6 weeks and dogs with active heartworm infections shouldn’t get ivermectin unless it’s part of a supervised treatment plan. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends breed-specific screening for high-risk dogs before you even consider ivermectin.
How much ivomec do I give a dog for mange?
For sarcoptic mange, ivermectin clocks in at 300 mcg/kg (0.3 mg/kg), and for demodectic mange, it’s 400–600 mcg/kg (0.4–0.6 mg/kg).
These doses are way above heartworm prevention levels and usually repeat weekly for several weeks. Confirm the mange type with your vet first—sarcoptic (catchy) and demodectic (not catchy) need totally different approaches. Some dogs do better with topical or injectable options. And whatever you do, don’t grab livestock ivermectin without your vet’s thumbs-up.
How do you use ivermectin Agmectin 0.3 granulated powder?
Mix Agmectin 0.3% granulated powder into complete feed at the label-recommended dose for 7 days, then repeat after 14 days.
This stuff is for livestock, not dogs—never use it off-label in pets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for species, age, and weight to the letter. If you’re thinking about using it in a dog, talk to your vet for a safe, dog-friendly ivermectin option and dose. Messing with livestock products can backfire fast due to wrong concentrations or doses.
How do you dilute ivermectin?
Mix 1 mL of 1% ivermectin solution with 9 mL of propylene glycol (PG) to make a 0.1% solution.
This dilution gives you precise control for small or sensitive dogs. A 0.1% solution delivers 1 mg/mL, so a 10 lb dog needing 0.03 mg gets just 0.03 mL. Always use sterile tools and vet-approved diluents—never inject undiluted ivermectin. The PetMD crew suggests running your dilution plan by your vet before you try it.
How much ivermectin can I give my puppy?
Puppies over 6 weeks old can take ivermectin for heartworm prevention at 0.0015–0.003 mg/lb once a month.
Need higher doses for parasites? That’s vet business only—think 0.15 mg/lb for skin parasites—and only with strict supervision. Puppies under 6 weeks, underweight pups, or those with the MDR1 mutation are sitting ducks for toxicity. Weigh your puppy accurately and use a product labeled for pups. The American Kennel Club says heartworm prevention should start at 6–8 weeks old, every single month.
Can you use cattle ivermectin on dogs?
Nope—never use cattle ivermectin on dogs unless the bottle explicitly says it’s safe for both livestock and pets.
Livestock formulas are super concentrated and not built for dogs, so even tiny mistakes can turn deadly. Use only dog-specific ivermectin products like Heartgard or Iverhart for heartworm prevention. If your vet suggests ivermectin for something else, they’ll prescribe a dog-safe version and dose. The FDA is loud and clear: don’t use livestock drugs in pets without a vet’s green light.
Can you give injectable ivermectin orally?
Yes—you can give injectable ivermectin by mouth if you remove the needle and measure the dose exactly.
Injectable ivermectin is meant for under-the-skin use, but the liquid itself is safe to give orally. Use a dosing syringe (needle off) to draw up the right amount and squirt it to the back of your dog’s mouth. Never inject ivermectin meant for oral use. Follow your vet’s instructions on formulation and how to give it—misuse can cause injection-site trouble or wrong dosing.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
