Can this calculator tell me how much of a human medication is safe for my pet?

No -- and please do not give human medications to your pet without explicit veterinary guidance. Many common human medications (including ibuprofen, acetaminophen/paracetamol, and certain antidepressants) are toxic to dogs and/or cats. This calculator only does the arithmetic for a dose your vet has already prescribed in mg/kg.

How accurate is this calculator?

The arithmetic itself is straightforward and accurate to the inputs provided. The risk of error is in entering the wrong inputs -- wrong weight, wrong dose rate, or wrong concentration. Always cross-check the result against the instructions from your vet and the medication label.

My vet told me a dose in mg -- do I still need this calculator?

If your vet has already given you the total dose in mg and also told you the volume to give, you may not need the calculator at all. This tool is most useful when you've been given a dose rate in mg/kg and need to work out the specific amount for your individual pet's weight.

Can I use this for any species of pet?

The calculator does the weight × rate arithmetic regardless of species. However, the critical point remains: the dose rate in mg/kg must come from a veterinarian who knows your specific pet and species. Dose rates differ significantly between dogs and cats, and between adult and young or elderly animals.

What if I'm not sure of my pet's exact weight?

Use your pet's most recently confirmed weight from a vet visit if possible. For medication dosing, accurate weight is important -- a 10% weight error translates directly to a 10% dose error. If your pet hasn't been weighed recently, many vet clinics and pet stores have scales you can use.

How the Medication Dose Calculator Works | PetCalculator

The Medication Dose Calculator is a math aid only: it multiplies your pet's weight by a dose-per-kg that your veterinarian has already prescribed. It does not recommend any drug, dose, or medication.