Atenolol Dosage Calculator for Dogs
The Atenolol Dosage Calculator for Dogs estimates the precise medication in milligrams based on your dog's weight, heart condition, and severity level. This tool helps pet owners and vets determine safe tablet amounts to manage heart health effectively. Whether you are treating a mild murmur, severe hypertension, or adjusting for weight changes, this tool simplifies complex math for accurate dosing. Ensure your pet receives the exact therapeutic dose needed without the risk of under or over-medicating.
How Atenolol Dosage Is Calculated
The dosage represents the specific amount of beta-blocker medication required to slow your dog's heart rate to a safe level. We use a weight-based formula that adjusts for the severity of the condition to ensure safety.
Total Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dosage Factor
Where:
- Dosage Factor ranges from 0.25 to 1.0 based on the specific heart condition and its severity.
Step-by-Step Process
- Convert your dog's weight into kilograms (lbs ÷ 2.205).
- Select the condition being treated to identify the correct dosage factor range.
- Multiply the weight in kilograms by the dosage factor to find the total milligrams needed.
- Divide the total milligrams by the available tablet strength to find the number of tablets to administer.
This method ensures the drug stays within a therapeutic window, protecting the heart muscle from overworking without causing dangerous side effects like fainting or excessive lethargy.
What Your Atenolol Dosage Means
This result tells you exactly how many milligrams of medication your dog needs per dose to control their heart condition effectively. It bridges the gap between a general prescription and the specific physical reality of your dog's weight and tablet availability.
Maintenance (0.25–0.5 mg/kg)
This range is standard for dogs with early-stage mitral valve disease or mild arrhythmias. It reduces the heart's workload effectively without causing extreme lethargy, allowing your pet to maintain a normal, happy lifestyle.
Therapeutic (0.5–1.0 mg/kg)
Use this range for severe conditions like Subaortic Stenosis or significant hypertension. It provides a stronger blockade to prevent the heart from racing during excitement or stress, protecting the heart muscle long-term.
Sub-therapeutic (<0.25 mg/kg)
Results in this zone may be insufficient to manage heart issues effectively. This often occurs in small dogs where standard tablets are difficult to split into precise, tiny doses, indicating a need for liquid medication.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always verify dosage calculations with your veterinarian before administering medication, as individual health factors like kidney function can alter needs.
Check your dog's resting heart rate regularly by placing a hand over their chest just behind the elbow. If the rate drops below 60 bpm for large dogs or 80 bpm for small dogs, contact your vet immediately to adjust the dose.