Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Diazepam is used in dog for Status epilepticus (emergency), At-home seizure emergency. Routes documented in dog: IV, RECTAL. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Diazepam in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Valium
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q5 min (max 3 doses) | Emergency acute seizure control | Status epilepticus (emergency) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| RECTAL | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q5 min (max 3 doses) | Emergency | At-home seizure emergency | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance, producing sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
HEPATOTOXICITY in cats (oral use — acute hepatic necrosis, sometimes fatal). Short duration in dogs (rapid redistribution). Avoid IM (erratic absorption). Reversible with flumazenil. Controlled substance.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Diazepam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.