Donepezil for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Donepezil is used in dog for Canine cognitive dysfunction. Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Donepezil in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Aricept
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.5–1 mg/kg | q24h | Long-term use; reassess every 3-6 months | Canine cognitive dysfunction | Weak | Landsberg GM, JAVMA 2008; Canine cognitive dysfunction review |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
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.
Mechanism of action
Reversible, non-competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine concentrations at cholinergic synapses, improving cognitive function.
Side effects & warnings
May cause GI upset, bradycardia, and muscle fasciculations. Monitor heart rate. Limited veterinary data — used investigationally for canine cognitive dysfunction.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Neurological drugs with dog dosing
Donepezil dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Donepezil 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.