Ivermectin for Dogs

Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg

Ivermectin is dosed at 0.3–0.6 mg/kg PO q24h in dogs, per Mueller RS, Bensignor E, Ferrer L, et al. Treatment of demodicosis in dogs: 2011 clinical practice guidelines. Vet Dermatol. 2012;23(2):86-96, e20-21. / 50. Waisglass S. Demodicosis update--some considerations to increase your success rate. Presented at: WVC; 2009. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.01026.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.739 (2026-08-01).. Ivermectin is used in dogs for Generalized demodicosis (high dose), Heartworm prevention, generalized demodicosis, Ectoparasites, demodicosis, Sarcoptic mange. Routes documented in dogs: PO, SC. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Ivermectin in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

US trade names: Ivomec, Heartgard

Contraindicated in Tortoise / Turtle

Tortoise / Turtle: Ivermectin causes fatal toxicosis in chelonians at doses other reptiles tolerateChelonians are far more sensitive than lizards and snakes: doses routine elsewhere in reptile practice have produced paralysis and death in turtles and tortoises. Do not use ivermectin in chelonians; use fenbendazole or another alternative. (The cited study did find 0.05 mg/kg IM tolerated in red-footed tortoises when not repeated inside 7 days, so the hazard is dose- and interval-dependent rather than absolute — but that margin is far too narrow to work to in a clinical setting.)

Dose ranges

Route	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	0.3–0.6 mg/kg	q24h	Until 2 negative skin scrapings 1 month apart	Generalized demodicosis (high dose)	Strong	Mueller RS, Bensignor E, Ferrer L, et al. Treatment of demodicosis in dogs: 2011 clinical practice guidelines. Vet Dermatol. 2012;23(2):86-96, e20-21. / 50. Waisglass S. Demodicosis update--some considerations to increase your success rate. Presented at: WVC; 2009. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.01026.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.739 (2026-08-01).
PO	0.006–0.012 mg/kg	q30d	Monthly for prevention; daily for demodicosis (0.3-0.6 mg/kg)	Heartworm prevention, generalized demodicosis	Strong	Heartgard® Tablets [Package Insert]. Merial; 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.738 (2026-08-01).
SC

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Mechanism of action

Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.

Side effects & warnings

TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Ivermectin for Dogs?

Ivermectin dose ranges in dogs, with cited source references: PO 0.3–0.6 mg/kg q24h; PO 0.006–0.012 mg/kg q30d; SC 0.2–0.4 mg/kg q7-14d; SC 0.2–0.4 mg/kg q14d. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.

How is Ivermectin administered in Dogs?

Documented routes for Ivermectin in dogs: PO, SC.

How long is Ivermectin given in Dogs?

Cited course lengths for Ivermectin in dogs include: Until 2 negative skin scrapings 1 month apart; Monthly for prevention; daily for demodicosis (0.3-0.6 mg/kg); As needed; 2-4 treatments. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.

What conditions does Ivermectin treat in Dogs?

Ivermectin is indicated in dogs for: Generalized demodicosis (high dose), Heartworm prevention, generalized demodicosis, Ectoparasites, demodicosis, Sarcoptic mange.

What are the side effects of Ivermectin in Dogs?

These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Other Antiparasitic drugs with dog dosing

Afoxolaner Afoxolaner-Milbemycin Oxime Albendazole Amitraz Amprolium Atovaquone Benznidazole Bithionol Closantel Cythioate Dichlorvos Diethylcarbamazine

Ivermectin dosing in other species

African Grey Parrots African Pygmy Hedgehogs Ball Pythons Bearded Dragons Cats Cattle Chickens Chinchillas

See all species for Ivermectin See all drugs for Dogs

Why a species-specific page? Ivermectin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dogs — 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.