Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Ketoconazole is used in dog for Systemic fungal infections, Cushing's (off-label), Dermatophytosis / Malassezia / blastomycosis. Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Ketoconazole in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Nizoral
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | 2-3 months for dermatophytes; lifelong for Cushing's | Systemic fungal infections, Cushing's (off-label) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | 4-8 weeks (dermatophytosis); months (systemic) | Dermatophytosis / Malassezia / blastomycosis | 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.
Inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal membranes. At high doses, inhibits adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis.
Hepatotoxic — monitor liver enzymes. Strong CYP inhibitor (many drug interactions). Requires gastric acid for absorption (do not give with antacids). Also used for Cushing's disease (adrenal steroidogenesis inhibition).
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? Ketoconazole 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.