Nitroglycerin for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Nitroglycerin is used in dog for Acute congestive heart failure (preload reduction), Acute CHF (preload reduction). Routes documented in dog: Topical. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Nitroglycerin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, Nitrol, Glyceryl Trinitrate
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical | 0 mg/kg | q12h | 48-72 hours | Acute congestive heart failure (preload reduction) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| Topical | 0 mg/kg | 0.5-2 inch strip q12h on hairless skin | 48-72h max | Acute CHF (preload reduction) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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
Releases nitric oxide causing smooth muscle relaxation. Predominantly venodilator reducing preload. Also dilates coronary arteries.
Side effects & warnings
Apply to hairless skin with gloves. Tolerance develops rapidly with continuous use — use 10-12 hour nitrate-free intervals. Monitor blood pressure.
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 Cardiovascular drugs with dog dosing
Why a species-specific page? Nitroglycerin 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.