Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Oxytocin is dosed at 0.25–5 IU per dog IV q15-30 min, max 3 doses in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed. Oxytocin is used in dogs for Dystocia (with dilated cervix). Routes documented in dogs: IV. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Oxytocin in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Pitocin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 0.25–5 IU per dog | q15-30 min, max 3 doses | Up to 3 doses | Dystocia (with dilated cervix) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and mammary myoepithelial cell contraction promoting milk letdown. Acts via oxytocin receptors.
Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Oxytocin dose range in dogs, with cited source references: IV 0.25–5 IU per dog q15-30 min, max 3 doses. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Oxytocin in dogs: IV.
Cited course lengths for Oxytocin in dogs include: Up to 3 doses. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Oxytocin is indicated in dogs for: Dystocia (with dilated cervix).
These are general warnings for Oxytocin across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.
Why a species-specific page? Oxytocin 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.