Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Vasopressin is used in dogs for CPR, refractory hypotension. Routes documented in dogs: IV. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Vasopressin in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Pitressin, Vasostrict
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | Vasopressor for CPR (replaces or alternates with epinephrine) | 0.2-0.8 U/kg IV bolus or CRI 0.5-5 mU/kg/min | During CPR or critical hypotension | CPR, refractory hypotension | Moderate | Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1321 (2026-08-01). |
One of the cited rules is a continuous-rate-infusion regimen: IV Vasopressor for CPR (replaces or alternates with epinephrine) 0.2-0.8 U/kg IV bolus or CRI 0.5-5 mU/kg/min. CRI regimens are delivered as a continuous infusion rather than discrete doses — verify the rate against the cited source before use.
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Acts on V1 (vascular smooth muscle vasoconstriction) and V2 (renal collecting duct water reabsorption) receptors. Non-catecholamine vasopressor.
Used in CPR and refractory hypotension. Digital/splanchnic ischemia risk. Does not require functioning adrenergic receptors. Monitor urine output.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Vasopressin dose range in dogs, with cited source references: IV Vasopressor for CPR (replaces or alternates with epinephrine) 0.2-0.8 U/kg IV bolus or CRI 0.5-5 mU/kg/min. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Vasopressin in dogs: IV.
Cited course lengths for Vasopressin in dogs include: During CPR or critical hypotension. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Vasopressin is indicated in dogs for: CPR, refractory hypotension.
These are general warnings for Vasopressin across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used in CPR and refractory hypotension. Digital/splanchnic ischemia risk. Does not require functioning adrenergic receptors. Monitor urine output.
Why a species-specific page? Vasopressin 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.