Dog Fluid Therapy Rate Calculator

Clinical note: This tool supports calculation of maintenance, dehydration deficit, and ongoing losses with drip-set conversion. Intended for education and workflow support, not to replace veterinarian judgment. Always reassess patient response and laboratory data.

Patient & Hydration

Body weight (kg)

Dehydration (%) Typical clinical estimates: 3–5% mild, 6–8% moderate, ≥9% severe.

Maintenance method

60 mL/kg/day

50 mL/kg/day

132 × BW^0.75 (mL/day)

Deficit replacement period (hours)

Ongoing losses

Estimate from vomiting, diarrhea, drains, polyuria, etc.

Delivery & Outputs

Drip set

Round total rate to nearest (mL/hr)

Plan duration for summary (days)

Calculated Components

Maintenance

37.5 mL/hr 900 mL/day

Deficit (5% = 750 mL) over 24 hr

31.3 mL/hr

Ongoing losses (0 mL/kg/hr)

0 mL/hr

Total rate

69 mL/hr

4.60 mL/kg/hr

Drip conversion (15 gtt/mL)

17 gtt/min

Guidance & Plan

Shock dose reference (dog): ~80–90 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid. Practical bolus: 10–20 mL/kg, then reassess perfusion.
Suggested bolus (15 mL/kg): 225 mL
Full shock dose (90 mL/kg): 1350 mL (titrate carefully; monitor vitals and lactate).
Plan summary for 1 day(s): total volume 1656 mL at 69 mL/hr.

This summary assumes stable parameters across the period. Adjust maintenance, deficit replacement hours, and losses as clinical status evolves.

FAQs

How is maintenance rate estimated in dogs?

Common approximations are 50–60 mL/kg/day or 132 × BW^0.75 mL/day. Choose the method preferred by your service and patient context; all yield similar ranges for clinically typical adults.

How do I calculate the dehydration deficit?

Deficit (mL) equals percentage dehydration multiplied by body weight (kg) by 1000. Replace across a clinician-selected period, often 12–24 hours, while reassessing perfusion and electrolytes.

What should I enter for ongoing losses?

Estimate ongoing losses from vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, drains, or third spacing. Input as mL/kg/hr when proportional to size, or as an absolute mL/hr when measured directly.

Which drip set should I choose?

Use the set attached to your line: macrodrip is commonly 10–20 gtt/mL, microdrip 60 gtt/mL. The calculator converts mL/hr to gtt/min for the selected set.

Does this calculator cover shock boluses?

It provides reference figures: a full shock dose around 80–90 mL/kg and a practical 10–20 mL/kg bolus. These are guides; always titrate to effect and monitor response.

Can I use the tool for puppies or comorbidities?

Young or geriatric dogs and those with cardiac, renal, or endocrine disease may need modified rates and fluids. Use institutional protocols and continuous monitoring for such patients.

Which fluids are appropriate?

Isotonic crystalloids are typical for rehydration and maintenance. Consider electrolyte status, acid–base balance, and comorbidities when selecting fluids; colloids or hypertonic saline have specific indications.