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PetDosageChart

Phenothiazine tranquilizer · For Dogs

How much PromAce (Acepromazine) can I give my dog?

Standard PromAce dose for dogs is 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per lb), given As needed. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
30-60 minutes (oral)
Duration
4-8 hours
Class
Phenothiazine tranquilizer

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

PromAce dose by dog weight

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Dosage Chart · 02

PromAce dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 4.5mg As needed
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg (10mg tablet) As needed
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 3.5mg 7mg 13.5mg As needed
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 4.5mg 9mg (10mg tablet) 18mg (2 × 10mg) As needed
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 5.5mg 11.5mg (10mg tablet) 22.5mg As needed
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 7mg 13.5mg 27mg As needed
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 9mg (10mg tablet) 18mg (2 × 10mg) 36mg As needed
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 11.5mg (10mg tablet) 22.5mg 45.5mg As needed
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 13.5mg 27mg 54.5mg As needed
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 16mg 31.5mg (3 × 10mg) 63.5mg As needed
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 18mg (2 × 10mg) 36.5mg 72.5mg As needed
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 20.5mg (2 × 10mg) 41mg (4 × 10mg) 81.5mg (8 × 10mg) As needed
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 22.5mg 45.5mg 91mg (9 × 10mg) As needed
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 27mg 54.5mg 109mg (11 × 10mg) As needed
150 lbs (68 kg) 34mg 68mg (7 × 10mg) 136mg As needed

Common Uses · 03

What is PromAce (Acepromazine) used for in dogs?

Pre-anesthetic sedation Travel anxiety Noise phobia (short-term) Chemical restraint for procedures

Administration · 04

How to give PromAce to your dog

Give acepromazine tablets by mouth 45-60 minutes before the anticipated stressful event. Can be given with a small amount of food. Start with the lowest effective dose, especially in sensitive breeds. Do not use in Boxers, Collies, or dogs with seizure history. Keep the dog in a quiet, safe environment after dosing as coordination will be impaired.

Available Forms

Tablet, Injectable

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of PromAce in dogs

Common side effects

Sedation and drowsiness
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Pale or pink third eyelid protrusion
Decreased body temperature

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • Severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse
  • Seizures in susceptible breeds
  • Paradoxical aggression or excitability
  • Priapism (penile prolapse) in male dogs

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Extreme sedation — dog cannot be roused or is unresponsive
  • Pale gums, rapid heart rate, or signs of low blood pressure
  • Seizure activity
  • Penile prolapse that does not resolve within 30 minutes
  • Difficulty breathing or bluish gums

For Cats

Looking for PromAce dosage for cats?

View the PromAce dosage chart and calculator for cats.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Acepromazine.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Does acepromazine help with dog anxiety?
Acepromazine causes sedation but does NOT reduce anxiety or fear. The dog may appear calm because it cannot move normally, but it is still mentally experiencing the stressful stimulus. For true anxiety treatment, behavioral medications like trazodone or fluoxetine are more appropriate.
Why can't Boxers take acepromazine?
Boxers and other brachycephalic or giant breeds are extremely sensitive to acepromazine and can develop dangerous, potentially fatal drops in blood pressure even at low doses. Veterinarians typically avoid acepromazine in these breeds and use alternative sedatives.
How long before travel should I give my dog acepromazine?
Oral acepromazine should be given 45-60 minutes before travel to allow adequate absorption and onset of sedation. However, many veterinarians now recommend alternatives like trazodone or gabapentin for travel anxiety, as acepromazine only sedates without reducing fear.
Can acepromazine cause seizures in dogs?
Yes, acepromazine lowers the seizure threshold and should not be used in dogs with a history of seizures or epilepsy. In susceptible animals, it can trigger seizure activity. Dogs with known seizure disorders should use alternative sedatives recommended by their veterinarian.
Is acepromazine a pain reliever for dogs?
No. Acepromazine is a tranquilizer that produces sedation but has no analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. A dog that appears calm on acepromazine may still be in pain. Pain management requires separate medications such as NSAIDs or opioids prescribed by a veterinarian.

Safety · 10

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