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PetDosageChart

Credelio (Lotilaner) Dosage for Dogs

Isoxazoline antiparasitic ⏱ Onset: 4 hours (fleas), 8 hours (ticks) ⏳ Duration: 30 days

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. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Credelio Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 46mg (56.25mg tablet) 69mg (56.25mg tablet) 99mg (2 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 90mg 135mg 193.5mg Once monthly
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 136mg 204mg 292.5mg (5 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 182mg (3 × 56.25mg) 273mg (5 × 56.25mg) 391.5mg (7 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 226mg (4 × 56.25mg) 339mg (6 × 56.25mg) 486mg Once monthly
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 272mg (5 × 56.25mg) 408mg 585mg Once monthly
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 362mg 543mg 778.5mg (14 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 454mg (8 × 56.25mg) 681mg (12 × 56.25mg) 976mg Once monthly
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 544mg 816mg 1169.5mg (21 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 634mg 951mg (17 × 56.25mg) 1363mg (24 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 726mg (13 × 56.25mg) 1089mg 1561mg (28 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 816mg 1224mg (22 × 56.25mg) 1754.5mg (31 × 56.25mg) Once monthly
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 908mg (16 × 56.25mg) 1362mg (24 × 56.25mg) 1952mg Once monthly
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 1088mg 1632mg (29 × 56.25mg) 2339mg Once monthly
150 lbs (68 kg) 1360mg (24 × 56.25mg) 2040mg 2924mg (52 × 56.25mg) Once monthly

What is Credelio (Lotilaner) used for in dogs?

Flea treatment and prevention Tick treatment and prevention (including Lone Star, Black-legged, American Dog, and Brown Dog ticks)

How to give Credelio to your dog

Give the Credelio chewable tablet by mouth once monthly with a full meal — food is essential for proper absorption. Choose the correct tablet size based on your dog's weight. Most dogs accept the flavored chewable willingly. If refused, hide in a high-value treat like cheese or meat. Ensure the entire tablet is consumed. Give on the same date each month for consistent protection. Start treatment before flea and tick season begins for best results.

Available Forms

Chewable tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Credelio in dogs

Common side effects

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Lethargy

Serious side effects

  • Seizures (rare, class warning for isoxazolines)
  • Tremors
  • Ataxia (incoordination)
  • Severe allergic reaction

When to call the vet

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

  • Seizures, tremors, or muscle twitching
  • Loss of coordination or stumbling
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea after administration
  • Signs of allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Finding live ticks or fleas on your dog within days of dosing

Related Medications for Dogs

Isoxazoline antiparasitic

NexGard

Afoxolaner

For flea treatment and prevention

View dosage chart
Antiparasitic

Ivomec

Ivermectin

For heartworm prevention

View dosage chart
Antiparasitic combination

Simparica Trio

Sarolaner / Moxidectin / Pyrantel

For flea prevention

View dosage chart
Antiparasitic combination

Heartgard Plus

Ivermectin / Pyrantel

For heartworm prevention

View dosage chart

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 Lotilaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Credelio compare to NexGard and Simparica?
Credelio, NexGard, and Simparica are all isoxazoline-class flea and tick preventives. They share a similar mechanism of action and safety profile. Credelio (lotilaner) starts killing fleas within 4 hours, which is comparable to the others. The main differences are in palatability, specific tick species coverage, and individual dog response.
Why must Credelio be given with food?
Credelio requires administration with food for proper absorption. Studies show that giving Credelio with a meal significantly increases bioavailability, ensuring the drug reaches effective blood levels. Without food, the medication may not provide full flea and tick protection for the entire month.
Is Credelio safe for dogs with seizures?
The FDA has issued a class-wide warning for all isoxazoline products regarding potential neurological adverse events including seizures, tremors, and ataxia. Dogs with a history of seizures should use isoxazolines with caution and under close veterinary supervision. Alternative flea/tick preventives may be recommended for seizure-prone dogs.
Does Credelio protect against heartworm?
No, Credelio only protects against fleas and ticks. You will need a separate heartworm preventive such as Heartgard, Sentinel, or Interceptor. Some vets may recommend Credelio Plus, which combines lotilaner with milbemycin oxime for combined flea, tick, and heartworm protection.
What should I do if my dog spits out the Credelio tablet?
If your dog refuses the tablet, try wrapping it in a small piece of cheese, meat, or a pill pocket. The tablet must be given with food for proper absorption. If your dog consistently refuses it, talk to your vet about alternative flea/tick preventives that may come in topical or other forms.

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