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PetDosageChart

Valium (Diazepam) Dosage for Dogs

Benzodiazepine ⏱ Onset: 15-30 minutes (oral); 1-5 minutes (IV/rectal) ⏳ Duration: 1-4 hours in dogs (rapid metabolism)

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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Valium Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 4.5mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 3.5mg (2 × 2mg) 7mg 13.5mg (7 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 4.5mg 9mg 18mg (9 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 5.5mg (3 × 2mg) 11.5mg (6 × 2mg) 22.5mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 7mg 13.5mg (7 × 2mg) 27mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 9mg 18mg (9 × 2mg) 36mg (18 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 11.5mg (6 × 2mg) 22.5mg 45.5mg (23 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 13.5mg (7 × 2mg) 27mg 54.5mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 16mg (8 × 2mg) 31.5mg (16 × 2mg) 63.5mg (32 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 18mg (9 × 2mg) 36.5mg 72.5mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 20.5mg 41mg 81.5mg (41 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 22.5mg 45.5mg (23 × 2mg) 91mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 27mg 54.5mg 109mg As needed or every 8-12 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 34mg (17 × 2mg) 68mg (34 × 2mg) 136mg (68 × 2mg) As needed or every 8-12 hours

What is Valium (Diazepam) used for in dogs?

Emergency seizure control (status epilepticus) Anxiety and phobias (short-term) Muscle relaxation Appetite stimulation Pre-anesthetic sedation

How to give Valium to your dog

For oral use, give diazepam tablets by mouth as directed. For emergency seizure control at home, use the rectal gel formulation as instructed by your veterinarian. Insert the pre-measured syringe tip into the rectum and administer slowly. Keep the dog in a safe area away from furniture and stairs during and after a seizure. Note the seizure duration and report to your vet.

Available Forms

Tablet, Injectable, Rectal gel

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Valium in dogs

Common side effects

Sedation and drowsiness
Ataxia (wobbly gait)
Paradoxical excitability in some dogs
Increased appetite

Serious side effects

  • Acute hepatic necrosis (rare but potentially fatal — especially oral use)
  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Profound CNS depression
  • Physical dependence with chronic use

When to call the vet

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

  • Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in 24 hours
  • Yellowing of gums or eyes (signs of liver damage)
  • Severe sedation or inability to rouse the dog
  • Paradoxical aggression or extreme agitation
  • Difficulty breathing or very slow respiratory rate

Related Medications for Dogs

Phenothiazine tranquilizer

PromAce

Acepromazine

For Pre-anesthetic sedation

View dosage chart
Antihistamine

Benadryl

Diphenhydramine

For allergies

View dosage chart
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Desyrel

Trazodone

For anxiety

View dosage chart
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For chronic pain

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 Diazepam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diazepam cause liver failure in dogs?
Yes, although rare, oral diazepam has been associated with acute fulminant hepatic necrosis in dogs, which can be fatal. This idiosyncratic reaction is unpredictable and can occur within days of starting the medication. For this reason, many veterinarians prefer alternatives for chronic oral use and reserve diazepam for acute or emergency situations.
How is diazepam used for dog seizures?
Diazepam is a first-line emergency treatment for active seizures (status epilepticus). It is typically given intravenously by a veterinarian or rectally at home using a rectal gel formulation. It acts within minutes to stop seizure activity. It is not ideal for long-term seizure prevention in dogs due to rapid tolerance development.
Why does diazepam wear off so fast in dogs?
Dogs metabolize diazepam much more rapidly than humans. The active effects typically last only 1-4 hours compared to several hours in people. This rapid metabolism means diazepam is best suited for acute or emergency use in dogs rather than for sustained daily treatment.
Can I give rectal diazepam at home for my dog's seizures?
Yes, veterinarians often prescribe rectal diazepam gel for owners to administer at home during prolonged seizures or cluster seizures. Your vet will teach you the proper technique and dosing. It should be given if a seizure lasts more than 2-3 minutes or if multiple seizures occur within 24 hours.
Is diazepam good for long-term anxiety in dogs?
No. Diazepam is not recommended for chronic anxiety management in dogs due to rapid tolerance (it stops working within days), the risk of hepatotoxicity with oral use, and its short duration of action. Better long-term options include fluoxetine, trazodone, or behavioral modification programs.

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