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PetDosageChart

Keppra (Levetiracetam) Dosage for Dogs

Anticonvulsant ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 8 hours (immediate release)

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.

Dosage Calculator

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Keppra Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 46mg 92mg 138mg Every 8 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 90mg 180mg 270mg (250mg tablet) Every 8 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 136mg 272mg (250mg tablet) 408mg Every 8 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 182mg 364mg 546mg (2 × 250mg) Every 8 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 226mg (250mg tablet) 452mg (2 × 250mg) 678mg Every 8 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 272mg (250mg tablet) 544mg (2 × 250mg) 816mg Every 8 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 362mg 724mg (3 × 250mg) 1086mg Every 8 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 454mg (2 × 250mg) 908mg 1362mg Every 8 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 544mg (2 × 250mg) 1088mg 1632mg Every 8 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 634mg 1268mg (5 × 250mg) 1902mg Every 8 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 726mg (3 × 250mg) 1452mg (6 × 250mg) 2178mg Every 8 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 816mg 1632mg 2448mg (10 × 250mg) Every 8 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 908mg 1816mg 2724mg (11 × 250mg) Every 8 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 1088mg 2176mg 3264mg (13 × 250mg) Every 8 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 1360mg 2720mg (11 × 250mg) 4080mg Every 8 hours

What is Keppra (Levetiracetam) used for in dogs?

Epilepsy Seizure management Cluster seizures Status epilepticus (emergency) Add-on seizure therapy

How to give Keppra to your dog

Give levetiracetam tablets by mouth every 8 hours with food. Consistent timing is critical — set alarms to maintain even blood levels. Immediate-release tablets can be split if needed for accurate dosing. NEVER split or crush extended-release (XR) tablets. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember and adjust the next dose timing. Do not double dose. Keep a seizure diary to help your vet assess treatment effectiveness. Never stop this medication abruptly.

Available Forms

Tablet, Extended-release tablet, Oral solution, Injectable

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Keppra in dogs

Common side effects

Sedation
Decreased appetite
Drooling
Ataxia (wobbly gait)

Serious side effects

  • Severe sedation
  • Behavioral changes (aggression or anxiety)
  • Hepatotoxicity (rare)
  • Pancytopenia (rare)

When to call the vet

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

  • Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
  • Multiple seizures within 24 hours (cluster seizures)
  • Severe sedation where your dog cannot stand or eat
  • Behavioral changes such as unusual aggression or extreme anxiety
  • Yellowing of gums or eyes (possible liver issue)

Related Medications for Dogs

Barbiturate anticonvulsant

Luminal

Phenobarbital

For Epilepsy

View dosage chart
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For chronic pain

View dosage chart
Antihistamine

Benadryl

Diphenhydramine

For allergies

View dosage chart
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Desyrel

Trazodone

For anxiety

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 Levetiracetam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is levetiracetam often preferred over phenobarbital?
Levetiracetam has a much safer profile for the liver compared to phenobarbital, which requires regular liver monitoring and can cause liver damage over time. Levetiracetam also has fewer drug interactions and does not require routine blood level monitoring in most cases, making it more convenient for long-term use.
Why does levetiracetam need to be given three times a day?
The immediate-release form of levetiracetam has a short half-life in dogs (about 3-6 hours), requiring dosing every 8 hours for consistent blood levels. Extended-release (Keppra XR) tablets can be given less frequently but must NOT be split or crushed, as this destroys the extended-release mechanism.
Can I suddenly stop giving levetiracetam?
No, abruptly stopping any anticonvulsant can trigger rebound seizures or even status epilepticus, which is a life-threatening emergency. Always taper the dose gradually under veterinary guidance if discontinuation is needed.
Can levetiracetam be used alongside other seizure medications?
Yes, levetiracetam is commonly used as an add-on therapy alongside phenobarbital or potassium bromide for dogs whose seizures are not well-controlled with a single medication. Note that phenobarbital may increase the metabolism of levetiracetam, potentially requiring dose adjustments.
What should I do if my dog has a seizure while on levetiracetam?
Keep your dog safe by moving objects away, do not put your hands near their mouth, and time the seizure. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or your dog has multiple seizures in 24 hours, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Keep a seizure diary to track frequency and duration for your vet.

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