Skip to main content
PetDosageChart

Anticonvulsant · For Dogs

How much Keppra (Levetiracetam) can I give my dog?

Standard Keppra dose for dogs is 40 mg per kg (18.14 mg per lb), given Every 8 hours. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
8 hours (immediate release)
Class
Anticonvulsant

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

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

Enter your dog's weight

By Weight

Keppra dose by dog weight

Pick your dog's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

Embed this calculator on your site

Get a free Keppra dosage widget

Get embed code

Free forever. Works in any blog post or article. Adds a small "Powered by petdosagechart.com" credit at the bottom.

Dosage Chart · 02

Keppra dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe 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

Common Uses · 03

What is Keppra (Levetiracetam) used for in dogs?

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

Administration · 04

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 · 05

Side effects of Keppra in dogs

Common side effects

Sedation
Decreased appetite
Drooling
Ataxia (wobbly gait)

Serious side effects — call your vet

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

Emergency · 06

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 · 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 Levetiracetam.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 40 mg per kg (18.14 mg per lb) of body weight, given Every 8 hours. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

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.

Safety · 10

More resources