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Centrally acting muscle relaxant · For Dogs

Robaxin dosage reference for dogs (Methocarbamol)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 30 mg per kg (13.61 mg per lb), with Every 8-12 hours recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

Onset
30-60 minutes
Duration
8-12 hours
Class
Centrally acting muscle relaxant

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Methocarbamol (often known by brand names such as Robaxin and Robaxin-V) is a centrally acting muscle relaxant commonly used in veterinary medicine for Muscle spasms, Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Back pain and stiffness, Tremorgenic mycotoxin ingestion, and Strychnine and metaldehyde poisoning. Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Methocarbamol is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Methocarbamol dose for dogs is around 30 mg/kg Every 8-12 hours, within a usual range of 20-45 mg/kg. Available forms include Tablet and Injectable.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Methocarbamol Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Methocarbamol dose from the 30 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Methocarbamol amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Robaxin weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Lower Reference Standard Reference Upper Reference Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 46.0 mg 69.0 mg 103.5 mg Every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 90.0 mg 135.0 mg 202.5 mg Every 8-12 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 136.0 mg 204.0 mg 306.0 mg Every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 182.0 mg 273.0 mg 409.5 mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 226.0 mg 339.0 mg 508.5 mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 272.0 mg 408.0 mg (500mg tablet) 612.0 mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 362.0 mg 543.0 mg (500mg tablet) 814.5 mg Every 8-12 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 454.0 mg (500mg tablet) 681.0 mg 1021.5 mg (2 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 544.0 mg (500mg tablet) 816.0 mg 1224.0 mg Every 8-12 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 634.0 mg 951.0 mg (2 × 500mg) 1426.5 mg (3 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 726.0 mg 1089.0 mg (2 × 500mg) 1633.5 mg Every 8-12 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 816.0 mg 1224.0 mg 1836.0 mg Every 8-12 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 908.0 mg (2 × 500mg) 1362.0 mg 2043.0 mg (4 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 1088.0 mg (2 × 500mg) 1632.0 mg 2448.0 mg (5 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 1360.0 mg 2040.0 mg (4 × 500mg) 3060.0 mg (6 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Robaxin reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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How to Give Methocarbamol to Your Dog

Give methocarbamol tablets by mouth with food to reduce stomach upset. The large tablet size can be challenging — tablets can be broken in half or hidden in a high-value treat or pill pocket. Administer every 8-12 hours as directed. Ensure the dog has a safe, quiet resting area as the medication causes drowsiness and impaired coordination.

It is generally recommended to give Methocarbamol with food to help reduce stomach upset. It may interact with Other CNS depressants — additive sedation, Pyridostigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors — may reduce effectiveness, Sedatives and tranquilizers — enhanced drowsiness, and Opioid analgesics — increased sedation and respiratory depression risk.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include Sedation and drowsiness, Drooling or hypersalivation, Weakness or wobbliness, and Vomiting. More serious side effects can occur, such as Severe CNS depression, Respiratory depression at high doses, Seizures (rare, at very high doses), and Allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives).

Cautions · 12

When Robaxin should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Robaxin, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Robaxin.

  • Known hypersensitivity to methocarbamol
  • Severe renal impairment (injectable form)
  • Myasthenia gravis

Interactions · 13

Robaxin drug interactions

Robaxin can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

Other CNS depressants — additive sedation
Pyridostigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors — may reduce effectiveness
Sedatives and tranquilizers — enhanced drowsiness
Opioid analgesics — increased sedation and respiratory depression risk

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

  • In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
  • For pregnant or nursing pets
  • For very young or very old dogs
  • For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
  • For pets taking several medications at once
  • When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
  • For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Robaxin, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  • Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

How does methocarbamol work for dogs with IVDD?
Methocarbamol acts in the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasm signals. In dogs with intervertebral disc disease, the muscles along the spine often go into painful spasms. Methocarbamol relieves these spasms, reducing pain and allowing the dog to rest and heal. It is typically used alongside pain medications and strict rest.
Can methocarbamol make my dog sleepy?
Yes, sedation is the most common side effect. Most dogs become noticeably drowsy, which can actually be beneficial for conditions like IVDD where rest is essential. The sedation usually becomes less pronounced after the first few days of treatment as the dog adjusts.
Is methocarbamol the same as Robaxin for dogs?
Robaxin-V is the veterinary-labeled version of methocarbamol. Human Robaxin contains the same active ingredient. Veterinarians may prescribe either version at appropriate doses. Do not use human Robaxin combination products that contain additional ingredients like aspirin or ibuprofen.
How long can a dog take methocarbamol?
Methocarbamol is generally used short-term for acute muscle spasm episodes, typically 1-3 weeks. Some dogs with chronic conditions may need longer courses under veterinary supervision. Your vet will determine the appropriate duration based on your dog's response and underlying condition.
Can I give methocarbamol with other pain medications?
Methocarbamol is commonly used alongside NSAIDs like carprofen or meloxicam for multimodal pain management. However, combining it with other sedating medications such as gabapentin or opioids should be done carefully under veterinary guidance due to additive sedation effects.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Robaxin. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses
Muscle spasms, Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Back pain and stiffness, Tremorgenic mycotoxin ingestion, Strychnine and metaldehyde poisoning
Recorded forms
Tablet, Injectable
Reference timing
Every 8-12 hours; onset 30-60 minutes; duration 8-12 hours

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

  • Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
  • Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
  • Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
  • Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

Known hypersensitivity to methocarbamol; Severe renal impairment (injectable form); Myasthenia gravis.

Recorded interactions

Other CNS depressants — additive sedation; Pyridostigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors — may reduce effectiveness; Sedatives and tranquilizers — enhanced drowsiness; Opioid analgesics — increased sedation and respiratory depression risk.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 30 mg per kg (13.61 mg per lb) of body weight, given Every 8-12 hours. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner
Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status
Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

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

Safety · 10

More resources