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PetDosageChart

Robaxin (Methocarbamol) Dosage for Dogs

Centrally acting muscle relaxant ⏱ Onset: 30-60 minutes ⏳ Duration: 8-12 hours

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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Robaxin Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 46mg 69mg 103.5mg Every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 90mg 135mg 202.5mg Every 8-12 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 136mg 204mg 306mg Every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 182mg 273mg 409.5mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 226mg 339mg 508.5mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 272mg 408mg (500mg tablet) 612mg (500mg tablet) Every 8-12 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 362mg 543mg (500mg tablet) 814.5mg Every 8-12 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 454mg (500mg tablet) 681mg 1021.5mg (2 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 544mg (500mg tablet) 816mg 1224mg Every 8-12 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 634mg 951mg (2 × 500mg) 1426.5mg (3 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 726mg 1089mg (2 × 500mg) 1633.5mg Every 8-12 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 816mg 1224mg 1836mg Every 8-12 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 908mg (2 × 500mg) 1362mg 2043mg (4 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 1088mg (2 × 500mg) 1632mg 2448mg (5 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 1360mg 2040mg (4 × 500mg) 3060mg (6 × 500mg) Every 8-12 hours

What is Robaxin (Methocarbamol) used for in dogs?

Muscle spasms Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) Back pain and stiffness Tremorgenic mycotoxin ingestion Strychnine and metaldehyde poisoning

How to give Robaxin 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.

Available Forms

Tablet, Injectable

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Robaxin in dogs

Common side effects

Sedation and drowsiness
Drooling or hypersalivation
Weakness or wobbliness
Vomiting

Serious side effects

  • Severe CNS depression
  • Respiratory depression at high doses
  • Seizures (rare, at very high doses)
  • Allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives)

When to call the vet

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

  • Extreme sedation or inability to rouse the dog
  • Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing
  • Severe vomiting or inability to keep the medication down
  • Facial swelling, hives, or signs of allergic reaction
  • Worsening weakness or inability to stand

Related Medications for Dogs

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
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Rimadyl

Carprofen

For osteoarthritis

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 Methocarbamol.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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