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Is my 15-lb dog's Ursodiol dosage for high liver enzymes safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 12 lbs

My dog has very high liver enzymes 224 alt and 1976 alkp. These are down from>2000 and 296 after denamarin twice a day. We are now adding ursodiol 1/2 250 mg pill twice a day. At 15 pounds this seems higher than the recommeded doses I have read. Your Thoughts?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 5th, 2020

Hello. The dose range for Ursodiol is 10-15 mg/kg every 12- 24 hours, depending on how severe the hepatobiliary disease is. This is equal to 68 - 102 mgs for a 15 pound dog. This medication has a wide range of safety, so 1/2 tablet will not be harmful to your pet. However, if Casper were to develop any adverse signs such as diarrhea, then the dose may need to be modified. Otherwise, do follow your veterinarians recommendation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 12th, 2020

    Hello. I am so sorry that Molley has such liver disease. Normally we would administer ursodiol at 10-15 mg/kg. This would be approximately 118-177mg every 12 hours. But this is a very safe medication with a very low level of toxicity. You can speak with your veterinarian about this, but it is not an outlandish or worrisome dose. I would certainly see how she does on the 30 days & if she should develop any complications like diarrhea or constipation, then you may need to cut back. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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