Fluid Therapy Calculator

Calculate comprehensive fluid therapy plans including maintenance requirements, dehydration correction, and ongoing losses. Or, navigate to specific calculators for maintenance or shock fluid rates.

1

Enter Weight/Species

2

Set Fluid Parameters

3

Dehydration Correction

4

Ongoing Losses

5

Shock Dose

Maintenance Fluid Calculator

Calculate daily maintenance fluid requirements for dogs and cats based on weight and condition.

Go to Maintenance Calculator

Shock Fluid Calculator

Calculate shock fluid doses for emergency treatment of hypovolemic shock in dogs and cats.

Go to Shock Calculator

Fluid Therapy Guidelines

Maintenance Fluid Requirements:

  • Standard maintenance rate: 2-3 ml/kg/hr or 40-60 ml/kg/day
  • For the first 10 kg: 4 ml/kg/hr
  • For the second 10 kg: add 2 ml/kg/hr
  • For each kg over 20 kg: add 1 ml/kg/hr

Dehydration Correction:

  • Fluid deficit (ml) = % dehydration × body weight (kg) × 1000
  • Mild dehydration: 4-5%
  • Moderate dehydration: 6-8%
  • Severe dehydration: 9-12%
  • Typically replaced over 4-24 hours depending on severity

Shock Dose Guidelines:

  • Dogs: 80-90 ml/kg
  • Cats: 40-60 ml/kg
  • Typically administered in 15-minute increments (¼ of total dose) with reassessment

Clinical Signs of Dehydration:

  • 5%: Subtle loss of skin elasticity
  • 6-8%: Obvious skin tenting, dry mucous membranes, slightly prolonged CRT
  • 10-12%: Marked skin tenting, sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, prolonged CRT, tachycardia
  • 12-15%: Signs of shock, death imminent