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IV Fluid Therapy Calculator

Calculate maintenance, rehydration, and total fluid requirements for canine and feline patients

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⚠️ Clinical Reminder: These calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Actual fluid requirements vary with individual patient factors including cardiac/renal status, ongoing losses, and response to therapy. Monitor patients closely and adjust rates based on clinical response. Fluid therapy should be reassessed every 2-4 hours in critically ill patients.

📚 References & Formulas

  1. Pardo M, Spencer E, Odunayo A, et al. 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2024;60(4):131-163. Link
  2. Davis H, Jensen T, Johnson A, et al. 2013 AAHA/AAFP Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2013;49(3):149-59.
  3. DiBartola SP, Bateman S. Introduction to Fluid Therapy. In: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2012.
  4. Merck Veterinary Manual. Maintenance Fluid Plan in Animals. Link
  5. Maintenance Formulas:
    • Dogs: 60 mL/kg/day (2.5 mL/kg/hr) for standard; puppies 3× adult rate
    • Cats: 40-50 mL/kg/day (1.7-2.1 mL/kg/hr); kittens 2.5× adult rate
    • Alternative formula: 30 × (BW kg) + 70 = mL/day (for patients 2-70 kg)
  6. Dehydration Deficit: Body weight (kg) × % dehydration (as decimal) × 1000 = mL deficit
  7. Total Fluid Rate: Maintenance + (Deficit ÷ Correction hours) + Ongoing losses