– Why are certain animal medications given by weight, even if the animal is a tiny bit over the limit?

Question

For example: Most flea medications range from 5-20 pounds, 21-55 pounds, and 56+ pounds. Why would a pet who is 22 pounds require a dose that is also suitable for a 55 pound pet? Isn’t there a concern of over medicating since there’s only a 2 pound difference?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Weight is one factor, but even if it was the only factor the manufacturers know they can not rely on consumers to do math. The doses are determined to be safe for the weight range and they probably end up under-dosing the animals at the high end of the range.