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Levetiracetam for dogs: Usage, safety, and side effects

Tips for giving your dog this seizure medication safely
By | Feb. 20, 2026 Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM
A dog: Levetiracetam for dogs What pet owners should know

Key takeaways

  • Levetiracetam is a human-grade generic medication that veterinarians sometimes use to treat seizures in dogs.

  • Some levetiracetam tablets can be crushed and mixed with food, while others must be swallowed whole. 

  • Levetiracetam may cause temporary behavioral changes, like clumsiness and lethargy.

In this article:

Levetiracetam (also known by the brand name Keppra) is a prescription medication that’s commonly used to control seizures in dogs. If your dog has been prescribed levetiracetam, you may be wondering how this medication works, what side effects to look for, safe dosages, and potential alternatives. This guide covers all of those questions and more.

What is levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in humans. Levetiracetam is also used in veterinary medicine to treat seizures in dogs. 

“Although levetiracetam is not licensed by the FDA for use in animals, it is a part of standard seizure treatment by vets in the U.S.,” says Joe Suarez, DVM, the Medical Director at Inspire Veterinary Partners at DeBary Animal Clinic in DeBary, Florida. 

Levetiracetam is effective in dogs who don’t respond to other types of seizure medications, and it’s also sometimes prescribed in conjunction with other medications to improve overall seizure control. Dogs experience very few side effects while taking levetiracetam, and it tends to work quickly. 

How levetiracetam works in dogs

Epileptic dogs tend to have an overactive or “excitable” nervous system. This doesn’t mean they have anxious or nervous personalities. Instead, the hyperactivity happens at a molecular level. Their nerves sometimes fire off too many signals at once, which triggers a seizure. 

Levetiracetam decreases activity in the nervous system by binding to a protein called synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, or SV2A. SV2A helps control when and how often neurotransmitters (molecules that send signals between nerve cells) are released. Neurotransmitters that are released too often can overload the nervous system, causing seizures. 

So, dogs with seizures have an imbalance of SV2A activity. By binding to some of the SV2A proteins, levetiracetam limits their overall activity and slows the release of neurotransmitters, which helps prevent seizures.  

Levetiracetam also blocks some neurotransmitters from traveling through N-type calcium channels. Think of the calcium channel as a gate and levetiracetam as the gatekeeper. If too many neurotransmitters flow through the gate at once, it could trigger a seizure. Levetiracetam controls what gets through and when, which helps regulate overall 

In addition to controlling seizures, levetiracetam may also help to reduce inflammation and pain and protect the nervous system against damage. 

How to give your dog levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is sold in oral tablets. There are two versions: immediate release and extended release. It’s important to know which kind your veterinarian has prescribed because it affects how you can give it to your dog. 

“The immediate-release form of the drug can be crushed and mixed with food,” Dr. Suarez says. “The extended-release tablets cannot be crushed or split, which limits their use to pets weighing more than 35 pounds.” 

Extended-release tablets are covered in a special coating that slows the medication’s release. Crushing it removes this coating. Extended-release tablets are given two times a day, whereas immediate-release tablets are given three times a day.

So, if you can’t crush the extended-release pill and mix it with wet food, how can you give your dog levetiracetam? Many people hide whole tablets in a bit of food, like cheese, peanut butter, or bread, to get their dogs to swallow them willingly. However, some dogs have a special talent for eating the food and spitting out the tablet. In that case, your veterinarian may recommend trying a commercial product like Pill Pockets or a dispensing tool called a pill gun or pet piller.  

If it’s too difficult to get your dog to take an extended-release tablet, talk to your veterinarian about switching to an immediate-release tablet. Immediate-release tablets can be crushed and mixed with wet dog food, which may be easier for some dogs to eat. This form of levetiracetam can also be compounded into a flavorful liquid by a specialty pharmacy, allowing you to squirt it directly into your dog’s mouth if needed. 

What to do if you miss a dose of levetiracetam for your dog

Try to give levetiracetam at the same time every day. “If you miss a dose of the drug, give it to your pet as soon as you remember, then wait eight hours before giving the next dose. This will re-establish the three-times-a-day dosing,” Dr. Suarez says. 

He recommends adhering to the eight-hour (for immediate-release tablets) or 12-hour (for extended-release tablets) interval as closely as possible. Levetiracetam has a short half-life of about three hours, which means it leaves your dog’s system relatively quickly. Sticking to a strict dosing schedule is the only way to keep a therapeutic level of levetiracetam in your dog’s system at all times. Talk to your dog’s veterinarian if your schedule makes it difficult to give immediate-release tablets every eight hours.

Levetiracetam dosage for dogs 

The recommended dosing of levetiracetam for dogs is 20–60 mg of the immediate-release tablet per 1 kg of body weight every eight hours, or 30 mg of the extended-release tablet per 1 kg of body weight every 12 hours. 

As Dr. Suarez said, dogs weighing less than 35 pounds should only take the immediate-release tablets because the extended-release tablets are often too large for them to swallow whole.

Your veterinarian may adjust the dose based on how your dog responds to the medication. Do not adjust your dog’s dose of levetiracetam without consulting a veterinarian.

Here’s a sample levetiracetam dosage for dogs by weight chart to help you understand the amount of medication your dog may need. Knowing the dosage can also help you calculate the total cost, which is covered later in this guide.

Levetiracetam dosage for dogs by weight chart
Weight Immediate release dose Extended-release dose
5 lbs  46–138 mg every 8 hours N/A
15 lbs 136–408 mg every 8 hours N/A
25 lbs 227–680 mg every 8 hours N/A
35 lbs 317–952 mg every 8 hours 500 mg every 12 hours
45 lbs 408–1,224 mg every 8 hours 500 mg every 12 hours
55 lbs 499–1,497 mg every 8 hours 500 mg every 12 hours
65 lbs 590–1,769 mg every 8 hours 1,000 mg every 12 hours
75 lbs 680–2,041 mg every 8 hours 1,000 mg every 12 hours
85 lbs 771–2,313 mg every 8 hours 1,000 mg every 12 hours
95 lbs 862–2,585 mg every 8 hours 1,000 mg every 12 hours
105 lbs 952–2,857 mg every 8 hours 1,500 mg every 12 hours
115 lbs 1,043–3,129 mg every 8 hours 1,500 mg every 12 hours

How long does levetiracetam take to work in dogs?

“Levetiracetam is a fast-acting medication,” says Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian based in Orofino, Idaho. “When given orally, it’s rapidly absorbed, reaching effective levels within an hour or two. It will only remain in the body for about 24 hours.” It may take days or weeks of consistent dosing to get the best results. 

Dr. Bonk says levetiracetam tablets can also be given rectally to stop seizures in real time, and a small study confirms that levetiracetam works within 10 minutes when given rectally. However, results can vary, and you should discuss this option with your veterinarian. Levetiracetam side effects for dogs

Levetiracetam side effects are rare in dogs. According to Dr. Bonk, common side effects of levetiracetam, like discoordination or drowsiness, tend to occur when a dog first starts the medication and may indicate that the dose is too high. 

“Vomiting and diarrhea may also be side effects that could be severe, and your veterinarian may recommend routine blood work to monitor your dog’s organ function every three to six months.” 

Other adverse effects reported in dogs include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and poor appetite. 

When to call the vet about levetiracetam side effects

Call your vet if you notice your dog isn’t eating while taking levetiracetam, as this could lead to weight loss and other health concerns. Repeated bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and are also cause for concern. Your vet may prescribe an add-on medication to control these symptoms, or they may recommend an alternative to levetiracetam. 

Tell your vet about any and all seizures your dog experiences while taking levetiracetam so they can adjust the dose as needed. Some dogs eventually develop a tolerance to levetiracetam, so it may be necessary to switch to another medication. 

Safety tips for giving levetiracetam to dogs

  • Do not split or crush extended-release tablets.
  • Give tablets at the same time each day.
  • Avoid missing doses, as breakthrough seizures may occur.
  • If vomiting occurs, give levetiracetam with food.
  • Confirm your dog has healthy kidney function before starting them on levetiracetam.
  • To avoid drug interactions, tell your veterinarian about all other medications your dog currently takes.
  • Keep the pill bottle out of reach of your dog to prevent overdoses.
  • Do not adjust your dog’s dosage without talking to your vet.

Can dogs take levetiracetam for humans?

Yes, dogs can take levetiracetam pills made for humans, but they’re not always the best choice.

Levetiracetam tablets come in four dosages (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1,000 mg). These may not match the dosage your dogs need. Your veterinarian may recommend halving a tablet (immediate-release only) to get a more precise dose. In other cases, you may need to purchase levetiracetam from a compounding pharmacy that can create tablets in the exact dosage your dog needs.

Not all human medications are safe for dogs. Never give your dog medication (whether available over-the-counter or with a prescription) without consulting a veterinarian.

How much does levetiracetam for dogs cost?

Without insurance or discounts, levetiracetam costs $153 for 60, 500 mg tablets. A SingleCare prescription discount card can lower the cost to $6 for 60, 500 mg tablets. 

However, SingleCare coupons can only be redeemed at participating pharmacies. You may pay a different amount if you purchase levetiracetam tablets directly from your veterinarian or from a compounding pharmacy. 

To save money with SingleCare, ask your veterinarian to send your dog’s levetiracetam prescription to another pharmacy. Browse pharmacies that accept SingleCare discount cards on the levetiracetam coupon page. Enter your zip code for accurate information. 

Alternatives to levetiracetam for dogs

Levetiracetam is often prescribed as an add-on medication after other antiepileptic drugs fail, but it’s becoming more popular as a first-line treatment because it’s effective and well-tolerated. Other options your veterinarian may consider include:

Dr. Suarez says phenobarbital is a popular alternative to levetiracetam because it’s less expensive, just as safe, and often more convenient to administer, thanks to twice-daily dosage.

Bottom line

Levetiracetam is a human prescription that’s used off-label by veterinary professionals to control canine epilepsy. Although it’s considered a safe medication with few side effects, levetiracetam should only be given to dogs as prescribed. Talk to your veterinarian before adjusting the dose, and never double up on a dose to make up for a missed tablet. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Feb. 20, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our levetiracetam coupon page for updated levetiracetam prices near you.

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