We’re resharing a post to review some drugs that should be tapered to prevent physiologic withdrawal syndrome and/or disease recrudescence. Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, shares tapering protocols that include magnitude of recommended drug reduction at each step and length of maintenance of the reduced dose before the next reduction.
Dose reductions in dogs and cats can range from 10 percent to 25 percent, with the new dose maintained for one to four weeks. Providing clear, concise, written tapering instructions is critical for client adherence to tapering drugs correctly when done at home.
Source: Clinicians Brief, AHD Archives, April 1, 2026. Link.
It was really helpful that there was such specific guidance, like percentage over a number of weeks, for some of these drugs . . .” – Dr. Amy M., Daily Rounds
Image: Link.
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