Stimulates dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary, potently inhibiting prolactin secretion; used to terminate pseudopregnancy and suppress lactation
At a glance
Class
Dopamine D2 agonist (ergot derivative)
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression / Pregnancy termination (with cloprostenol)
Duration: 5–10 days for pseudopregnancy; 7–10 days combined protocol for pregnancy termination
Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression
Duration: 5–7 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Hepatic insufficiency
Hepatically metabolized
Adverse effects
Common
Vomiting (first dose)
Inappetence
Transient lethargy
Lactation/mammary gland regressionNesting behavior resolution
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Cabergoline?
Cabergoline is a dopamine d2 agonist (ergot derivative) used in pets. Stimulates dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary, potently inhibiting prolactin secretion; used to terminate pseudopregnancy and suppress lactation
›What is Cabergoline used for in pets?
Cabergoline is used in veterinary medicine for: Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression / Pregnancy termination (with cloprostenol); Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression.
›What is the Cabergoline dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cabergoline is typically dosed as follows — Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression / Pregnancy termination (with cloprostenol): 1.65–5 mcg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cabergoline dose for cats?
For cats, Cabergoline is typically dosed as follows — Pseudopregnancy / Lactation suppression: 5 mcg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Cabergoline?
Common: Vomiting (first dose), Inappetence, Transient lethargy. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypotension (rare).
›Does Cabergoline need a prescription?
Yes. Cabergoline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Cabergoline not be used?
Do not use Cabergoline if: Pregnancy (first trimester — teratogenic risk).
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database