Plant-derived vitamin D2 that undergoes hepatic 25-hydroxylation then renal 1-alpha hydroxylation to form active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. Promotes intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization. Less potent than calcitriol but longer-acting.
At a glance
Class
Vitamin D Supplement
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Dosing
Used for hypoparathyroidism and nutritional vitamin D deficiency
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
Serum calcium (ionized) weekly initially then monthlyPhosphorusBUN/creatinineUrine calcium:creatinine ratio
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 Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)?
Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is a vitamin d supplement used in pets. Plant-derived vitamin D2 that undergoes hepatic 25-hydroxylation then renal 1-alpha hydroxylation to form active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. Promotes intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization. Less potent than calcitriol but longer-acting.
›What is Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) used for in pets?
Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for hypoparathyroidism and nutritional vitamin D deficiency; Same as dogs.
›What is the Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is typically dosed as follows — Used for hypoparathyroidism and nutritional vitamin D deficiency: 4000–6000 IU/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) dose for cats?
For cats, Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is typically dosed as follows — Same as dogs: 4000–6000 IU/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) need a prescription?
Yes. Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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