Peptide hormone that activates hepatic glucagon receptors, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to rapidly raise blood glucose. Also has positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effects.
At a glance
Class
Pancreatic Hormone / Hyperglycemic Agent
Storage
Powder at room temperature; reconstituted use immediately
Dosing
Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia
Frequency
Once (hypoglycemia); CRI (beta-blocker OD)
Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective
Frequency
Once; repeat if needed
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
Blood glucose q15 min post-administrationHeart rateSerum potassium
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 Glucagon?
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone / hyperglycemic agent used in pets. Peptide hormone that activates hepatic glucagon receptors, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to rapidly raise blood glucose. Also has positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effects.
›What is Glucagon used for in pets?
Glucagon is used in veterinary medicine for: Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia; Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective.
›What is the Glucagon dose for dogs?
For dogs, Glucagon is typically dosed as follows — Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia: 0.5–1 mg/dog IV/IM/SQ Once (hypoglycemia); CRI (beta-blocker OD). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Glucagon dose for cats?
For cats, Glucagon is typically dosed as follows — Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective: undefined undefined IV/IM/SQ Once; repeat if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Glucagon need a prescription?
Yes. Glucagon 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