Essential cofactor that transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and energy production. Cardiac and skeletal muscle depend heavily on fatty acid oxidation.
At a glance
Class
Nutritional Supplement / Amino Acid Derivative
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C
Dosing
Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit
Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom
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
Cardiac function (echocardiogram) with DCM treatmentHepatic enzymes (hepatic lipidosis)Body weight
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 L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine is a nutritional supplement / amino acid derivative used in pets. Essential cofactor that transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and energy production. Cardiac and skeletal muscle depend heavily on fatty acid oxidation.
›What is L-Carnitine used for in pets?
L-Carnitine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit; Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom.
›What is the L-Carnitine dose for dogs?
For dogs, L-Carnitine is typically dosed as follows — Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit: 50–100 mg/kg PO q8–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the L-Carnitine dose for cats?
For cats, L-Carnitine is typically dosed as follows — Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom: 250–500 mg/cat PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does L-Carnitine need a prescription?
L-Carnitine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
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