Essential cofactor for >300 enzymes involved in immunity, wound healing, and cell division. At high doses, induces intestinal metallothionein which preferentially binds dietary copper, preventing copper absorption — used for copper hepatopathy maintenance therapy.
At a glance
Class
Essential Trace Mineral / Anti-Copper Agent
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from moisture
Dosing
Used for copper hepatopathy maintenance (after initial chelation with penicillam
Cats are more susceptible to zinc toxicity (Heinz body anemia)
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 zinc levels (target 200–500 mcg/dL for copper hepatopathy)Hepatic copper levels (liver biopsy)CBC (copper deficiency causes anemia/neutropenia)Hepatic enzymes
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 Zinc (Systemic)?
Zinc (Systemic) is a essential trace mineral / anti-copper agent used in pets. Essential cofactor for >300 enzymes involved in immunity, wound healing, and cell division. At high doses, induces intestinal metallothionein which preferentially binds dietary copper, preventing copper absorption — used for copper hepatopathy maintenance therapy.
›What is Zinc (Systemic) used for in pets?
Zinc (Systemic) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for copper hepatopathy maintenance (after initial chelation with penicillam; Cats are more susceptible to zinc toxicity (Heinz body anemia).
›What is the Zinc (Systemic) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Zinc (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Used for copper hepatopathy maintenance (after initial chelation with penicillam: 5–10 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Zinc (Systemic) dose for cats?
For cats, Zinc (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Cats are more susceptible to zinc toxicity (Heinz body anemia): undefined undefined PO N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Zinc (Systemic) need a prescription?
Zinc (Systemic) 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