Overview of Stanozolol (Winstrol®) for Dogs and Cats

Stanozolol, commonly known as Winstrol®, is primarily to improve appetite and increase strength and overall vitality in ailing animals like dogs and cats.

Stanozolol belongs to a class of drugs known as anabolic steroids. These drugs are related to testosterone.

Anabolic steroids promote the buildup of body tissues and increase the production of red blood cells.

Due to the potential for abuse, stanozolol is a controlled substance and may only be prescribed by veterinarians with an approved DEA license.

Stanozolol is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names or Other Names of Stanozolol

This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.

Human formulations: Winstrol® (Winthrop)

Veterinary formulations: Winstrol-V® (Upjohn)

Uses of Stanozolol for Dogs and Cats

The use of stanozolol, as listed by the manufacturer, is primarily to improve appetite and increase strength and overall vitality in ailing animals.

Some reports suggest that Stanozolol may be useful in the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. 

The drug has also been used to help treat anemia associated chronic disease

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, stanozolol may cause unwanted side effects in some animals.

Stanozolol should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

The drug should also be avoided in pregnant animals since its use can cause masculinization of the undeveloped fetuses.

Stanozolol should be used with caution in animals with heart, liver or kidney disease.

Stanozolol may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with stanozolol. Such drugs include insulin, warfarin, and other steroids.

Prolonged use of stanozolol has been associated with liver damage as well as behavioral changes.

How Stanozolol is Supplied

Stanozolol is available as 2 mg tablets.

The drug is also available in injectable form at a concentration of 50 mg/ml (10 ml and 30 ml vials).

Dosing Information Stanozolol for Dogs and Cats

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

For small dogs and cats, stanozolol is dosed at 1 to 2 mg per animal twice daily, or 25 mg of the injectable form given intramuscularly once weekly.

For larger dogs, the dose is 2 to 4 mg per animal twice daily or 50 mg of the injectable form given intramuscularly once weekly.

For the treatment of tracheal collapse, the dose used in dogs is 0.075 mg per pound (0.15 mg/kg) orally every 12 hours for 2 months then gradually tapered for 2 weeks. 

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication, and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Even if your pet appears better, the entire treatment plan should be completed. Treatment with stanozolol may need to be continued for several weeks.