Pimobendan Vetmedin® Dosage Chart for Dogs
Vetmedin, also known as Pimobendan, is a medication used to treat canine heart failure. In this article, we will learn more about Vetmedin dosage, side effects, and potential adverse reactions.
Vetmedin dosage for dogs
The recommended dosage of Vetmedin for dogs is 0.23 mg per pound of body weight, divided into 2 portions to be given 12 hours apart. The given portion should be to the nearest 1/2 tablet increment.
| Dog’s weight (lbs) | Vetmedin dose (tablet) | |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 lbs | 1/2 tablet of 1.25 mg | 1/2 tablet of 1.25 mg |
| 8.3 lbs | 1 tablet of 1.25 mg | 1/2 tablet of 1.25 mg |
| 11 lbs | 1/2 tablet of 2.5 mg | 1/2 tablet of 2.5 mg |
| 16.5 lbs | 1 tablet of 2.5 mg | 1/2 tablet of 2.5 mg |
| 22 lbs | 1/2 tablet of 5 mg | 1/2 tablet of 5 mg |
| 33 lbs | 1 tablet of 5 mg | 1/2 tablet of 5 mg |
| 44 lbs | 1 tablet of 5 mg | 1 tablet of 5 mg |
| 66 lbs | 1 tablet of 10 mg | 1/2 tablet of 10 mg |
| 88 lbs | 1 tablet of 10 mg | 1 tablet of 10 mg |
NOTE: Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct dosage for your dog.
Vetmedin for dogs reviews
Vetmedin is used to treat congestive heart failure and associated signs. Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body is reduced, causing fluid to build up in the lungs and abdomen. This can be very serious and life-threatening if it isn’t treated.
The way Vetmedin works is by opening up blood vessels carrying blood to and from your dog’s heart, which reduces the work their heart has to do to pump blood around their body. This helps improve their quality of life as well as reduce any further damage to their heart muscle.
Vetmedin should be administered on an empty stomach, preferably 30 to 60 minutes before feeding.
If your dog experiences any type of allergic reaction to Vetmedin you should seek medical attention right away.
If you are in any way concerned about dosing your dog with Vetmedin, speak to your vet for further advice.
Vetmedin reviews are generally positive, with many people saying that it has helped their dog’s heart health significantly.
“I was very nervous about giving my dog Vetmedin, but he was having a hard time breathing. He had been sick for a while and I knew it was time to do something. I am so glad that I did! Vetmedin is great and has really helped him out.”
“My vet recommended that I get Vetmedin for my dog because she has been having trouble breathing for years now. She also had some coughing issues and was wheezing at night when she slept. Vetmedin has helped her so much! She doesn’t wheeze anymore and she is able to breathe much better than before. She hardly ever coughs anymore either! We are both so happy with the results that we saw from taking this medication together with her other medications each day.”
“I have had my dog on Vetmedin for almost two years now, ever since he developed congestive heart failure from an unknown cause. It helps keep his heart healthy enough for him to live as long as possible.”
What are the common side effects of Vetmedin?
Common side effects of Vetmedin include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased thirst and urination
The above side effects are typically mild to moderate and go away on their own once your dog adjusts to the drug.
Adverse reactions of Vetmedin for dogs
The following adverse reactions or new clinical findings are listed:
- Syncope
- Weak pulses
- Irregular pulses
- Increased pulmonary edema
- Dyspnea
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Pleural effusion
- Ascites
- Hepatic congestion
- Melena
- Depression
- Collapse
- Shaking
- Trembling
- Ataxia
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Pruritus
- Increased water consumption
- Increased urination
- Urinary accidents
- Azotemia
- Dehydration
Reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5441e5b2-cdc0-477a-bd9a-ec5f8d912281
How long do dogs live on Vetmedin?
On average dogs live between 3 and 12 months with Vetmedin. The earlier in the disease process that treatment is started the longer dogs will respond to therapy. Dogs are usually treated for life with this medication. It is considered the gold standard of therapy for canine congestive heart failure (CHF).
The best way to estimate how long your dog will live on Vetmedin is to do an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) before starting the drug. This will tell you if a dog has severe heart disease or mild heart disease. If they have moderate heart disease, then the drug can improve their life expectancy significantly – almost doubling it in some cases.
If the dog has severe heart disease, then the drug may not extend their life expectancy by much, but it can help them feel better while they’re alive – improving exercise tolerance and quality of life.
What happens if you stop giving your dog Vetmedin?
If you stop giving your dog Vetmedin suddenly, they may experience increased coughing, more rapid breathing, or decreased activity level — all signs that they might need additional treatment from their vet.
These symptoms may be temporary as your dog’s body adjusts to the change, but they can also be long-lasting if the original cause of the heart failure remains untreated.
It is important that you discuss this decision with your vet before simply discontinuing treatment.
Conclusion of dosing dogs with Pimobendan Vetmedin®
Vetmedin is a safe and effective treatment for dogs with heart failure. It has been shown to improve the quality of life, as well as prolong their lifespan.
Vetmedin’s side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These side effects usually occur within 24 hours after dosing your dog but may last up to 48 hours.
If your dog experiences any adverse effects while taking Vetmedin, contact your veterinarian so he can determine what the problem is and how best to treat it.
We recommend that your pet receives an annual examination by veterinary specialists so that they can monitor their health and provide preventative care if necessary.
