Heart Medications for the Dog

Описание: Hi Everyone!

Today I am talking about heart medications for the dog.

Heart disease in dogs (big picture)

Heart disease means the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. The most common types are:

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) – very common in small and medium dogs (like Cavaliers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds). A leaky valve causes blood to flow backward.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – more common in large breeds (Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes). The heart muscle becomes weak and stretched.

Over time, poor heart function can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), where fluid builds up in the lungs or abdomen.

Common signs of heart disease

Pet owners often notice:

Coughing (especially at night or after exercise)

Fast or labored breathing

Exercise intolerance or tiring easily

Fainting or weakness

Swollen belly (fluid buildup)

Weight loss or poor appetite

Medications used to manage heart disease

Heart disease usually isn’t cured—but it can be managed, and these medications are the backbone of treatment.

🟡 Furosemide (Lasix)

What it does:
Furosemide is a diuretic (water pill). It helps the body get rid of excess fluid through urine.

Why it’s used:

Reduces fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)

Helps dogs breathe easier during heart failure

Key things to know:

Dogs will pee more and drink more 💧

Bloodwork is important to monitor kidney function and electrolytes

Too much can cause dehydration or kidney strain

➡️ This is often the most critical drug during active congestive heart failure.

🟢 Pimobendan (Vetmedin)

What it does:
Pimobendan is a positive inotrope and vasodilator:

Helps the heart pump stronger

Opens up blood vessels so blood flows more easily

Why it’s used:

Improves quality of life

Helps dogs live longer

Used in both MVD and DCM

Key things to know:

Usually given long-term

Best given on an empty stomach

Very well tolerated by most dogs

➡️ This is a game-changer medication in canine heart disease.

🔵 ACE Inhibitors (Enalapril, Benazepril, etc.)

What they do:
ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels and reduce harmful hormones that worsen heart disease.

Why they’re used:

Lower blood pressure

Reduce workload on the heart

Slow progression of heart failure

Key things to know:

Mild appetite changes or GI upset can happen

Kidney values and blood pressure should be monitored

Often used alongside furosemide and pimobendan

How these meds work together

Think of it like a team effort:

Furosemide → removes extra fluid

Pimobendan → helps the heart pump better

ACE inhibitors → make pumping easier by lowering resistance

Together, they:
✅ Improve breathing
✅ Increase energy
✅ Reduce hospital visits
✅ Extend lifespan

Monitoring & long-term care

Dogs with heart disease usually need:

Regular vet checkups

Chest X-rays or echocardiograms

Bloodwork (especially kidneys & electrolytes)

At-home monitoring of resting breathing rate

Heart meds are often adjusted over time as the disease changes.