Cardisure is prescribed by vets to treat dogs with heart diseases.  Cardisure is used for congestive heart failure (CHF) which can be caused by either:

  • Mitral valve disease (MVD)
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Heart disease in dogs

Heart disease affects about 10% of all dogs.  Some of the causes of heart diseases can be:

  •  a valve defect (eg. mitral valve disease) 
  • a cardiac muscle disease (eg. dilated cardiomyopathy) or 
  • a parasite like heartworm.  

Congestive heart failure in a dog means that the dog’s heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.  The symptoms increase as the heart’s health (and performance) declines.

Managing my dog’s heart disease

It's very upsetting to learn that your dog has heart disease.  But it is important to know that, whilst there is no cure for heart failure, it can usually be managed with medication and care.  

A dog with congestive heart failure (CHF) can live a long and full life if problems are diagnosed early and proper treatment is given.

 

What is Cardisure?

Cardisure treats dogs with heart disease due to both MVD and DCM. Pimobendan, the active ingredient, acts in two ways:

  • It opens up the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart, and so it reduces the work your dog’s heart has to do to pump blood around their body.
  • It increases the strength and efficiency of your dog’s heartbeat, and so it improves the pumping action.

Cardisure gets more blood out to the rest of the body and decreases the resistance it has to pump against.  In this way, it helps with the symptoms of heart failure, but cannot cure it.

 

What can I expect when my dog starts on Cardisure?

Every dog is unique, and your pet’s response may also depend on how unwell they were when treatment started.  However, there should be noticeable improvement within one week of your dog starting on Cardisure, with this improvement increasing in the following weeks.

 

It is likely that, if your vet sees that Cardisure is helping your dog, your pet will take this medication for the rest of its life.

How to give Cardisure to my dog?

Cardisure comes in flavored tablets, which most dogs love to take.  Normally, your vet will prescribe that it is given to your dog twice a day, ideally in the morning and evening (roughly 12 hours apart). Cardisure must be given on an empty stomach, at least one hour before food, to improve its absorption by the dog.  

 

Like any medicine, some dogs prefer to take it disguised in a tasty treat (don’t we all!) but make sure the treat is actually good for your dog, and not high in salt (like cheese or processed meats, which are not suitable for dogs with heart failure).

What if I give too much Cardisure? What if I miss a dose of Cardisure or give the wrong dose of Cardisure?

Administration of drug issues

If you miss giving a dose of Cardisure, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time.  Don’t give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.  

If your dog has taken too much Cardisure, or you suspect an overdose, call your vet immediately, and monitor your dog for vomiting.

 Storage of Cardisure

Store Cardisure below 25°C.  It does not need to be refrigerated.

 

Who should NOT take Cardisure?

Tests haven’t been undertaken to determine the safety of Cardisure for puppies, diabetic dogs, dogs with congenital heart defects, or pregnant or lactating dogs.

Some drugs don’t work as well, if your pet is also taking Cardisure, and there are drugs that cannot be taken with Cardisure.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies.  

 

Can I buy Cardisure online?

Cardisure for dogs is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment, or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury, or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

 

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.