Vetmedin is prescribed by vets to treat dogs with heart diseases.  Vetmedin is used for congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by two types of heart disease:

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

Heart disease in dogs

Research shows that heart disease affects 10% of all dogs.  Heart diseases can be caused by a valve defect (eg. mitral valve disease) or a cardiac muscle disease (eg. dilated cardiomyopathy) or through a parasite like heartworm.  

 

Heart failure in a dog isn’t the same as a heart attack in humans.  It 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 performance declines.

 

There’s lots of information about heart disease in dogs at this website, by the manufacturers of Vetmedin, including a canine respiratory app, for you to use to monitor your dog’s heart.

Managing my dog’s heart disease

Finding out that your dog has a heart disease is very upsetting for many owners, but it is important to know that, whilst there is no cure for heart failure, it can usually be managed with medication and care.  

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

What is Vetmedin?

Vetmedin is a treatment for dogs with heart disease due to both MVD and DCM. The active ingredient is pimobendan, which acts in two ways:

  • To open up the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, which reduces the work your dog’s heart has to do to pump blood around their body.
  • To increase the strength and efficiency of your dog’s heartbeat, improving the pumping action.

 

Vetmedin 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.

According to its manufacturer, studies show Vetmedin improves the quality of life by 74%, helping dogs with CHF feel better, and lengthens dogs’ lives by 91%..

What can I expect when my dog starts on Vetmedin?

Whilst every dog is different, and their response may also depend on how unwell they were when treatment started, you should see improvement within one week of your dog starting on Vetmedin.  This improvement may get even more noticeable in the following weeks.

If your dog responds well to Vetmedin, it is likely that your fur-baby will take this medication for the rest of its life.

How to give Vetmedin to my dog?

Vetmedin comes in liquid form, capsules and chew tablets - you should talk with your vet to discuss what is the easiest form for your dog to take.  It should be given to your dog by mouth twice a day, approximately one hour before food, ideally in the morning and evening (roughly 12 hours apart). Use the dose that your vet prescribes.

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 Vetmedin? What if I miss a dose of Vetmedin or give the wrong dose of Vetmedin?
Administration of drug issues

If you miss giving a dose of Vetmedin, 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 Vetmedin, or you suspect an overdose, call your vet immediately.

 

Storage of Vetmedin

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

 

Who should NOT take Vetmedin?

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

Can I buy Vetmedin online?

Vetmedin 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.