How Much Enalapril Should My Dog Take?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The usual dosage of enalapril for dogs is

0.25 mg per pound of body weight given once per day

. Dogs who take enalapril should always have access to fresh water because dehydration can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.

Can dogs take enalapril twice a day?

While dosage amounts can vary, the recommended dosage of enalapril for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg, orally,

once to twice daily

.

What is enalapril 5 mg used for in dogs?

Enalapril is a drug that is used in dogs and cats with

heart and or kidney problems

. Enalapril causes small blood vessels to relax (vasodilation). This makes it easier for blood to circulate, which then decreases blood pressure and decreases the work load on the heart.

How long can a dog stay on enalapril?

This was true when used in dogs even with severe congestive heart failure. A different study, as well, found that Enalapril had no major negative effect on dogs, even when taken for periods of

up to two years

. This study, therefore, also concluded that Enalapril was a safe option for dogs who needed it.

When should I give my dog enalapril?

Diseases Enalapril Can Treat

In dogs, Enalapril is used

to treat heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic renal (kidney) failure

. It can also treat a kidney disease called protein-losing nephropathy that results in protein loss through urination.

Should I put my dog down with congestive heart failure?

If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death —

the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later

.

Does enalapril cause frequent urination in dogs?

Serious side-effects that have been associated with enalapril include

frequent or non-existent urination

, fainting, fever, chills, bleeding, rapid weight gain, bruising, and swelling.

Should enalapril for dogs be taken with food?


The tablets or oral liquid may be given with or without food

, but if vomiting occurs after dosing on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat. Measure liquid doses carefully. While your pet is on this medication, make sure there is always plenty of clean water available.

Will enalapril hurt my dog?

Side Effects of Enalapril for Dogs


Diarrhea

.

Lack of appetite

.

Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, itchiness, hives) Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Does enalapril help with coughing in dogs?


Previous studies have shown that the ACE inhibitors imidapril and enalapril improve clinical symptoms, especially cough, in dogs with MVD and dilated cardiomyopathy

[5, 14, 15]. Our results also showed that cough completely or partially resolved in 55.6% of dogs treated with alacepril.

What can you do for congestive heart failure in dogs?

  • Medications to help the heart work and correct irregular heartbeats.
  • Medications to slow fluid build-up in the lungs.
  • Surgery to correct a torn valve or to insert a pacemaker to correct the heart beat.
  • A commercial or prescription low-salt diet to help decrease fluid build-up in your dog’s body.

How much enalapril can a dog have?

The recommended dosage of enalapril and benazepril for treatment of CHF in dogs is

0.25–0.5 mg/kg, PO, once to twice daily

.

What is the treatment for a heart murmur in a dog?


Physiologic heart murmurs do not require any treatment

; however, regular monitoring of a dog that has evidence of a physiologic murmur is advised to ensure that no other problems develop.

How long does it take enalapril to start working?

How long does enalapril (Vasotec) take to kick in? Enalapril (Vasotec) starts to kick in within

1 hour

, but it can take 4-6 hours for the medication to reach its maximum effect.

What is benazepril 20 mg used for?

Benazepril is used alone or together with other medicines

to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)

. High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.

What are the end stages of congestive heart failure in dogs?

  • Frequent coughing.
  • Coughing up foam, or bloody foam.
  • Labored breathing.
  • Lethargy.
  • Weakness, or inability to exercise.
  • Fainting episodes.
  • Distended abdomen.
  • Decrease in appetite.

How Long Can dogs live with congestive heart failure?

Once congestive heart failure develops, the survival time of affected dogs is expected to be

between 6 and 14 months

. Some dogs, however, can live for nearly three years with the right treatment regimen.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with congestive heart failure?

6 However, once congestive heart failure develops, survival time is expected to be

between 6 and 14 months

.

What is protein losing nephropathy in dogs?

Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) refers to

any kidney disease that results in excess protein loss in the urine

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.