Treat Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs: Vetmedin + Alternatives
pet medications
Canine congestive heart failure may take some people by surprise—but it shouldn’t. Dogs have hearts, and, tragically, cardiac problems, too.
Canine CHF can make it much harder for a dog’s heart to function properly, jeopardizing a dog’s ability to pump blood throughout their whole body.
An estimated 10% of all dogs in America, and a much higher percentage of elderly dogs, may have some form of heart disease.
Luckily, with adequate treatment, many of these dogs can avoid CHF and other unwanted outcomes. Effective management and high-quality medication from a reputable online pet pharmacy are often key.
One leading CHF medication for dogs is Vetmedin, a cardiac function drug that can help many dogs enjoy better health. If your four-legged best friend is in need of this type of support, it’s a good idea to learn about Vetmedin and talk with your veterinarian to see if it’s a good option.
What is Vetmedin and How Does It Work?
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a medication that is very widely used to treat dogs who are diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Now, there are many drugs that fall into this category.
Why is Vetmedin any different?
Vetmedin is a medication known as an inodilator. It treats CHF in dogs with a unique dual-action method.
This means that Vetmedin, when administered appropriately, does the following:
- Vetmedin can strengthen a dog’s heart. One of Vetmedin’s “actions” is increasing the sensitivity of the heart’s muscle cells to calcium—which helps the heart beat more efficiently and effectively.
- Vetmedin can widen and relax a dog’s blood vessels, which can help reduce any existing resistance against blood flow and allow the heart the ability to pump blood more efficiently.
- Vetmedin can help improve blood flow for your dog. With your dog’s heart stronger and its blood vessels more relaxed, your dog can enjoy better blood circulation. This is very important for managing CHF.
These are all very, very helpful factors for treating canine congestive heart failure.
According to one study, proper administration of Vetmedin has been shown to prolong the lives of dogs that have congestive heart failure, giving pets and their owners an average of 15 more months in the preclinical, less-severe stage of the disease.
During those months, the dogs will also enjoy fewer symptoms and an enhanced quality of life, as well.
The Potential Side Effects of Vetmedin in Dogs
Unfortunately, even though Vetmedin should be very helpful for most dogs, no medication is perfect—and Vetmedin may come with some side effects, too.
The most common side effects of Vetmedin include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
For the most part, these symptoms should be mild—or they should subside over time, as your pet gets used to the effects of the drug in their systems.
There are other more serious side effects of Vetmedin. These do not happen often, but you should know that they are possible.
These include possible arrhythmias (or irregular heartbeats), possible hypotension (or low blood pressure), and potential interactions with other medications (in particular, ACE inhibitors or diuretics).
Your veterinarian will likely run some tests and ask you to assist with follow-up appointments to ensure that your dog isn’t suffering any of these rare side effects.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from these or other drug-related issues, make sure to talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Much Does Vetmedin Cost?
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, a convenient and safe online pharmacy website, you can buy 50 tablets of Vetmedin for about $60.00, or approximately $1.20 per tablet. Since your dog will likely need to take two tablets by mouth per day, that’ll cost less than $2.50 per day of treatment.
However, if you’re looking for further savings, we can help you out there, too.
On our Vetmedin medication page, you’ll also find the option to purchase generic Vetmedin, or pimobendan, for about $1.00 per tablet.
If your dog tolerates generic medications well, this could be an excellent way to save on this medication—particularly if it seems like your dog will need to take this medication for a while.
Is Vetmedin the Only Option for Treating CHF in Dogs?
Vetmedin is often the first choice for treating CHF—or the first thing that your veterinarian will recommend when your dog receives a CHF diagnosis.
This does not mean it’s your only option.
Depending on your dog’s unique condition and the way your dog responds to treatment, you may be able to explore other types of medications. These may include:
Diuretics (like furosemide), which can help reduce fluid buildup in a dog’s lungs and other tissues;
ACE Inhibitors (like enalapril or benazepril), which can lower your pet’s blood pressure and even decrease the workload on a dog’s heart; and
Aldosterone antagonists (like spironolactone), which can prevent fluid retention and potassium loss.
Aldosterone antagonists are often used in combination with other CHF medications, as part of a cocktail of cardiac drugs for canine health and symptom support.
We’ll talk more about these options in a moment; but, for now, let’s focus on how to use Vetmedin to treat congestive heart failure in dogs.
Using Vetmedin for Dogs With CHF: A User’s Guide
On one level, figuring out the basics of using Vetmedin to keep your dog as healthy and comfortable as possible is simple: Listen to your veterinarian, and follow the instructions they give you.
On another level, you need to be an informed advocate for your dog—and that starts long before you go to the vet with concerns.
Let’s talk about why you might ask your doctor about Vetmedin in the first place.
Canine Symptoms That Could Indicate Vetmedin Use
There are a few types of signs and symptoms that could mean it’s time to talk to your doctor about canine CHF.
For example, if your dog is:
- Coughing regularly
- Having difficulty breathing—especially after exercise
- More lethargic than usual
- Suffering from a swollen abdomen
- Fainting frequently
- Experiencing a bluish tint to their tongue or gums
…then it’s time to go talk to your veterinarian as soon as you can.
Don’t be worried, just act as efficiently as you can.
By intervening early with effective medications like Vetmedin, you can save your dog from a significant amount of suffering and manage your dog’s condition as successfully as possible.
The Right Time for Your Dog to Start Treatment
Much like determining whether Vetmedin is a good fit for your dog in the first place, the best way to figure out when to use strategic Vetmedin treatment will come down to a frank discussion between you and your veterinarian.
The general timeline to consider will involve two phases: The early and advanced stages of congestive heart failure in dogs.
In the early stages of CHF, a dog may have a formal CHF diagnosis or a related diagnosis (like degenerative mitral valve disease).
Dogs who exhibit symptoms in this general stage may be able to benefit from “early intervention” with a medication like Vetmedin.
In more advanced stages of CHF, typically classed as situations in which dogs are showing symptoms of CHF, the goal of Vetmedin will be to improve a dog’s quality of life and to manage their symptoms.
When taken strategically and consistently, Vetmedin can help reduce the accumulation of fluid in a dog’s lungs, reduce occurrences of coughs, and enhance overall cardiac function.
Regardless of when you start treatment, you’ll need to commit to regular follow-up appointments so your veterinarian can check up on your dog’s symptoms and update their prescription as needed.
Alternatives to Vetmedin: Exploring Other Heart Medications for Dogs
If Vetmedin isn’t working for your dog or you’d simply like to be informed about your other options, these may be worth looking into.
Each of these options works slightly differently and may bring different benefits or strategies to your dog’s plan of care.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, like benazepril and enalapril, work by supporting blood vessel relaxation. This makes it much easier for the heart to pump blood effectively. Some ACE inhibitors can also help reduce the amount of hormones in a dog’s body that ultimately lead to heart failure.
In some cases, veterinarians may recommend that your dog take an ACE inhibitor along with Vetmedin, as this can offer a very comprehensive approach to treatment and symptom control.
Diuretics
Diuretics, as a class of medications and even non-medicinal substances like coffee, work by eliminating excess fluid from your body. This can dehydrate you, but it can also make your heart’s job a lot easier in some cases.
If your dog has CHF, a prescription-strength diuretic can help reduce the buildup of any fluid in the lungs—which makes breathing much easier.
The specific type of diuretic your veterinarian recommends will depend on your circumstances, but a loop diuretic like furosemide is a common choice. Other types, such as potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone, are also common.
Aldosterone Antagonists
Aldosterone antagonists work by blocking the effects of a hormone called aldosterone.
Aldosterone is an important hormone that usually works to boost fluid retention in dogs. When a dog has CHF, aldosterone action can result in worse symptoms.
When taken appropriately, aldosterone can reduce fluid retention and help maintain mineral (potassium) levels in dogs—which are very important for healthy heart function. Like many of the treatments we’ve discussed, aldosterone antagonists may be taken as part of a multi-medicine approach to managing a dog’s CHF.
One of the benefits of Vetmedin is that it does have a dual-pronged approach, which, for some dogs in some situations, may mean that a cocktail of drugs is not needed. However, that will depend on each dog’s symptoms, health goals, and CHF progression.
Holistic Approaches and Supportive Care for Dogs with CHF
Interested in combining medicinal treatment for CHF with some lifestyle changes for your dog?
While CHF is a significant enough condition that it’s likely unwise to try and treat it completely with natural or DIY approaches, there are some holistic or supportive measures that you may be able to implement to help manage CHF or increase your dog’s quality of life.
These measures may include:
- Trying out a low-sodium diet for your dog. (You should be able to select specific brands of dog food that fit into this type of diet). This can help reduce fluid retention.
- Prioritizing high-quality protein for your dog. This may involve special dog food, or, if your veterinarian allows it, supplementing your dog’s existing diet with certain types of safe protein (e.g., chicken breast). This can support the overall health of your pet.
- Making sure your dog gets low-stress or moderate exercise. Dogs with CHF should avoid overexertion, but some movement can help your dog maintain their cardiovascular health.
- Managing your dog’s weight. Losing or gaining weight can be far easier said than done, but if you’re able to help your dog eat more (or less) or move their bodies a little more (or less) to move the scale in a strategic direction as noted by your veterinarian, that can help ensure your dog is fully nourished and prevent additional strain on their heart.
If you and your veterinarian are interested in treating your dog’s congestive heart failure with Vetmedin, you may be wondering: Is there a way you can get that medication without, necessarily, needing to pay hundreds of dollars per month?
Yes, there is. Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, a CIPA-approved online pharmacy website and Canada drug store, you can buy Vetmedin quickly, safely, and securely. Once you have a valid and updated prescription from your trusted veterinarian, check out our Vetmedin page to learn more about Vetmedin and select the dosage that your four-legged best friend requires. Have any questions before you get started? Talk to a friendly member of our team to get started with your order.
The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to helping you support your canine family member’s healthcare journey!
