Vetmedin Chewable Tablets

Vetmedin Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Vetmedin Chewable Tablets are a prescription-only veterinary medicine used in the management of heart disease in dogs.

Vetmedin contains pimobendan, a medication that improves the heart’s ability to pump blood while also helping blood vessels relax. This dual action can improve circulation and reduce the workload placed on the heart.

Vetmedin is commonly prescribed for dogs with congestive heart failure caused by atrioventricular valvular disease (such as mitral valve disease) or dilated cardiomyopathy. It may also be used in certain pre-clinical stages of dilated cardiomyopathy when cardiac enlargement is detected.

Vetmedin is supplied as a palatable chewable tablet and is usually administered twice daily as part of a long-term treatment plan determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

This product is a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V) and can only be supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

What Vetmedin is used for

Vetmedin is used to manage heart disease in dogs, particularly conditions that reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

The most common conditions treated with Vetmedin include congestive heart failure caused by degenerative mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, reduced exercise tolerance, coughing and fatigue.

By improving cardiac output and reducing the strain on the heart, Vetmedin can help improve quality of life and may extend survival time in dogs with heart disease when used as part of an appropriate veterinary treatment plan.

How Vetmedin works

Pimobendan works through two complementary mechanisms.

First, it acts as a positive inotrope, meaning it increases the strength of heart muscle contractions. This allows the heart to pump blood more effectively throughout the body.

Second, it acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and reducing resistance to blood flow. This decreases the workload placed on the heart and improves circulation.

Together, these effects help support cardiac function in dogs with heart disease.

Administration

Vetmedin tablets are usually given twice daily approximately twelve hours apart, although the exact dosing schedule will be determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

The tablets are chewable and may be given directly or with a small amount of food if required.

Dogs receiving Vetmedin are typically treated long term, with treatment adjusted according to clinical response and veterinary monitoring.

Monitoring during treatment

Dogs receiving treatment for heart disease require regular veterinary monitoring to assess heart function and response to therapy.

This may include physical examinations, chest radiographs, ultrasound examinations of the heart and blood pressure measurements.

Your veterinary surgeon will advise on the appropriate monitoring schedule for your dog.

Important information

Vetmedin should only be used under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

The dose, frequency and duration of treatment are determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon based on the dog’s weight, clinical condition and response to therapy.

Further information including contraindications, warnings and potential side effects can be found in the product data sheet available here.

Learn more about heart failure in dogs here.

Frequently asked questions

What is Vetmedin used for in dogs?

Vetmedin is used to treat heart disease in dogs, particularly congestive heart failure caused by degenerative mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.

How long do dogs stay on Vetmedin?

Many dogs remain on Vetmedin for the rest of their lives as part of ongoing management for heart disease. Treatment duration depends on the underlying condition and the dog’s response to therapy.

Does Vetmedin cure heart disease?

Heart disease in dogs is usually a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Vetmedin helps manage the disease by improving heart function and supporting circulation.

Can Vetmedin be given with food?

The chewable tablets can be given directly or with a small amount of food. Your veterinary surgeon will advise on the best administration method for your dog.

What signs of heart disease might dogs show?

Common signs may include coughing, reduced exercise tolerance, rapid breathing, lethargy and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. Dogs showing these signs should be assessed by a veterinary surgeon.