Understanding Veterinary Heart Medications: Supporting Your Dog Through Canine Heart Disease
When a beloved dog is diagnosed with heart disease, the emotional impact on pet owners can be profound. Many find themselves sorting through new information, trying to understand how to best support their pet’s health and comfort. Veterinary professionals are also closely involved in this process, offering guidance based on clinical knowledge and experience.
In many cases, managing heart-related conditions in dogs may involve the use of compounded veterinary heart medications. These medications are often part of a care plan designed to support heart function and help address symptoms associated with cardiac concerns.
Common veterinary heart medications prescribed for dogs include Pimobendan, Furosemide, and Enalapril. Each plays a specific role, whether it’s helping with fluid regulation or supporting cardiovascular performance. Understanding these options may help pet owners feel more informed and involved in decisions about their dog’s ongoing care.
Understanding Canine Heart Disease
Canine heart disease is a broad term that may refer to conditions such as degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These conditions are commonly diagnosed in dogs and can affect the heart’s ability to circulate blood efficiently throughout the body.
As the condition progresses, dogs may begin to show signs such as:
- Persistent coughing
- Reduced energy
- Decreased stamina during activity
- Signs of fluid accumulation
Veterinarians may recommend the use of veterinary heart medications to help manage symptoms and provide cardiovascular support. These medications may play an important part of a long-term care strategy designed to address the challenges that accompany heart conditions in dogs.
Below is a closer look at three widely prescribed medications and the functions they may serve in supporting canine heart health.
Common Veterinary Heart Medications
Pimobendan: Enhancing Cardiac Performance
What it does: Pimobendan is a positive inotrope and vasodilator that may help the heart pump more effectively while also reducing the workload on the heart by dilating blood vessels.
Why it’s prescribed: Veterinarians commonly prescribe this medication for dogs with congestive heart failure secondary to DMVD or DCM. It helps improve survival and reduces the severity of clinical signs.
Evidence and research: A pivotal clinical trial known as the VetSCOPE study demonstrated that Pimobendan significantly prolonged the time to the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with preclinical DMVD (Stage B2). The study was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Furosemide: Managing Fluid Buildup
What it does: Furosemide is a loop diuretic, which helps remove excess fluid from the lungs and abdomen by increasing urine production.
Why it’s prescribed: In dogs with congestive heart failure, fluid often builds up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Furosemide helps alleviate this potentially life-threatening symptom and provides relief from respiratory distress.
Evidence and research: Clinical trials support the use of Furosemide for managing acute and chronic congestive heart failure in dogs. A study in Veterinary Record discusses the efficacy of diuretics in controlling clinical signs.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Cardiology
Enalapril: Protecting the Heart Long-Term
What it does: Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by dilating blood vessels and reducing the effects of hormones that contribute to heart disease progression.
Why it’s prescribed: Enalapril may help reduce the progression of heart disease, alleviate high blood pressure, and lessen protein loss in the urine. Veterinarians often use it in combination with other medications for comprehensive heart failure management.
Evidence and research: The BENCH study, published in The Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, found that dogs given Enalapril lived significantly longer than those on a placebo.
Source: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Which Dogs May Be Prescribed These Medications?
Veterinary professionals commonly recommend veterinary heart medications for middle-aged to senior dogs, particularly those with a diagnosis of heart-related conditions. Certain breeds may be more commonly associated with specific heart issues. Small breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often linked with mitral valve changes, while larger breeds like Dobermans may be more prone to conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Veterinarians typically evaluate a range of factors before recommending any veterinary heart medications, including a dog’s age, breed, overall health status, blood pressure, kidney function, and observed symptoms. In some cases, they suggest a combination of medications based on individual needs.
The Role of Compounding Pharmacies
Not all pets respond well to standard, commercially available dosage forms. Compounding pharmacies may play a valuable role in helping customize veterinary heart medications to better suit individual pets. For example, Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy offers services that may include:
- Flavored liquid suspensions or treats for picky eaters
- Chewable formulations for easier administration
- Tailored strengths and dosage forms for pets of various sizes, including exotic or small animals
These customized options may help pet owners administer veterinary heart medications more easily and in forms that are appropriate for their pet’s needs.
Why Veterinarians Choose Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy
Veterinarians across Central Ohio and beyond frequently partner with Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy (COCP) to address the unique medication needs of their patients. Custom formulations and personalized service make COCP a trusted resource for tailored veterinary medications, particularly for animals that require specific dosing, alternate delivery forms, or have difficulty with commercially available products.
COCP specializes in creating custom compounded medications that may improve ease of administration and treatment adherence. For canine cardiac care, this includes compounds like Pimobendan, Furosemide, and Enalapril, often used in treating congestive heart failure, degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). COCP can compound these medications into flavored suspensions, chewables, or fixed oil formulations based on individual patient needs.
Rx Order Forms
Veterinarians also appreciate our easy-to-use Rx Order Forms that make it easy to prescribe compounds for a wide selection of available compounded options and combinations including (but not limited to):
Not on this list? Ask our pharmacists about other options that we offer animals. Let us know the patient’s case details and we can provide recommendations.
Quality Compounding You Can Trust
At Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy (COCP), we committed ourselves to preparing every medication with care, precision, and consistency. We adhere to rigorous internal standards that prioritize quality and safety across all compounding processes.
Our pharmacy follows established guidelines including compliance with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. These guidelines help support the integrity of each medication we prepare — whether it’s for hormone therapy, dermatological care, or veterinary needs.
To help ensure the quality of our compounded medications, we emphasize:
- Use of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
- Verified quality assurance and compounding practices
- Continuous staff education and training
- Cleanroom and facility inspections
For veterinarians and pet owners across Central Ohio, our focus on pharmaceutical quality helps ensure that every prescription is handled with the utmost care. For veterinary heart medications like Pimobendan, Methimazole, or Furosemide, COCP delivers consistent preparation and professional service for your patients’ health needs.
At COCP, we take pride in being a trusted compounding partner for providers and pet owners alike — offering local service backed by an uncompromising dedication to quality.
A Message to Ohio Pet Owners and Veterinarians
For pet owners, managing a dog’s heart condition can feel overwhelming — but there are resources and support systems available. By working closely with your veterinary team and exploring options such as customized veterinary heart medications, you can take an active role in supporting your dog’s well-being.
For veterinarians, the ability to collaborate with Central Ohio Compounding Pharmacy opens the door to more personalized care options. Tailored medication solutions may help meet the diverse needs of canine patients and the families who care for them. Elevate your practice, now.
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References:
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- Ettinger, S. J., Benitz, A. M., Ericsson, G. F., Cifelli, S., Jernigan, A. D., Longhofer, S. L., Trimboli, W., & Hanson, P. D. (1998). Effects of enalapril maleate on survival of dogs with naturally acquired heart failure. The Long-Term Investigation of Veterinary Enalapril (LIVE) Study Group. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 213(11), 1573–1577. Link
- Freid, K. J., Freeman, L. M., Rush, J. E., Cunningham, S. M., Davis, M. S., Karlin, E. T., & Yang, V. K. (2020). Retrospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 35(1), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15972
- Häggström, J., Boswood, A., O’Grady, M., Jöns, O., Smith, S., Swift, S., Borgarelli, M., Gavaghan, B., Kresken, J. -G., Patteson, M., Åblad, B., Bussadori, C. M., Glaus, T., Kovačević, A., Rapp, M., Santilli, R. A., Tidholm, A., Eriksson, A., Belanger, M. C., … DiFruscia, R. (2008). Effect of pimobendan or benazepril hydrochloride on survival times in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease: The QUEST study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 22(5), 1124–1135. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0150.x
- Kvart, C., Häggström, J., Pedersen, H. D., Hansson, K., Eriksson, A., Järvinen, A. K., Tidholm, A., Bsenko, K., Ahlgren, E., Ilves, M., Ablad, B., Falk, T., Bjerkfås, E., Gundler, S., Lord, P., Wegeland, G., Adolfsson, E., & Corfitzen, J. (2002). Efficacy of enalapril for prevention of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous valve disease and asymptomatic mitral regurgitation. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 16(1), 80–88. Link
- Peddle, G. D., Singletary, G. E., Reynolds, C. A., Trafny, D. J., Machen, M. C., Oyama, M. A., & Gordon, S. G. (2012). Effect of pimobendan on left atrial function in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 14(2), 253–259. Link
- Smith, P. J., French, A. T., Van Israël, N., Smith. S. G. W., Swift, S. T., Lee, A. J., Corcoran, B. M., & Dukes-McEwan, J. (2005). Efficacy and safety of pimobendan in canine heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 46(3), 121–130. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2005.tb00302.x
- The BENCH Study Group. (1999). The effect of benazepril on survival times and clinical signs of dogs with congestive heart failure: Results of a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, long-term clinical trial. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 1(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1760-2734(06)70025-X
