Vetmedin® Chewable Tablets for Canine Heart Failure

Vetmedin is a prescription cardiology medicine for dogs with heart failure. This page explains how it works, typical use, and how you can request it easily. Available with US shipping from Canada, including cash-pay options without insurance.

What Vetmedin Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Vetmedin® for dogs contains pimobendan, a veterinary inodilator. It helps the heart pump more effectively while relaxing blood vessels. The treatment sensitizes cardiac muscle to calcium and inhibits phosphodiesterase III. This dual action can improve cardiac output and reduce the workload on the heart. It is commonly used for dogs with congestive signs from valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Your veterinarian may combine this medicine with other heart therapies when appropriate. Learn more about conditions such as Mitral Valve Disease and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for dogs with heart failure due to atrioventricular valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. It may be used in mild, moderate, or advanced stages as directed by your veterinarian. Dogs with significant outflow tract obstruction, such as aortic stenosis, should not receive pimobendan. Use caution if your pet has uncontrolled arrhythmias or other serious conditions. Safety in very young, pregnant, or nursing dogs has not been established. Discuss your dog’s full history, current treatments, and diet with your prescriber before starting.

Dosage and Usage

Your veterinarian will determine the total daily amount based on your dog’s weight and clinical status. Pimobendan is typically given twice daily. Try to give doses on an empty stomach, as label directions recommend administering before feeding. Offer the chewable tablet directly like a treat, or place it on a small morsel if needed. If your dog spits out the dose, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Do not change the schedule, stop, or add other therapies without veterinary advice. When used correctly, Pimobendan chewable tablets can be part of a broader heart failure plan that may include diuretics and ACE inhibitors.

Strengths and Forms

Chewable, scored tablets are the standard presentation. Common strengths include 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Availability can vary by count and strength. One commonly prescribed option is Vetmedin 2.5 mg tablets. Your veterinarian will select the strength and quantity that fit your pet’s dosing schedule. Packaging may differ by manufacturer lot and country of origin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled time. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular plan. Do not double up to make up for a missed amount. If multiple doses are missed or your dog shows breathing difficulty, coughing, or fainting, contact your veterinarian promptly. Keep a simple dosing log or set smartphone reminders to help maintain consistency.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in the original container with the lid closed. Keep them dry, away from excess heat, and out of reach of children and other pets. Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. When traveling, pack enough tablets for the full trip plus a few extra. Keep a copy of the prescription and your clinic’s contact details. For flights, carry the medicine in your cabin bag to avoid extreme conditions. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required, and you should do the same when possible during transit.

Benefits

Dogs may show easier breathing and improved activity as heart function support takes effect. The class can reduce the heart’s workload by widening blood vessels and enhancing pump efficiency. Chewable scoring helps with flexible dosing and easier administration. Many dogs accept the tablets without a struggle, which can improve adherence over time. This medicine can be combined with other heart therapies as instructed by your prescriber to address fluid build-up and blood pressure changes related to heart failure.

Side Effects and Safety

• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Soft stools
• Cough changes

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include arrhythmias, collapse, or sudden worsening of breathing. Dogs with severe kidney, liver, or endocrine disease may require closer monitoring. Contact your veterinarian if you notice fainting, severe weakness, rapid breathing at rest, or abnormal bleeding. Report all supplements and other medicines your pet takes. Routine rechecks help your clinician adjust the plan safely.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all current medicines and supplements. The effect of pimobendan may be altered by certain beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Digoxin and diuretics are often used together with careful oversight. Use caution with NSAIDs if your dog has kidney concerns. Do not use this therapy in dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or fixed outflow tract obstruction. Always follow your clinician’s instructions and the official label for combination therapy choices.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent dosing, many dogs show improved exercise tolerance and less cough. Your veterinarian may recommend periodic examinations, chest imaging, or blood tests to monitor organ function and overall response. Expect adjustments to companion therapies as your dog’s needs change. Keep activity moderate and avoid overheating. For broader heart-health insights, you can read our community feature World Heart Day 2025.

Compare With Alternatives

Pimobendan supports contractility and reduces vascular resistance. Alternatives often target related pathways. ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or benazepril are commonly used in canine heart plans to address neurohormonal activation. See our explainer on combination therapy in Cardalis For Dogs. You can also review practical details in Enalapril For Dogs. Diuretics, particularly furosemide, and mineralocorticoid antagonists like spironolactone are often part of comprehensive plans under veterinary supervision.

Pricing and Access

Check the Vetmedin price by strength and count to understand current options. Canadian pricing may help lower your cash price compared with some local quotes. Total out of pocket spend can vary based on the prescribed quantity and any compounding needs. We provide transparent updates without membership requirements. US delivery from Canada supports access when local supply fluctuates. If you are looking for seasonal savings, see our current Promotions. Final costs are shown in checkout before you complete your request.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and package size. If a selected option is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative. Do not switch products on your own, as formulation differences may affect dosing. If you prefer to Order Vetmedin online, have your clinic details ready so the pharmacy team can verify your prescription efficiently.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with heart failure from valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy who can take oral medicines reliably. Dogs with fixed outflow obstruction should avoid this class. Ask about multi-month fills if your veterinarian expects long-term therapy. Scheduling regular refill reminders can prevent missed doses and clinic emergencies. Reviewing all your pet’s therapies helps avoid duplicate purchases and surprises. Explore our broader catalog of Pet Medications for routine needs like preventives such as Heartgard®. For country-of-origin details on select items, see Canada.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Initial goals: What improvements should I watch for at home?
• Companion drugs: Which diuretics or ACE inhibitors fit my dog?
• Monitoring plan: How often are rechecks and lab tests needed?
• Feeding: How strict is dosing on an empty stomach for my pet?
• Activity: What level of exercise is safe during treatment?
• Side effects: Which signs require urgent contact with the clinic?
• Long-term plan: When might the therapy need adjustment?

Authoritative Sources

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedin

FDA CVM Green Book: Vetmedin

Health Canada DPD: Vetmedin

Ready to get started? Request your pet’s prescription with prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. This page is informational and not a substitute for veterinary advice.