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PetDosageChart

Vasotec (Enalapril) Dosage for Dogs

ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) ⏱ Onset: 1-4 hours ⏳ Duration: 12-24 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Vasotec Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 2.5mg (2.5mg tablet) Every 12-24 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1mg 2.5mg (2.5mg tablet) 4.5mg (2 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 1.5mg 3.5mg 7mg (3 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 2.5mg (2.5mg tablet) 4.5mg (2 × 2.5mg) 9mg Every 12-24 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 3mg (2.5mg tablet) 5.5mg (2 × 2.5mg) 11.5mg Every 12-24 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 3.5mg 7mg (3 × 2.5mg) 13.5mg Every 12-24 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 4.5mg (2 × 2.5mg) 9mg 18mg (7 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 5.5mg (2 × 2.5mg) 11.5mg 22.5mg (9 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 7mg (3 × 2.5mg) 13.5mg 27mg (11 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 8mg (3 × 2.5mg) 16mg 31.5mg Every 12-24 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 9mg 18mg (7 × 2.5mg) 36.5mg Every 12-24 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 10mg (4 × 2.5mg) 20.5mg (8 × 2.5mg) 41mg Every 12-24 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 11.5mg 22.5mg (9 × 2.5mg) 45.5mg (18 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 13.5mg 27mg (11 × 2.5mg) 54.5mg (22 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 17mg (7 × 2.5mg) 34mg 68mg (27 × 2.5mg) Every 12-24 hours

What is Vasotec (Enalapril) used for in dogs?

Congestive heart failure Systemic hypertension Protein-losing nephropathy Chronic kidney disease management

How to give Vasotec to your dog

Give enalapril tablets by mouth with or without food. Administer at the same time(s) each day. If prescribed twice daily, space doses approximately 12 hours apart. Ensure fresh water is always available. Kidney values should be monitored regularly, especially when starting therapy or adjusting doses. Do not stop abruptly without veterinary guidance.

Available Forms

Tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Vasotec in dogs

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea
Mild lethargy
Low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness)

Serious side effects

  • Acute kidney injury (elevated BUN/creatinine)
  • Hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium)
  • Severe hypotension and collapse
  • Angioedema (facial swelling)

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Weakness, wobbliness, or fainting (signs of low blood pressure)
  • Significant decrease in appetite or vomiting
  • Noticeably decreased urination or dark-colored urine
  • Facial swelling or difficulty breathing
  • Worsening cough, exercise intolerance, or breathing difficulty

Related Medications for Dogs

Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Desyrel

Trazodone

For anxiety

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Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor

Apoquel

Oclacitinib

For atopic dermatitis

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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Prozac

Fluoxetine

For Separation anxiety

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Proton pump inhibitor

Prilosec

Omeprazole

For Stomach ulcers

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Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Enalapril.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does enalapril do for dogs with heart failure?
Enalapril blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This lowers blood pressure, reduces the workload on the heart, and helps prevent fluid retention. It is a cornerstone of heart failure management in dogs and is commonly used alongside pimobendan and furosemide.
Does enalapril require blood work monitoring in dogs?
Yes. Kidney values (BUN, creatinine) and electrolytes (especially potassium) should be checked before starting enalapril, 5-7 days after starting or changing the dose, and then every 3-6 months. ACE inhibitors can affect kidney function, particularly in dehydrated dogs or those on concurrent diuretics.
Can enalapril be used for dogs with kidney disease?
Yes, enalapril is often prescribed for dogs with protein-losing nephropathy because it reduces protein loss in the urine by lowering pressure in the kidney's filtration system. However, careful monitoring is essential as ACE inhibitors can worsen kidney function in some cases.
What are the signs of low blood pressure in dogs on enalapril?
Signs of hypotension include weakness, wobbly gait, lethargy, fainting or collapsing, and cold extremities. These signs are more likely when enalapril is first started, when the dose is increased, or when combined with diuretics like furosemide. Report these symptoms to your vet promptly.
Can I give enalapril with food?
Yes, enalapril can be given with or without food. Giving with food may help reduce mild GI upset. Unlike pimobendan, food does not significantly affect enalapril absorption, so giving it at mealtime is acceptable and convenient.

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