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PetDosageChart

Vetmedin (Pimobendan) Dosage for Dogs

Inodilator (positive inotrope and vasodilator) ⏱ Onset: 1-3 hours ⏳ Duration: 12 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.

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Vetmedin 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 0.5mg 0.5mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1mg (1.25mg tablet) 1mg (1.25mg tablet) 1.5mg (1.25mg tablet) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 1.5mg (1.25mg tablet) 1.5mg (1.25mg tablet) 2mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 2mg 2.5mg (2 × 1.25mg) 2.5mg (2 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 2.5mg (2 × 1.25mg) 3mg 3.5mg (3 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 2.5mg (2 × 1.25mg) 3.5mg (3 × 1.25mg) 4mg (3 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 3.5mg (3 × 1.25mg) 4.5mg 5.5mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 4.5mg 5.5mg 7mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 5.5mg 7mg 8mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 6.5mg (5 × 1.25mg) 8mg 9.5mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 7.5mg (6 × 1.25mg) 9mg (7 × 1.25mg) 11mg (9 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 8mg 10mg (8 × 1.25mg) 12mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 9mg (7 × 1.25mg) 11.5mg (9 × 1.25mg) 13.5mg (11 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 11mg (9 × 1.25mg) 13.5mg (11 × 1.25mg) 16.5mg (13 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
150 lbs (68 kg) 13.5mg (11 × 1.25mg) 17mg 20.5mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach

What is Vetmedin (Pimobendan) used for in dogs?

Congestive heart failure Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) Pre-clinical MMVD (Stage B2)

How to give Vetmedin to your dog

Give pimobendan by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before feeding, every 12 hours. The chewable tablets are flavored and most dogs accept them readily. Do not give with food as absorption is significantly reduced. Consistent timing is critical — set reminders for 12-hour intervals. Never skip doses or abruptly discontinue without veterinary guidance.

Available Forms

Chewable tablet, Capsule

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side effects of Vetmedin in dogs

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Increased heart rate

Serious side effects

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  • Sudden collapse or weakness
  • Worsening heart murmur
  • Pleural effusion or ascites progression

When to call the vet

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

  • Resting respiratory rate above 40 breaths per minute
  • New or worsening cough, especially at night
  • Sudden collapse, fainting, or severe weakness
  • Swollen abdomen (ascites) or new difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite or lethargy that is worse than baseline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must pimobendan be given on an empty stomach?
Food significantly reduces the absorption of pimobendan by up to 30%. For the drug to work effectively at strengthening the heart and dilating blood vessels, it should be given at least 1 hour before meals. Consistent dosing on an empty stomach ensures reliable therapeutic blood levels.
How long can a dog live on Vetmedin?
Pimobendan has been shown to significantly extend survival time in dogs with congestive heart failure. Many dogs live months to over a year longer with treatment compared to without. The EPIC study also showed it delays the onset of heart failure in preclinical MMVD by about 15 months. Individual outcomes vary based on disease severity.
Can Vetmedin be used before heart failure starts?
Yes. The landmark EPIC trial demonstrated that starting pimobendan in dogs with Stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease (enlarged heart but no symptoms yet) delays the onset of congestive heart failure by a median of 15 months. Your cardiologist can determine if your dog qualifies.
What are the signs that Vetmedin is not working?
Signs that heart failure may be progressing despite treatment include increased respiratory rate at rest (above 40 breaths per minute), persistent cough, reduced exercise tolerance, abdominal distension from fluid buildup, and fainting episodes. Contact your vet promptly if you notice these signs.
Is pimobendan used with other heart medications?
Yes, pimobendan is typically part of a multi-drug protocol. It is commonly combined with furosemide (diuretic), an ACE inhibitor like enalapril or benazepril, and sometimes spironolactone. This combination approach addresses different aspects of heart failure for the best outcomes.