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PetDosageChart

Inodilator (positive inotrope and vasodilator) · For Dogs

How much Pimobendan (Vetmedin) can I give my dog?

Standard Pimobendan dose for dogs is 0.25 mg per kg (0.11 mg per lb), given Every 12 hours on an empty stomach. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-3 hours
Duration
12 hours
Class
Inodilator (positive inotrope and vasodilator)

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. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Vetmedin dose by dog weight

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Dosage Chart · 02

Vetmedin dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe 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

Common Uses · 03

What is Vetmedin (Pimobendan) used for in dogs?

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

Administration · 04

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 · 05

Side effects of Vetmedin in dogs

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Increased heart rate

Serious side effects — call your vet

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

Emergency · 06

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

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

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 Pimobendan.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

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.

Safety · 10

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