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Inodilator (positive inotrope and vasodilator) · For Dogs

Pimobendan dosage reference for dogs (Vetmedin)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 0.25 mg per kg (0.11 mg per lb), with Every 12 hours on an empty stomach recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

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

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Pimobendan (often known by brand names such as Vetmedin) is an inodilator (positive inotrope and vasodilator) commonly used in veterinary medicine for Congestive heart failure, Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), and Pre-clinical MMVD (Stage B2). Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Pimobendan is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Pimobendan dose for dogs is around 0.25 mg/kg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach, within a usual range of 0.2-0.3 mg/kg. Available forms include Chewable tablet and Capsule.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Pimobendan Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Pimobendan dose from the 0.25 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Pimobendan amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Vetmedin weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Lower Reference Standard Reference Upper Reference Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.46 mg 0.57 mg 0.69 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 0.90 mg 1.1 mg (1.25mg tablet) 1.3 mg (1.25mg tablet) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 1.4 mg (1.25mg tablet) 1.7 mg 2.0 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 1.8 mg 2.3 mg (2 × 1.25mg) 2.7 mg (2 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 2.3 mg (2 × 1.25mg) 2.8 mg 3.4 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 2.7 mg (2 × 1.25mg) 3.4 mg 4.1 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 3.6 mg (3 × 1.25mg) 4.5 mg 5.4 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 4.5 mg 5.7 mg 6.8 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 5.4 mg 6.8 mg 8.2 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 6.3 mg (5 × 1.25mg) 7.9 mg 9.5 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 7.3 mg (6 × 1.25mg) 9.1 mg 10.9 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 8.2 mg 10.2 mg (8 × 1.25mg) 12.2 mg (10 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 9.1 mg 11.3 mg (9 × 1.25mg) 13.6 mg (11 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 10.9 mg 13.6 mg (11 × 1.25mg) 16.3 mg (13 × 1.25mg) Every 12 hours on an empty stomach
150 lbs (68 kg) 13.6 mg (11 × 1.25mg) 17.0 mg 20.4 mg Every 12 hours on an empty stomach

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Vetmedin reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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How to Give Pimobendan 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.

It may interact with Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil) — altered cardiac effects, Beta-blockers — may counteract inotropic effect, Other positive inotropes — additive effects, and Generally used safely with furosemide, enalapril, and spironolactone.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include Decreased appetite, Diarrhea, Lethargy, and Increased heart rate. More serious side effects can occur, such as Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), Sudden collapse or weakness, Worsening heart murmur, and Pleural effusion or ascites progression.

Cautions · 12

When Vetmedin should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Vetmedin, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Vetmedin.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Aortic stenosis or other outflow tract obstructions
  • Known hypersensitivity to pimobendan

Interactions · 13

Vetmedin drug interactions

Vetmedin can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil) — altered cardiac effects
Beta-blockers — may counteract inotropic effect
Other positive inotropes — additive effects
Generally used safely with furosemide, enalapril, and spironolactone

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

  • In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
  • For pregnant or nursing pets
  • For very young or very old dogs
  • For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
  • For pets taking several medications at once
  • When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
  • For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Vetmedin, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  • Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Vetmedin. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses
Congestive heart failure, Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), Pre-clinical MMVD (Stage B2)
Recorded forms
Chewable tablet, Capsule
Reference timing
Every 12 hours on an empty stomach; onset 1-3 hours; duration 12 hours

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

  • Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
  • Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
  • Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
  • Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); Aortic stenosis or other outflow tract obstructions; Known hypersensitivity to pimobendan.

Recorded interactions

Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil) — altered cardiac effects; Beta-blockers — may counteract inotropic effect; Other positive inotropes — additive effects; Generally used safely with furosemide, enalapril, and spironolactone.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.25 mg per kg (0.11 mg per lb) of body weight, given Every 12 hours on an empty stomach. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner
Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status
Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Safety · 10

More resources