Enalapril for Dogs
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PetMD’s medications content is written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about how medications work, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content should not replace advice from your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Enalapril is used to treat congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and kidney conditions in dogs.
- Enalapril is FDA-approved for treating heart failure in dogs. Veterinary-specific formulations are not available, but appropriate doses can be achieved with human formulations.
- Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow, and helps reduce strain on the heart and kidneys.
- Enalapril is typically given once or twice daily with or without food.
What Is Enalapril Used for in Dogs?
Enalapril is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure in dogs.
Enalapril can be given alone but is typically used with other medications to manage congestive heart failure, especially when caused by degenerative mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Enalapril can also be used to treat dogs with chronic kidney disease or proteinuria, which is a condition that causes protein to leak into their urine.
It usually comes in tablet form and is given once or twice a day, as directed by your veterinarian.
Is Enalapril FDA-Approved for Dogs?
Enalapril is FDA-approved for use in dogs for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe heart failure, but at the time of publication, there are no veterinary-labeled products available.
However, veterinarians may prescribe human-labeled versions of enalapril (such as Epaned or Vasotec) for dogs. This is considered extra-label or off-label use because these products are not specifically approved for use in animals, and their use is not described on the drug label. Your veterinarian will determine whether this option is appropriate for your pet.
Compounded Enalapril
In certain circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend a compounded formulation of enalapril.
Compounded medications may be prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if:
- Your pet has trouble taking the commercially available form
- The required dosage strength is not available
- The pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a veterinarian or licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to meet a pet’s specific needs.
Enalapril Considerations for Dogs
Enalapril should be used with caution in dogs with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, dehydration, low sodium level (hyponatremia), preexisting blood cell abnormalities, skin conditions of collagen and blood vessels such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and pregnancy.
Giving enalapril with certain medications can result in health risks to your dog. Always discuss your dog’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.
How Does Enalapril Work in Dogs?
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors help dogs with heart and kidney disease by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
They work by blocking an enzyme that normally causes blood vessels to tighten. When this enzyme is blocked, blood vessels stay open, which improves blood flow and reduces the workload on the heart.
In dogs with kidney disease, this effect also lowers pressure within the kidneys, which can help reduce protein loss into the urine.
How Do You Give Enalapril to Dogs?
Follow the directions provided by your veterinarian. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- This medication is typically given once or twice daily in dogs.
- It can be given with or without a meal, but giving it with food can help minimize digestive upset.
- Avoid giving this medication with high-sodium treats, as excess salt can worsen heart conditions.
- Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water while on this medication, as dehydration can increase your dog’s risk of side effects.
- Do not stop or change the amount of enalapril you give your dog unless directed by your veterinarian.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Enalapril?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if a dose is missed.
Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
What Are the Side Effects of Enalapril in Dogs?
The most common side effects include:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Changes in thirst and urination
Allergic reactions to this medication can occur. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the face or lips
- Generalized hives
- Difficulty breathing
If your dog has an allergic reaction, head to an emergency vet immediately.
Human Side Effects
Humans should never take medication prescribed for pets, and pets should not be given medication prescribed for humans. Dosages often differ significantly.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
Treatment with enalapril requires intensive monitoring and close supervision by your veterinarian, particularly if your pet has severe congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. Before and during your dog’s treatment, your vet may perform blood and urine tests to evaluate the effects of the medication on the liver and kidneys, as well as blood pressure measurement, chest X-rays, and/or an ECG (electrocardiogram), depending on the issue that initially caused your dog to be placed on this medication.
When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?
Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of enalapril:
- Severe side effects occur
- Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve
- You suspect an overdose
What Happens If a Pet Overdoses on Enalapril?
Enalapril overdoses require immediate medical attention because of this medication’s ability to drastically lower blood pressure and damage kidneys.
Signs of extremely low blood pressure include:
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Lethargy
Signs of kidney failure include:
- Rapid changes in thirst and urination
- Excessive drooling
- Lack of appetite
- High heart rate
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
How Should Enalapril Be Stored for Dogs?
Keep the following storage tips in mind for this medication:
- Enalapril tablets should be stored around 77 F (25 C). Brief exposure to temperatures between 59–86 F (15–30 C) are acceptable.
- Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture and light.
- Store compounded medications according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Enalapril for Dogs FAQs
What is the most common side effect of enalapril for dogs?
The most common side effect of enalapril in dogs is digestive upset, including decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What happens if I stop giving my dog enalapril?
Any sudden and abrupt discontinuation of enalapril may cause rebound effects where your dog’s underlying heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure can worsen quickly. If your veterinarian recommends discontinuing this medication for any reason, they will typically advise a weaning plan where doses are reduced slowly under their supervision.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content is sourced from public references or the manufacturer.
