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100 x Vetmedin 5mg Capsule - Pack of 100
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Vetmedin 5mg Capsule - Pack of 100

Prescription Only

85637

£74.75 (tax incl.)

Vetmedin 5mg Capsules are a prescription-only heart medicine for dogs with Congestive Heart Failure, often linked to mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. When a dog’s heart is no longer pumping as efficiently as it should, fluid can build up in the lungs or body, leading to coughing, faster breathing, tiredness, reduced stamina or restlessness, especially at night.

Each Vetmedin 5mg Capsule contains pimobendan, which helps the heart muscle contract more effectively while also relaxing blood vessels to make circulation easier. Vetmedin does not cure the underlying heart disease, but when prescribed by a vet, it can play an important role in helping support heart function, improve comfort, and maintain a better quality of life for dogs living with Congestive Heart Failure.

Please note that these capsules CANNOT be snapped in half - Tablets must be used instead

VET PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED

Product Features

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  • Pack Size: - Pack of 100
  • Target Animal: - Dog (Canine)
  • Related Condition: - For the treatment of canine congestive heart failure in Dogs
  • Pet Prescription Required?: - Yes (For UK Orders)
  • Active Ingredient: - Pimobendan
  • Product Name: - Vetmedin 5mg Capsule - per Capsule

More Information

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Description

Vetmedin 5mg Capsules are a prescription-only veterinary medicine for dogs with Congestive Heart Failure, most often linked to mitral valve disease, tricuspid valve regurgitation or dilated cardiomyopathy. Each hard capsule contains 5mg of pimobendan, an active ingredient used to support a heart that is no longer pumping as efficiently as it should.

Vetmedin Capsules do not cure the underlying heart disease, but they can form an important part of long-term cardiac management when your vet has diagnosed heart failure and prescribed this strength. The aim of treatment is to help the heart work more effectively, support circulation, and make day-to-day life more comfortable for your dog.

5mg Vetmedin Capsules are commonly used alongside other heart medicines, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors, depending on your dog’s examination findings, radiographs, ultrasound results, blood tests and overall clinical picture. Congestive heart failure in dogs develops when the heart cannot move blood forwards with enough force, causing pressure and fluid to build up in the lungs, abdomen or other tissues. Some dogs reach this stage after a long period of degenerative valve disease, where a leaky valve allows blood to flow backwards and creates extra workload for the heart. Others may have dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes stretched, enlarged and weaker.

The word “congestive” refers to this fluid congestion, which is why affected dogs may cough, breathe faster, tire easily or seem unsettled at night. In some cases, owners first notice that walks become harder, that their dog takes longer to recover after exercise, or that breathing looks more noticeable when the dog is resting.

Vetmedin Capsules work in two complementary ways. Pimobendan is described clinically as a positive inotrope and a vasodilator. A positive inotrope helps the heart muscle contract more effectively, so each beat can push blood around the body with better force. Its inotropic action is linked to increased calcium sensitivity within the cardiac muscle and inhibition of phosphodiesterase III, rather than acting like adrenaline or a cardiac glycoside. The vasodilator effect helps blood vessels relax, reducing resistance in the circulation and easing the pressure the heart must pump against. This can help reduce afterload and support more efficient blood flow to the lungs, muscles, kidneys and other organs. For dogs with congestive heart failure, that dual action is why Vetmedin Capsules are often considered a key part of treatment, particularly where valve insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy is involved. By improving forward flow and reducing strain, Vetmedin Capsules can help some dogs feel more comfortable during ordinary activities, although response varies and should be assessed by your vet.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure can be subtle at first. Your vet may ask you to monitor resting respiratory rate, appetite, weight, exercise tolerance and coughing, as small changes can help guide treatment. A simple diary can be useful, particularly after starting Vetmedin Capsules or after any dose adjustment. Signs that should be discussed with your vet include:

  • A persistent cough, especially after resting or at night.
  • Faster breathing, increased effort to breathe, or panting at rest.
  • Tiring quickly on walks, reluctance to exercise, or weakness.
  • Fainting, collapse, pale gums or sudden marked lethargy.
  • A swollen abdomen, reduced appetite or unexpected weight change.

Are Vetmedin Capsules the same as pimobendan?
Vetmedin Capsules contain pimobendan as the active ingredient. Pimobendan is the medicine that provides the positive inotropic and vasodilator effects. Vetmedin is the branded veterinary product, and your vet will decide whether this capsule strength and form are suitable for your dog’s diagnosis and bodyweight. Vetmedin capsules cannot be snapped in half.

How long does Vetmedin take to work in dogs?
Some owners notice improvements in energy, breathing or coughing within days, but response varies depending on the severity of heart disease and any other medicines prescribed. Your vet may reassess your dog after starting Vetmedin Capsules to check breathing, heart sounds, kidney values and overall response.

Can Vetmedin Capsules be given with food?
Vetmedin Capsules are commonly given around one hour before food because food can reduce absorption of pimobendan. Always follow the instructions on your dog’s prescription label, as your vet may tailor timing to your dog’s routine, appetite and other medicines being given at the same time.

What are the signs of congestive heart failure in dogs?
Common signs include coughing, faster breathing, tiring quickly, restlessness at night, reduced appetite, weakness, fainting or a swollen abdomen. These symptoms can worsen gradually or suddenly. Contact your vet urgently if your dog is struggling to breathe, collapses, or has a marked change in energy.

What side effects can Vetmedin Capsules cause?
Vetmedin Capsules are generally well tolerated when used as prescribed, but some dogs may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy or changes in heart rate. Contact your vet if side effects appear, if symptoms worsen, or if your dog accidentally receives more than the prescribed amount.

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