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Vetmedin Chewable Tablets for Dogs

more life to love. Vetmedin® (pimobendan)

Vetmedin®

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets and VETMEDIN Solution (pimobendan oral solution) are approved by the FDA and are prescribed for dogs that have been diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure (CHF) due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

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For the Heart From the Start

Previous studies have shown that these VETMEDIN products could help dogs with CHF increase their survival time and enjoy a better quality of life than dogs treated with an ACE-inhibitor.1,2

Catch it Early, Make a Difference

Heart disease is common in canines – 10% of dogs will be diagnosed in their lifetime.3,4 With early intervention at the first clinical sign of CHF, your dog could enjoy increased survival time and a better quality of life. Of the two heart ailments that most commonly lead to CHF, one typically affects small to medium-sized dogs, and one typically affects large dogs.

Heart Disease Risk in Dogs

Many dog breeds are at higher risk for types of heart disease that may progress to congestive heart failure (CHF). That’s why you should talk to your veterinarian. When you treat CHF with VETMEDIN, your dog could enjoy increased survival time and a better quality of life than dogs treated with ACE-inhibitors.1,2

Product Details

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets is an inodilator approved by the FDA3 that according to published studies, helps extend the survival time and improves quality of life in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).1,2,6 Recommended for dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF)4 due to clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). According to published studies, helps extend the survival time and improve the quality of life in dogs with heart failure when compared with dogs treated with an ACE-inhibitor1,2. Available as a highly palatable, beef-flavored chewable tablet in 4 convenient dosing sizes (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg)5 for small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs.

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets should be administered orally at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight, using a suitable combination of whole or half tablets. The total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions that are not necessarily equal, and the portions should be administered approximately 12 hours apart (i.e., morning and evening). The tablets are scored, and the calculated dosage should be provided to the nearest half-tablet increment.

Pimobendan

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets and VETMEDIN Solution (pimobendan oral solution) are for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure only. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons. For full prescribing information, talk to your vet, or call 888-637-4251. NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) is for use only in cats. NexGard® (afoxolaner) and NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) are for use in dogs only. Use NexGard® Brand Products with caution in dogs or cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, including full prescribing information, talk to your veterinarian or call 888-637-4251. VETMEDIN and the VETMEDIN LOGO® are registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. ©2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-PET-0920-2025. NexGard is a registered trademark and NexGard COMBO™ is a trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France, used under license. ©2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-PET-0920-2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

VETMEDIN has a unique dual mode of action, dilating the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, reducing the load on the heart. This trusted medication also increases the contraction of the heart muscle, without putting additional stress on the heart.

VETMEDIN should be given at the onset of clinical signs of heart failure. If you think your dog is showing the symptoms of heart failure, consult with your veterinarian.

Once a dog goes into heart failure, VETMEDIN can relieve the symptoms of heart failure and, according to previous studies, improve quality of life in dogs and help extend the survival time of dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure.

Food decreases the bioavailability of an aqueous solution of pimobendan, but the effect of food on the absorption of pimobendan from VETMEDIN tablets is unknown.

VETMEDIN and enalapril, an ACE-inhibitor, can be taken together as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Many veterinarians will prescribe a combination of drugs for dogs with congestive heart failure, and VETMEDIN (pimobendan) and enalapril are a common combination. Be sure to discuss all medications your dog is taking before starting a new prescription and call your vet immediately if you notice any side effects.

VETMEDIN and furosemide or a loop diuretic can be taken together, but these (and other) drugs should only be taken in combination when specifically prescribed together by your veterinarian. Be sure to thoroughly discuss all medications and supplements your dog may be taking before starting any new prescription.

For any specific product questions, please call the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.

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NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) Learn More
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Powered by Costco Pharmacy. Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) is a direct-to-members savings program administered by Costco Pharmacy and Ventegra Inc. CMPP is not insurance or intended as a replacement for insurance. Claims submitted for coverage under publicly funded programs (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, etc.) or private insurance are not eligible for CMPP participation. Shipping and handling cost are not included in the price. Costco Pharmacy, 845 Lake Drive Issaquah, WA 98027. Häggström J, Boswood A, O’Grady M, et al. Effect of pimobendan or benazepril hydrochloride on survival times in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease: the QUEST study. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(5):1124-1135. Lombard CW, Jöns O, Bussadori CM; for the VetSCOPE Study. Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(4):249-261. VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [Freedom of Information Summary]. St. Joseph, MO; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., 2022 Keene et al ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2019. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [prescribing information]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2016. Luis Fuentes V, et al A Double-blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Pimobendan in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy JVIM 2002.