Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Pimobendan is used in dog for CHF (DCM, MMVD stage B2+), Pre-clinical MMVD (EPIC trial B2), Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), CHF (acute decompensation, loading dose). Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Pimobendan in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Vetmedin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.2–0.3 mg/kg | q12h | Chronic/lifelong | CHF (DCM, MMVD stage B2+) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 0.25–0.3 mg/kg | q12h | Chronic/lifelong | Pre-clinical MMVD (EPIC trial B2) | Strong | EPIC Trial; Plumb's 9th Ed |
| PO | 0.2–0.3 mg/kg | q12h | Chronic/lifelong | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 0.3 mg/kg | q8h | First 24 hours, then q12h maintenance | CHF (acute decompensation, loading dose) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Dual mechanism: inhibits phosphodiesterase III (vasodilation) and sensitizes cardiac troponin C to calcium (positive inotropy without increased oxygen demand).
Give on empty stomach (1 hour before food). Contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and aortic stenosis. Monitor for arrhythmias. Standard of care for canine DCM and MMVD (stage B2+).
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Pimobendan pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.