Enalapril For Dogs – What Do You Need To Know?

Summary: Enalapril Maleate For Dogs is a medicine that is used to treat several diseases for dogs including hypertension, kidney diseases, and more. Read this article to know more about this restriction medication for dogs and its storage, precautions, and overdose details. 

Author Bio: Richard Taylor is a veterinary practitioner in Pennsylvania. He holds a master’s degree in animal science and has also graduated in veterinary medicine in 2005. He started developing her interest in medical writing and client education in 2008.

Introduction

Enalapril refers to a drug that is used for dogs with kidney or heart problems. Enalapril for dogs causes their small blood vessels to relax. This process is also known as vasodilation. Enalapril maleate for dogs makes it easier for the dog’s blood to circulate. This decreases the blood pressure and the workload on the dog’s heart.

Frequently utilized with additional heart medications like beta-blockers or diuretics, enalapril 2.5 mg for dogs is used for the treatment of hypertension in dogs. It is a drug that is used in the appropriate forms. It is not available in any veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing company, rather, a specialty pharmacy can compound it.

How to Use Enalapril Dose?

You can give this medicine to your dog exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. In case you happen to miss giving the enalapril dosage for dogs to your pet, make sure to give them the next dose as quickly as you remember. If the time is close to the subsequent scheduled dose make sure to return to the regular schedule. Ensure not doubling the dose to catch up. One thing you need to keep in mind is washing your hands after giving your dog this medicine.

Enalapril Adverse Effects – What Are The Side Effects? 

Enalapril’s adverse effects should be discussed well in advance with your veterinarian. Enalapril is similar to Vasotec’s side effect sometimes. The most popular side effects are dizziness, stomach upset, low blood pressure, and weakness. The side effects of enalapril for dogs can also include changes in the pressure levels in blood or kidney damage in some cases.

Precautions To Be Taken

Keep enalapril brand name medicine out of your children’s reach. It is a prescription medicine that should never be used against your veterinarian’s directions. You should only use it for the animal or pet for whom it was prescribed. Do not use this medicine for a person.

Your pets getting this medicine will demand regular monitoring. This includes a check on kidney function, blood pressure, and blood chemistry. Although enalapril maleate for dogs is utilized for treating some kinds of chronic kidney diseases, there are situations in both cats and dogs where the therapy of this medicine has worsened the kidney diseases.

Enalapril for dogs is eliminated by the kidneys from the body. If your pet has a decreased kidney function, it will need extra monitoring. This medicine may change the requirement of insulin in diabetic pets. It is anticipated that a diabetic dog or cat will require additional monitoring.

Enalapril 2.5 mg for dogs is metabolized to its active form within the liver. Dogs or cats with decreased liver function might not be capable of adequately utilizing this drug. Apart from that, enalapril maleate for dogs should be avoided in case they are lactating or pregnant.

Drug Interactions For Enalapril Maleate For Dogs

Make sure to review any supplements that are medications with your veterinarian that your pet might be getting. The following points should be kept in mind when it comes to the drug interactions for this medicine.

• Pets getting enalapril for dogs may be on numerous medications due to the severity of the health issues.
• Careful adjustment and monitoring of therapies and drug doses may be required for achieving the best balance.
• Diuretics like spironolactone and furosemide and additional vasodilator drugs may enhance the incidence of low blood pressure or change the potassium levels in the blood.
• Non-steroidal drugs including Aspirin need to be avoided in pets on enalapril maleate for dogs due to the enhanced risk of their kidney damage.

Drug Overdose – Enalapril Adverse Effects

Drug overdose can be another problem while using this medication. If you happen to suspect that you are a dog or cat or any other animal that has accidentally overdosed or has consumed this medicine inadvertently, make sure to reach out to your veterinarian immediately.

Make sure to always carry the prescription container when you are taking your pet for treatment to your veterinarian. There might be instances when you or anyone else has accidentally consumed this medicine. In such cases, make sure to reach out to the national capital poison center for the nearest professional center for poison removal therapy.

Storage for Enalapril Maleate For Dogs

Storing this medicine comes in different forms and strengths. Different strengths of forms of this medicine might have different requirements when it comes to their storage. Make sure to monitor the labeling or reach out to your pharmacist if you want to know about the storage requirements of the medical prescription you receive from your veterinarian.

Wrapping Up

If you are wondering about any possible side effects of enalapril maleate for dogs, we have already highlighted some in the sections above. But, some of the common side effects can be diarrhea, tiredness, vomiting, and loss of appetite in dogs.

However, you should not worry as you need to follow the recommended dosage of this medicine for treatment in dogs. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian every time there is confusion about this medicine.

Another thing that you can keep in mind is to better avoid potassium-related foods like oranges, bananas, green leafy vegetables, and other potassium-containing foods when your dog is on enalapril.

For any other query, ensure reaching out to a veterinarian or medical practitioner to understand the interactions of this medicine with food and herbs. They come with the proper degree and they will be able to guide you about any issues related to this medicine as it is used to treat minor to severe diseases in cats and dogs.