, but the drugs of choice are benazepril or enalapril. ACE inhibitors are very safe but not as strong as other blood pressure drugs. They\u2019re best suited when blood pressure is not very high. Even though they\u2019re typically a first-line drug for hypertensive dogs, the veterinarian may modify treatment if target blood pressure levels aren\u2019t hit with enalapril or benazepril.<\/span><\/p>\nVeterinarians may use lisinopril to treat canine hypertension, but there are no published dosages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIs lisinopril safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\nLisinopril is safe for dogs but hasn\u2019t been extensively studied.<\/span><\/p>\nThe only dogs that can\u2019t be given lisinopril are those that have had an allergic reaction to lisinopril.<\/span><\/p>\nVeterinarians are cautious about using enalapril in dogs who have:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Low sodium or sodium depletion<\/span><\/li>\n
- Blood flow obstruction to the heart or brain<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collagen vascular disorders<\/span><\/li>\n
- Blood disorders<\/span><\/li>\n
- Severe heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The use of lisinopril may not be advisable in pregnant or nursing dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe drug can cause fetal defects in unborn animals. In people, doctors immediately stop giving women lisinopril if they get pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nVeterinarians do not know if lisinopril affects nursing puppies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSide effects of lisinopril in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\nThe most common side effects of lisinopril in dogs are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n
- Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n
- Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These should be harmless, but if they worsen, contact the veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\nMore serious but rare side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
- High potassium (hyperkalemia)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Kidney dysfunction<\/span><\/li>\n
- Allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:<\/span><\/p>\nInteractions of lisinopril with other pet meds<\/span><\/h3>\nDrugs that may interact with lisinopril include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Other blood pressure drugs:<\/b> Low blood pressure is a risk when giving multiple antihypertensives to a dog. However, a veterinarian may prescribe multiple blood pressure drugs if blood pressure is too high. In those cases, pet parents should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of low blood pressure in case it happens to their pet.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Diuretics:<\/b> Again, there\u2019s a risk blood pressure will fall too low. However, it\u2019s common for veterinarians to prescribe diuretics with ACE inhibitors, particularly for heart failure.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Diabetes medications:<\/b> Combining lisinopril with drugs such as insulin that lower blood sugar risks a severe drop in blood sugar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing drugs:<\/b> High potassium is a risk when a dog gets lisinopril and any supplement or drug that increases potassium levels.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):<\/b> Dogs can\u2019t be given human <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span> like <\/span>aspirin<\/span> or <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span>. Veterinarians generally use veterinary NSAIDs such as carprofen for problems such as osteoarthritis. NSAIDs interfere with lisinopril\u2019s ability to lower blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ask the veterinarian about any vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies you may give the dog. CBD supplements should be okay but talk to the veterinarian first.<\/span><\/p>\nLisinopril dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\nThe standard lisinopril dosage for dogs is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given orally every 12 or 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\nPlumb\u2019s Veterinary Drug Manual lists the following dosage for dogs with heart failure:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- 0.5 mg\/kg given by mouth once or twice a day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are no standardized lisinopril dosages for dogs with hypertension in the veterinary medicine literature. Veterinarians are likely to use the dosage above.<\/span><\/p>\nLisinopril is not FDA-approved for use in dogs or other animals, so all veterinary use of the medication is off-label. Lisinopril tablets formulated for people come in dosage strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg. Veterinary pharmacies typically sell generic or relabeled versions of lisinopril tablets made for people.<\/span><\/p>\nFor easier dosing, an oral solution of lisinopril can be purchased as brand-name <\/span>Qbrelis<\/span>. Some compounding pharmacies can specially prepare an oil-suspension liquid version of lisinopril.<\/span><\/p>\nCan dogs overdose on lisinopril?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe veterinary literature does not specify a maximum dose of lisinopril for dogs. Always consider the prescribed dose to be the maximum dose. Do not give the dog more medicine than prescribed until consulting with the veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn a dog or cat, doses higher than 20 mg per kilogram of body weight are considered an overdose. The most common symptoms of an overdose are low energy, low blood pressure, vomiting, and rapid heart rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe most concerning issue is low blood pressure (hypotension). It can drop dangerously low, particularly if the dog is being given other blood pressure drugs. Symptoms of very low blood pressure include confusion, weakness, fainting, pale gums, and changes in heart rate.<\/span><\/p>\nIf a dog has been given too much lisinopril or has accidentally ingested the medicine, immediately call an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or a veterinary hospital. If the dog has seriously overdosed, a veterinarian may need to put them on fluids and monitor them for several days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCan I give my dog lisinopril every day?<\/span><\/h3>\nLisinopril is a long-term and possibly lifelong treatment for dogs. Its long-term and daily use is safe, and any side effects experienced by the dog tend to be mild.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow to give your dog lisinopril<\/span><\/h3>\nMost people can expect to give their pet two doses of lisinopril daily. The most important thing to know is to never miss a dose. Lisinopril is a life-extending drug that works best when dosed faithfully.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Do not give lisinopril to a dog unless it\u2019s prescribed by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Follow all the veterinarian\u2019s instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Do not give larger doses than prescribed or give them more often than prescribed.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lisinopril doses can be given with or without food.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you don\u2019t know how to give a dog tablets, ask a veterinary professional to demonstrate the most effective procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lisinopril oil-based suspension may need to be shaken before measuring a dose. Read the instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Always use the calibrated oral syringe or dropper that comes with the liquid to measure doses.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Try to give doses at the same time every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Do not miss doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible unless it\u2019s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next dose as scheduled. Do not give a dog two doses to make up for a missed dose.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Do not stop giving the dog lisinopril until talking to the veterinarian. The dog will not experience withdrawal symptoms, but stopping the drug will bring back high blood pressure and any heart problems.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Store lisinopril tablets at room temperature protected from moisture, excessive heat, and freezing. For Qbrelis or lisinopril oil-based suspension, follow the storage instructions included with the medicine or printed on the label.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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