Vetmedin for Dogs
Heart Failure Treatment
The gold standard heart failure medication for dogs. Twice daily, lifelong. Save up to 55% buying online with a prescription.
Buy Vetmedin at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Vetmedin your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is Vetmedin (Pimobendan)?
Vetmedin is a cardiac medication manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim containing pimobendan. It is classified as a positive inodilator — meaning it both strengthens the heart muscle contractions (positive inotrope) and dilates blood vessels (vasodilator), reducing the workload on the failing heart.
Pimobendan is the single most important medication for canine heart failure. The landmark QUEST and EPIC studies proved that dogs with heart failure receiving pimobendan live significantly longer than those on conventional treatment alone. It can extend life by months to years depending on the underlying condition.
Vetmedin is available as chewable tablets in 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. It must be given twice daily on an empty stomach (approximately 1 hour before food) for optimal absorption. It is typically prescribed alongside an ACE inhibitor (Fortekor) and a diuretic (furosemide) as part of triple therapy for heart failure.
The most important heart failure drug — proven to extend life
Must be given on empty stomach, 1 hour before food
£300-£900+ per year at the vet — huge savings online
Vetmedin Dosage by Weight
Dose: 0.2-0.6 mg/kg daily, split into two doses 12 hours apart.
Side Effects & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- • Reduced appetite
- • Mild vomiting or diarrhoea
- • Increased heart rate
- • Restlessness
Important Warnings
- • Must give on empty stomach
- • Not for aortic stenosis or HCM
- • Regular cardiac monitoring essential
- • Never stop suddenly without vet advice
Vetmedin Price Comparison
Vetmedin 1.25 mg — 100 chewable tablets
Vetmedin 2.5 mg — 100 chewable tablets
Vetmedin 5 mg — 100 chewable tablets
Vetmedin 10 mg — 100 chewable tablets
Huge annual savings: A 30 kg dog on Vetmedin 5 mg twice daily uses ~730 tablets per year. At vet prices: £870-£1,460. Online: £475-£805. Annual saving: £395-£655 even after the £21 prescription fee. Vetmedin is one of the biggest money-savers for online purchasing.
Alternatives to Vetmedin
Cardisure (Generic Pimobendan)
Same active ingredient, same dosages, typically 15-30% cheaper than branded Vetmedin. Manufactured by Dechra. Ask your vet to prescribe the generic to save money.
Fortekor (Benazepril)
ACE inhibitor usually prescribed alongside Vetmedin, not as a replacement. Part of standard triple therapy. See our Fortekor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Congestive heart failure in dogs from DCM or mitral valve disease. Strengthens the heart and dilates blood vessels.
£0.80-£2.50 per tablet at the vet, £0.40-£1.40 online. Annual savings of £150-£650 buying online.
Generally well tolerated. Mild appetite loss, vomiting, increased heart rate possible. Must be given on an empty stomach.
Yes. Twice daily for life. Part of standard triple therapy with Fortekor and furosemide.
Yes with a POM-V prescription. Maximum £21 prescription fee. Online prices are 40-55% cheaper than vet dispensing.
Recommended by VetCost
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The Pharm Pet Co. — Pet Pharmacy
UK online pet pharmacy. Flea, worm, prescription medications, supplements and pet food. Save vs vet prices.
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Save hundreds on Vetmedin
Heart medication for life is expensive. Buying online saves £150-£650+ per year.