What Is Standard Treatment for CHF?

VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) is recommended for dogs at the first sign of CHF

The 2009 ACVIM guidelines encouraged veterinarians to add VETMEDIN to their standard treatment for CHF in dogs. The experts agreed that VETMEDIN should be used at the start of clinical signs (known as Stage C).

The recommended standard treatment for dogs with CHF should include:

  • Furosemide
  • Pimobendan (VETMEDIN)
  • ACE inhibitor

VETMEDIN is a versatile, first-line therapy for the treatment of CHF due to AVVI or DCM.9

  • VETMEDIN can be used with other therapies for CHF7
  • VETMEDIN can be used in dogs with mild, moderate, or severe CHF7
  • VETMEDIN is proven in clinical trials to lengthen life and improve quality of life in dogs with CHF8
  • VETMEDIN was well tolerated with few adverse events9

Click here for more information about VETMEDIN.

Important safety information: 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. The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian. Please refer to the Full Prescribing Information here.

Heart Health Tips

Photo Keep an eye on your dogs as they age.

See more tips here.

Tell Us Your Story

PhotoSubmit your story of a canine member of your family and his or her battle against heart disease.

Is Your Dog at Risk of CHF?

St.Bernard Learn more about the risk factors for your dog.


VETMEDIN is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH,
licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.