Dogs have a big heart – and that’s meant metaphorically at first.
But the real heart is of course also a vital part of our furry friends.
So what if an illness or weakness has crept in? Then can Cardalis for the dog help.
The following lines tell you what you have to consider with this drug.
Cardalis for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Cardalis is used in dogs that under one dysfunction of the heart valves suffering, usually of a chronic degenerative nature is.
With such a disease, the heart can no longer pump enough blood to and through the body. This necessitates the administration of a drug such as Cardalis.
The active ingredients that support the heart and also regulate blood pressure are spironolactone and benazepril hydrochloride.
Broken down even further, spironolactone is a so-called diuretic that contributes to increased water and sodium excretion.
Benazepril hydrochloride is a so-called ACE inhibitor. This causes the arteries and veins to contract, leading to increased blood pressure.
So if your dog suffers from high blood pressure, he should not be treated with Cardalis as well.
By the way, in some cases, Cardalis is also used in dogs that have been diagnosed with renal insufficiency.
Because the active ingredients block the hormone aldosterone, which in turn prevents water and salts from being excreted through the kidneys.
However, these dogs should not receive the drug if they are already being treated with an NSAID – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Proper use and dosage of Cardalis in dogs
The dog gets for every kilogram of body weight 0.25 mg benazepril hydrochloride and 2 mg spironolactone once daily.
The correct dosage of Cardalis in dogs depends primarily on the body weight of the furry friend.
Incidentally, Cardalis is available in strengths of 2.5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg and 10 mg/80 mg.
Ideally, give your dog Cardalis along with some food.
The tablet is supposed to be very tasty, but with our furry friends you never really know when it comes to medication.
IMPORTANT
Do not give your dog cardalis until your vet deems it necessary, or you will cause real harm.
The following table gives you a simple overview of the right dosage:
Dog body weight in kilogramsCardalis 2.5mg/20mgCardalis 5mg/40mgCardalis 10mg/80mg2.5 to 5kg½ tablet––5.1 to 10 kg1 tablet —10.1 to 20 kg–1 tablet–20.1 to 40kg––1 tablet40.1 to 60 kg––1.5 tablets60.1 to 80 kg––2 tablets
How long does it take for Cardalis to work in dogs?
Since Cardalis is a long-term medication, the Effect in dogs only after a few days or weeks on.
The exact duration of use depends on the severity of the disease and can last for months or even years.
What side effects can Cardalis cause in dogs?
The most common side effects of Cardalis in dogs include: diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy/fatigue.
In rarer cases, anorexia, i.e. massive weight loss, ataxia, coordination disorders and itching can also occur.
In this case, you should visit the veterinarian as soon as possible to discuss an alternative treatment for your dog.
As a rule, however, the side effects of diarrhea and vomiting should subside on their own after a few days.
When should I not use Cardalis in dogs?
Cardalis should not be used in growing male dogs. The drug has an effect on the sex hormones.
Cardalis is also not the right drug for the clinical pictures:
- Hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)
- Hypernatremia (low sodium levels in the blood)
- Hypersensitivity to either of the two active ingredients
- Presence of narrowing of the pulmonary blood vessels or the aorta
Bitches that are either pregnant or already lactating should also not be treated with Cardalis.
Where is Cardalis available?
In order to buy Cardalis for your dog, you first need a prescription from your veterinarian. Because Cardalis is one of the prescription drugs.
It is available upon presentation of the prescription in all pharmacies, also online. There are also online pharmacies that specialize in veterinary medicine.
The cost of Cardalis depends on the strength of the tablets. You should plan the following prices for a pack of 30 tablets:
- Cardalis 2.5mg/20mg: €33.65
- Cardalis 5mg/40mg: €49.83
- Cardalis 10mg/80mg: €64.61
What alternatives are there to Cardalis for dogs?
Are the described side effects of Cardalis for dogs a bit too severe for you and are you looking for an alternative? Then it can get a little difficult.
Because it is current Cardalis is the only veterinary drug that contains both benazeprine hydrochloride and spironolactone receives.
If your vet thinks that benazeprine hydrochloride is sufficient, you can find an alternative at Fortekor or Benakor, among others.
Spironolactone, on the other hand, is contained in Prilacton, among other things, or in Dimazon and UpCard. The latter is used as an alternative for large and heavy dogs.
In case of doubt, your veterinarian can explain what experiences have already been made with this – also whether and what dosage of these medications makes sense.
Conclusion
Cardalis for dogs is a prescription drug that in dogs with valvular dysfunction.
A positive effect is achieved by the ingredients benazepril hydrochloride and spironolactone.
Cardalis can also be prescribed under certain conditions at the onset of kidney disease.
Unfortunately, some side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching and coordination disorders can occur.
If you are looking for an alternative, it will likely involve two different medications, such as Benakor and Prilacton.
Has your dog ever had experience with Cardalis? Then we say thank you if you share them with us in the comments.