What is enalapril used for in dogs?

In this article:

• Enalapril for dogs
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Cost
• How to fill your Rx
• Summary

In this article

• Enalapril for dogs
• Safety
• Dosage
• Alternatives
• Cost
• How to fill your Rx
• Summary

Enalapril is one of the most commonly used prescription medications to treat canine congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. All are serious, chronic, and progressive conditions. Enalapril treatment improves the dog’s health, slows the progression of these diseases, and lengthens the dog’s life. 

What is enalapril used for in dogs?

Enalapril is a critical treatment for dogs with congestive heart failure or protein-losing kidney diseases (proteinuria), including chronic kidney disease. Enalapril is also a first-choice starting therapy for dogs with high blood pressure. 

Enalapril belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). It blocks the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which tightens blood vessels and increases blood pressure. So, enalapril’s primary effect is to slacken the muscles in blood vessels, widening them and decreasing blood pressure.

Congestive heart failure

When a dog develops congestive heart failure (CHF), the heart struggles to pump enough blood throughout the body. This often stems from damaged heart valves that allow blood to leak and pool in the heart. Over time, this can weaken the heart muscle.

Veterinarians typically use three types of medication to manage CHF:

• ACE inhibitors, like enalapril, are used to reduce blood pressure
• Diuretics, such as furosemide, are used to remove excess fluid
• Positive inotropes, like pimobendan, to strengthen heart contractions

ACE inhibitors, including enalapril and benazepril, are a first-line treatment. They ease the heart’s workload by lowering resistance in the arteries, helping the heart pump more efficiently without increasing the heart rate.

Proteinuria and kidney disease

Proteinuria means there’s too much protein in a dog’s urine, which can be a warning sign of kidney trouble. Kidneys rely on tiny filters called glomeruli. When these filters become damaged—often from high blood pressure—protein leaks into the urine.

This condition, if left untreated, can progress to kidney failure. Enalapril helps by:

• Lowering blood pressure in the glomeruli
• Reducing the amount of protein in the urine
• Slowing down kidney damage

It’s a protective treatment that can help preserve kidney function and extend a dog’s life.

High blood pressure

For dogs with high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or benazepril are often the initial treatment. While they may not lower blood pressure dramatically, they help protect organs from long-term damage.

If enalapril alone doesn’t meet blood pressure targets, a veterinarian may add another medication or switch to a different type of blood pressure drug.

Is enalapril safe for dogs?

Yes, enalapril is generally safe for dogs. However, it isn’t recommended for dogs with:

• Allergies to ACE inhibitors
• Certain heart conditions, like aortic stenosis

Veterinarians may also use caution in dogs with low sodium, blood disorders, or those that are pregnant or nursing.

Side effects of enalapril in dogs

The most common side effects of enalapril in dogs are:

• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness

These adverse effects are nothing to worry about unless they worsen or persist. If they do, contact the dog’s veterinarian.

More serious but rare side effects include:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Weakness
• High potassium
• Kidney dysfunction
• Hypersensitivity reactions

Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of a possible severe side effect, including:

• Rash
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Collapse

Interactions of enalapril with other pet meds

Enalapril may interact with other medications, including:

• Other blood pressure meds (risk of too-low blood pressure)
• Diuretics
• Insulin or oral diabetes medications (risk of low blood sugar)
• NSAIDs like carprofen (may reduce effectiveness)
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (risk of high potassium)

Always tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your dog is taking, including CBD.

Enalapril dosage for dogs

The standard enalapril dosage for dogs is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken by mouth every 12 or 24 hours.

Detailed enalapril dosage chart for dogs
Indication	Standard dose
Hypertension	0.5-1 mg/kg given by mouth twice a day
Heart failure	0.5 mg/kg given by mouth once or twice a day
Proteinuria	0.5 mg/kg given by mouth once or twice a day OR 0.25–1 mg/kg given by mouth once or twice a day

The FDA has approved enalapril for dogs, but pet parents can use veterinary formulations or human versions. Doses can be given as tablets, oral suspension (liquid), or oil-based liquids. 

Can dogs overdose on enalapril?

Yes, an overdose can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If your dog has ingested too much enalapril, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Can I give my dog enalapril every day?

Yes. Enalapril is often prescribed as a long-term medication for chronic conditions. Dogs may take it daily for months or even years. Regular vet checkups help ensure the medication remains safe and effective.

How to give your dog enalapril

Pet parents can usually expect to give two doses daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. Some vets will prescribe once-daily doses. When giving doses, pet caregivers have a choice between using tablets or liquid versions.

• Only give if prescribed by a vet
• Follow the exact dosage schedule
• Don’t skip doses
• You can give it with or without food
• Use the syringe or dropper provided for liquid doses
• Shake liquid formulations before use
• Store tablets at room temperature; check storage instructions for liquids

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one.

Enalapril alternatives for dogs

If enalapril isn’t effective or causes side effects, vets may try:

• Other ACE inhibitors: benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril, captopril
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): telmisartan, losartan, irbesartan
• Other blood pressure meds: amlodipine, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics

How much does enalapril cost?

The average cost of enalapril without insurance is $71 for 30, 20 mg tablets. With a free coupon from SingleCare, the cost can be as low as $9.

How to fill your enalapril prescription for your dog

Enalapril is a prescription medication. That means it has to be prescribed by a veterinarian. Once your veterinarian writes or calls in a prescription for enalapril, it can be filled at any regular pharmacy. Your veterinarian may also dispense enalapril from their hospital or have it filled at a veterinary compounding pharmacy.

Summary

Enalapril is a blood-pressure-lowering drug commonly used in dogs. It’s safe, effective, and has minimal side effects when used as directed to treat heart failure, kidney problems, and high blood pressure. Because benazepril treats serious conditions, it is essential to keep all veterinary appointments so the veterinarian can monitor the dog’s progress.