{"id":630406,"date":"2024-11-13T13:28:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T18:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630406"},"modified":"2025-09-03T16:03:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T20:03:28","slug":"benazepril-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benazepril-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Benazepril for dogs: Uses, dosage, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians use the blood pressure drug <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benazepril-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benazepril hydrochloride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (brand name: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lotensin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lotensin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/congestive-heart-failure-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">congestive heart failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, kidney disease, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in dogs. Not only is benazepril safe and effective, but it is also a critical component of treating heart failure and protein-losing kidney disease. In both cases, benazepril treatment significantly slows the progress of these diseases and increases the dog\u2019s survival time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benazepril-hcl\"><b>Save up to 80% on benazepril<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-benazepril-used-for-in-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is benazepril used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benazepril-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benazepril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a blood-pressure-lowering drug in dogs with congestive heart failure, protein-losing kidney diseases, and hypertension. As an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/ace-inhibitors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), benazepril works by blocking the body\u2019s production of angiotensin II, part of a complex of hormones (the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or RAAS) that controls blood pressure, blood volume, fluids, and electrolytes in the body. Angiotensin II (the word means \u201cblood vessel tightener\u201d) tightens muscles in the blood vessels, decreasing their width and increasing blood pressure. Blocking the production of this hormone widens blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"congestive-heart-failure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body. It\u2019s a condition that steadily worsens over time. This can be due to several causes, but the most common in dogs is due to disease of the heart valves. Healthy heart valves should work as one way valves to direct blood through the heart. When aging or diseased heart valves allow blood to leak, blood pools within the heart and is not pumped efficiently around the body. This blood pooling within the heart can cause the heart muscle to stretch and become weak, worsening the efficacy of the heart\u2019s action as a pump.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The veterinary treatment of congestive heart failure involves three main types of drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/diuretics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which make the dog urinate more, reduce the excess fluid retention that builds up in the body because of heart failure. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/furosemide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furosemide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the diuretic of choice for heart failure in dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A drug called pimobendan strengthens heart contractions, so the heart pumps more blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors like benazepril lower blood pressure in the peripheral arteries. This does two things: it lowers arterial blood pressure, so the heart doesn\u2019t have to work so hard to pump blood. It also increases blood pressure in the veins, which means that more blood enters the heart.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dogs may get a fourth drug called digoxin which is used to control heart rate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ACE inhibitors <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enalapril-maleate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enalapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and benazepril are the most frequently prescribed drugs to dogs with heart failure. They are highly effective and safe, and they significantly increase the length of the dog\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"proteinuria-and-kidney-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proteinuria and kidney disease<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proteinuria simply means there is too much protein in the urine relative to creatinine, a common waste product in urine. Proteinuria can be a temporary problem\u2014for instance, some drugs cause proteinuria as a side effect. However, it can also be a warning sign of serious and progressive kidney disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In particular, proteinuria is a potential sign of glomerular or nephrotic disease, conditions that affect the filtration systems in the kidneys. The job of the kidneys, after all, is to take waste, electrolytes, and water out of the blood and eliminate it through the urine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That job is done by little structures in the kidneys called nephrons made up of arteries, veins, and little tubes. The most important parts of the system are the glomeruli, bundles of tiny and very thin peripheral arteries. These arteries are so thin that blood pressure is enough to push water, electrolytes, and waste through the artery walls. But it\u2019s usually not strong enough to push very many proteins through those walls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs with nephrotic or glomerular disease are steadily losing these glomeruli. The body compensates by increasing blood pressure through glomeruli that are still working. The increased blood pressure pushes more water and waste through the artery walls. It also pushes a lot more proteins through those walls, too. That\u2019s what causes proteinuria.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The increased blood pressure also damages those fragile arteries, so these protein-losing kidney diseases worsen over time. ACE inhibitors like benazepril work directly on peripheral arteries like the glomeruli. By reducing blood pressure, benazepril reduces protein in the urine and also protects these fragile structures from further damage. As with heart failure, benazepril or enalapril treatment significantly lengthens the lifetimes of dogs with protein-losing kidney disease. Of the two, benazepril is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cliniciansbrief.com\/article\/which-drugs-can-control-systemic-arterial-hypertension-dogs-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preferred ACE inhibitor for canine kidney disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because its blood concentrations are more predictable in dogs with kidney disease than enalapril.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"high-blood-pressure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril is a common treatment for hypertension in dogs. It is usually the first drug that a veterinarian will try. If the drug brings blood pressure under control, vets will continue benazepril treatment. If it doesn\u2019t, the veterinarian will turn to other drugs either a replacement for benazepril or an add-on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with ACE inhibitors like benazepril is that they\u2019re not very powerful, making them unsuitable for very high blood pressure. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amlodipine-besylate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amlodipine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/hydralazine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydralazine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/circulatory-system\/various-cardiovascular-diseases-in-dogs-and-cats\/systemic-and-pulmonary-hypertension-in-dogs-and-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the most consistently effective blood pressure drugs in dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-benazepril-safe-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is benazepril safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As in people, benazepril is a safe drug that usually doesn\u2019t cause significant side effects or serious problems. The only dogs that cannot safely take benazepril are dogs that have had an allergic reaction to benazepril or a similar drug like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enalapril-maleate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enalapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/captopril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">captopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians use benazepril cautiously in dogs with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low sodium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lupus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collagen vascular disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril may not be safe when given to a pregnant or nursing dog. There is evidence it can cause birth defects in unborn puppies, but veterinarians are unsure how it affects nursing puppies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"side-effects-of-benazepril-in-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of benazepril in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of benazepril in dogs are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If these side effects or the underlying condition worsen, contact the dog\u2019s veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More serious but rare side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney dysfunction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypersensitivity reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"interactions-of-benazepril-with-other-pet-meds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interactions of benazepril with other pet meds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure the veterinarian knows about all the drugs and supplements the dog is taking. Benazepril has some significant drug interactions the veterinarian may wish to avoid including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other blood pressure drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin and oral diabetes medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Except for potassium supplements, pet parents should be able to give their dogs vitamins, herbal remedies, and even CBD. However, make sure to tell the veterinarian about all these other remedies including how much is given to the dog and when.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benazepril-dosage-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The standard benazepril dosage for dogs is 0.25\u20130.5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken by mouth every 12 or 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumb\u2019s Veterinary Drug Manual lists the following dosages:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For adjunctive treatment of heart failure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg given by mouth once a day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For proteinuria: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg given by mouth once or twice a day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For hypertension: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg given by mouth once or twice a day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril is not FDA approved for use in companion animals, but pet parents can choose between human formulations or compounded veterinary formulations. Veterinary formulations come in tablets as small as 1 mg, but human formulations start at 2.5 mg. Compounding pharmacies can also supply benazepril as a capsule or oil-based liquid (sometimes with meat flavoring) for easier dosing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-dogs-overdose-on-benazepril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can dogs overdose on benazepril?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benazepril\/dosage\">prescribed dose<\/a> should be considered the maximum dosage. Do not give a dog more benazepril than instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can have problems if they take too much benazepril. The principal worry is low blood pressure which could be life-threatening. If a dog has had too much benazepril, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or a veterinarian. Veterinary professionals may need to monitor the dog for several hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-i-give-my-dog-benazepril-every-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I give my dog benazepril every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril is a long-term daily treatment. Dogs with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or high blood pressure may need to take the drug for the rest of their lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As in people, benazepril is safe to give to dogs. It has minimal side effects and is unlikely to cause serious problems if a veterinarian regularly sees the dog and performs blood tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-give-your-dog-benazepril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to give your dog benazepril<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril is a relatively easy pill to give a dog because it is small, even at large doses. If pills are a challenge, a compounding pharmacy can mix up an oil-based liquid for easier dosing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only give a dog benazepril if it has been prescribed by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give the doses exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease the dose until talking to the veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not miss doses. Veterinarians use benazepril to hold back the progress and complications of chronic and serious conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril does not cause withdrawal effects or require doses to gradually decrease when it\u2019s time to stop, but do not stop giving the dog benazepril doses unless instructed by the veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril can be given with or without food. If doses are causing digestive system problems, try giving the dose with a meal or snack.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t know how to give a dog tablets or capsules, ask a veterinary professional to demonstrate the proper technique.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril oil-based liquid may need to be shaken before measuring a dose. Read the instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use the calibrated oral syringe or dropper that comes with the liquid to measure doses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you forget a dose of benazepril, give it when remembered. If it\u2019s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular time.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril tablets should be stored at room temperature. Read the instructions when storing benazepril oil-based liquid.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"benazepril-alternatives-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril alternatives for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril is a preferred treatment for serious veterinary conditions: heart failure and protein-losing kidney disease. If it doesn\u2019t work, veterinarians will try other ACE inhibitors. The most likely alternative is enalapril, but other treatment options include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lisinopril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lisinopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ramipril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ramipril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/captopril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">captopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians do have other treatment options if ACE inhibitors are a problem. For <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/practical-guide-antiproteinuric-drugs-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can try a similar family of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ARBs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/full\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000001063\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidelines for heart failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people suggest ARBs or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/entresto\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entresto<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (sacubitril-valsartan) if ACE inhibitors can\u2019t be taken. The last has only been used <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7704862\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">experimentally<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/cardiology\/systemic-hypertension-in-dogs-cats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For blood pressure problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, veterinarians usually start with ACE inhibitors like benazepril or enalapril unless blood pressure is too high. If it works, there\u2019s no reason to change the medication. If it doesn\u2019t work, they will add or switch to other blood pressure drugs like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/calcium-channel-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calcium channel blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ARBs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/alpha-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alpha-1 blockers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They may also add a diuretic such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/spironolactone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spironolactone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/thiazide-diuretics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thiazide diuretic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For heart failure and kidney disease, natural or alternative remedies are not considered effective substitutes for medications. The most effective complementary treatments for canine hypertension are a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"summary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used as directed, benazepril is safe to give to dogs to treat heart failure, kidney problems, and high blood pressure. Side effects are minimal, but treatment will require that the dog be regularly checked by the veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Veterinarians use the blood pressure drug benazepril hydrochloride (brand name: Lotensin) to treat congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and high blood pressure in dogs. Not only is benazepril safe and effective, but it is also a critical component of treating heart failure and protein-losing kidney disease. In both cases, benazepril treatment significantly slows the progress [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":630407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7956],"tags":[790,737],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-630406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets","tag-chronic-disease","tag-heart-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Benazepril for Dogs: Heart and kidney health benefits<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Benazepril is used to treat congestive heart failure, protein-losing kidney disease, and high blood pressure in dogs. The standard dose of benazepril for dogs is 0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg taken by mouth every 12\u201324 hours. Side effects are uncommon but include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benazepril-for-dogs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Benazepril for dogs: Uses, dosage, and side effects\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Benazepril is used to treat congestive heart failure, protein-losing kidney disease, and high blood pressure in dogs. The standard dose of benazepril for dogs is 0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg taken by mouth every 12\u201324 hours. 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