Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteEnalapril is a prescription ACE inhibitor used in dogs, chiefly as part of treatment for congestive heart failure. Merck Veterinary Manual gives a general canine heart-failure reference dose of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12–24 hours, but only the prescribing veterinarian can set an individual dog’s dose. FDA records list U.S. approval for Enacard tablets for dogs as withdrawn because the product is no longer manufactured or marketed; this does not establish availability in other countries or at any particular pharmacy.
This guide explains what enalapril does, common uses and side effects, monitoring, and what to ask your veterinarian. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice or the prescription label.
What is enalapril?
Enalapril maleate is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, usually abbreviated ACE inhibitor. It is converted to its active form, enalaprilat, which inhibits ACE and reduces angiotensin-II-mediated blood-vessel constriction and sodium and water retention.
In dogs with heart failure, enalapril can reduce vascular resistance and some hormonal signals that affect fluid balance. It may also reduce pressure within kidney filters and urinary protein loss in selected dogs. Enalapril is not a diuretic and does not directly remove fluid from the lungs. It is generally part of a broader treatment plan.
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- FDA-approved for use in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF).
- Can also be used to help treat CHF in cats and other small animals, as well as high blood pressure, some forms of kidney disease, and to reduce proteinuria (protein in the urine).
- Do not use this medication in pregnant animals.
- May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
- While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Products and formulations may differ in strength, inactive ingredients, and labeling. Do not substitute a product or tablet strength based only on appearance; ask the veterinarian to confirm the exact medicine and instructions.
Is Enacard still available for dogs?
The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s June 2024 Green Book monthly update lists Enacard tablets for dogs, NADA 141-015, as withdrawn because the product is no longer manufactured or marketed. This is the FDA-recorded U.S. status in that update; it does not establish current inventory, old stock, or availability in other countries. See the FDA animal-drug update.
A veterinarian can advise on an appropriate prescription option, which may include generic enalapril or another formulation. A generic product’s availability and suitability should be confirmed with the veterinarian and dispensing pharmacy.
What is enalapril used for in dogs?
| Use | Context |
|---|---|
| Congestive heart failure | Enalapril is used in dogs with heart failure, including cases associated with dilated cardiomyopathy or myxomatous mitral valve disease. It is generally one part of a treatment plan. |
| High blood pressure | Veterinarians may use it in selected cases. ACE inhibitors have only modest arterial vasodilatory effects and may not be sufficient alone for severe systemic hypertension. |
| Proteinuria | It may be used in selected dogs to reduce urinary protein loss. Kidney function and urine protein should be monitored. |
Some uses may be extra-label depending on the indication and jurisdiction. Merck Veterinary Manual describes enalapril as approved in the United States for canine heart failure associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Ask the veterinarian what condition is being treated and what monitoring is needed.
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Does every dog with a heart murmur need enalapril?
No. A murmur alone does not establish heart failure or mean that enalapril is needed. A veterinarian may use examination findings and diagnostic tests to identify the disease and its stage.
For dogs with mitral valve disease, evidence for ACE inhibitors before heart failure is limited and their role remains controversial. Merck Veterinary Manual cautions against assuming enalapril will prevent heart failure in an asymptomatic dog. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, stage, and individual findings.
How effective is enalapril?
Enalapril can be part of a heart-failure treatment plan, but it does not cure the underlying disease and does not directly remove fluid from the lungs. The veterinarian may prescribe it with other medicines that address different aspects of heart failure.
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- Often used in combination with other medications to manage heart failure and high blood pressure in dogs and cats.
- Can also be used to help treat some forms of kidney disease and to reduce protein in the urine (proteinuria).
- Do not use this medication during pregnancy or in patients with an acute kidney injury.
- May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
- While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Evidence for preventing heart failure in dogs with subclinical cardiac disease is limited. Do not assume that a dog with an early murmur needs enalapril to prevent progression; ask the veterinarian how the dog’s stage and test results inform the plan.
What is the enalapril dose for dogs?
Merck Veterinary Manual gives a general canine heart-failure reference dose of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12–24 hours. A 12-hour interval may be chosen when continuous ACE inhibition is desired and tolerated. The reference is not an instruction for an individual dog: dose and interval depend on diagnosis, kidney function, hydration, blood pressure, other medicines, and response.
Merck recommends starting at the lower end and adjusting with monitoring of kidney function, serum potassium, and blood pressure. Do not start, stop, change, or share enalapril without the prescribing veterinarian. Do not calculate a dose from a general reference or substitute a human tablet on your own.
How to give enalapril
- Give the tablet or oral liquid by mouth exactly as prescribed.
- It may be given with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, ask the veterinarian whether to give later doses with food.
- Measure liquid carefully with an oral syringe or accurately marked device; do not estimate with a kitchen spoon.
- Follow the prescription label and keep the medicine stored as directed.
- Keep a current list of medicines and supplements to share with the veterinary team.
If a dose is missed, follow the label or ask the veterinary team what to do. Do not double a dose. If your dog vomits after a dose, do not automatically repeat it; contact the prescribing veterinarian for instructions.
Enalapril side effects in dogs
Possible side effects include poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness, and fainting or collapse associated with low blood pressure. More serious concerns include kidney dysfunction (azotemia) and elevated blood potassium. Dehydration and existing kidney disease increase concern.
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Do not give an extra dose to treat acute breathing difficulty. A dog struggling to breathe needs urgent veterinary care.
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Kidney, electrolyte, and blood-pressure monitoring
Enalapril and its active metabolite are primarily excreted by the kidneys. Veterinary references recommend monitoring kidney values, electrolytes—especially potassium—and blood pressure. Urine protein testing may also be relevant when proteinuria is the reason for treatment.
Monitoring schedules vary by reference and patient. Merck Veterinary Manual’s heart-failure guidance recommends checking blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine before treatment, again 3–7 days later, and periodically thereafter. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends checking electrolytes, kidney values, and urine protein at 1–2 weeks and every three months once stable. These are reference schedules, not interchangeable rules; the veterinarian will set the plan for the dog.
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Drug interactions and precautions
| Medicine or situation | Why the veterinarian needs to know |
|---|---|
| Diuretics or other vasodilators | Combined effects can increase the risk of low blood pressure. Diuretic-associated fluid loss may also raise kidney concerns. |
| Spironolactone or potassium products | These may increase the risk of high blood potassium. The combination and monitoring plan should be individualized. |
| NSAIDs | Use with an ACE inhibitor can raise the risk of acute kidney injury, particularly in a dehydrated dog or one with kidney disease. |
| Other medicines and supplements | Antihypertensives, corticosteroids, digoxin, and other products may affect the treatment or monitoring plan. |
Give the veterinarian a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and herbal products. Do not give a pain reliever or supplement without veterinary approval.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if a dose is missed, vomited, or doubled?
Missed dose
Follow the prescription label or contact the veterinary team for instructions. Do not double the next dose.
Vomiting after a dose
Do not automatically repeat the dose because some medicine may already have been absorbed. Contact the prescribing veterinarian, especially if vomiting continues or your dog is weak or dehydrated.
Accidental extra dose
Contact the prescribing veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your dog appears normal. Do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a veterinary professional directs you to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enacard the same as enalapril?
Enacard is a brand name for enalapril maleate. FDA records list its U.S. approval for canine tablets as withdrawn because the product is no longer manufactured or marketed. Ask your veterinarian about an appropriate available prescription option.
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- Often used in combination with other medications to manage heart failure and high blood pressure in dogs and cats.
- Can also be used to help treat some forms of kidney disease and to reduce protein in the urine (proteinuria).
- Do not use this medication during pregnancy or in patients with an acute kidney injury.
- May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
- While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Can a dog take generic human enalapril?
A veterinarian can advise whether a particular formulation is appropriate and prescribe it when indicated. Confirm the exact strength and instructions with the veterinary team; do not substitute a human tablet on your own.
Can enalapril be given with a diuretic?
Veterinarians may prescribe the medicines together as part of a heart-failure plan. Their combined effects can raise concerns about low blood pressure and kidney function, so monitoring and dose decisions should be individualized.
Can enalapril cause kidney problems?
Kidney dysfunction or azotemia is a potential concern, particularly with dehydration, existing kidney disease, or interacting medicines. The veterinarian may check kidney values before and after treatment and periodically thereafter.
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Call promptly about marked weakness, fainting, unusual lethargy, appetite loss, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or a suspected extra dose. Collapse or breathing distress requires emergency veterinary care.
Does enalapril prevent heart failure in every dog with a murmur?
No. Evidence for ACE inhibitors before heart failure is limited, and a murmur alone does not establish that enalapril is appropriate. The veterinarian should base treatment on the dog’s diagnosis and stage.
The Bottom Line
Enalapril is a veterinary-directed ACE inhibitor used chiefly as part of canine heart-failure treatment, with selected other uses. Merck Veterinary Manual’s general CHF reference is 0.25–0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12–24 hours, not a personal dosing instruction. FDA records list Enacard tablets for dogs as withdrawn in the United States because the product is no longer manufactured or marketed. Follow the veterinarian’s prescription and monitoring plan, including checks of kidney values, potassium, and blood pressure.
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