Veterinary 2025 Guide: Propranolol for Dogs & Cats 💓🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. In this 2025 guide, we review propranolol—a non‑selective beta‑blocker used in dogs and cats to manage arrhythmias, hypertension from pheochromocytoma, and hyperthyroid-induced tachycardia. Learn dosing, monitoring, side effects, drug interactions, and client guidance—integrated with Ask A Vet digital support 😊.

🔍 1. What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol blocks both β₁ and β₂ receptors to slow heart rate, reduce contraction strength, relax blood vessels, and lower blood pressure :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🎯 2. Indications

• Arrhythmias: Aids in managing tachyarrhythmias in dogs and cats :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Hypertension: Used selectively in pheochromocytoma-associated high blood pressure :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Hyperthyroid cats: Helps control high heart rate and hypertension :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

💊 3. Dosing & Administration

• Dogs: 0.2–1 mg/kg PO every 8 hrs; start low and titrate :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Cats: 0.4–1.2 mg/kg or about 2.5–5 mg per cat PO every 8 hrs :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Available in tablets, capsules, liquid, or injectable forms :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• With or without food; give with food if GI upset occurs :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Do not stop abruptly; taper off slowly under vet direction :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⏱️ 4. Onset & Duration

Effects begin within 1–2 hrs and may last up to 24 hrs in pets with renal or hepatic compromise :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

⚠️ 5. Side Effects & Risks

• Lethargy, hypoglycemia, diarrhea, bronchospasm, hypotension, bradycardia, collapse—common in geriatric or compromised patients :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• May worsen heart failure; abortive doses may increase risk :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Can exacerbate renal, hepatic, diabetic, or pulmonary disease :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🚫 6. Contraindications & Precautions

• Do not use with bradycardia, AV block, asthma, or congestive heart failure :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Use caution in diabetes, liver/kidney disease, or pacemaker abnormalities :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Avoid in pregnant or lactating pets unless benefits outweigh risks :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

💊 7. Drug Interactions

• Contraindicated with other antihypertensives, calcium-channel blockers, clonidine, epinephrine; caution with sedatives, insulin, phenothiazines, theophylline, digoxin, antiarrhythmics, diuretics, cimetidine :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

🩺 8. Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, and respiratory status regularly—especially early in therapy.
• Perform ECGs, renal/liver function tests, and blood glucose checks in diabetics :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Evaluate for bronchospasm in respiratory patients.

📝 9. Client Education & Home Care

• Explain role in controlling heart rate and blood pressure, not a cure.
• Demonstrate accurate dosing and the importance of tapering.
• Warn about signs of adverse effects—lethargy, weakness, breathing changes, fainting—and when to seek vet care.
• Recommend Ask A Vet app for dose reminders, symptom logging, BP tracking, and 24/7 vet messaging 😊.
• Stress consistent storage: room temperature, sealed, away from heat/light :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📌 10. 2025 Vet Takeaways

• Propranolol remains a key tool for treating arrhythmias, hyperthyroid tachycardia, and select hypertension in pets.
• Start low, titrate to effect; tapers recommended to avoid rebound effects.
• Close monitoring of cardiac, respiratory, metabolic, liver, and renal status is essential.
• Owner education with digital tools improves compliance and safety 😊.

At Ask A Vet, we offer ECG reminders, BP tracking dashboards, dose logs, and 24/7 messaging support to help manage propranolol safely and effectively. Encourage your clients to download our app for connected, confident care ❤️