Vet Guide to Enalapril in 2025 🐾

Hi, I’m **Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc**, founder of Ask A Vet. This 2025 guide dives into **enalapril**, an ACE inhibitor used in dogs and cats to manage hypertension, heart disease, and kidney issues. You’ll learn how it works, dosing tips, side-effects, drug interactions, and strategies for safe, effective use in clinical practice. 💊🐶🐱

📘 What Is Enalapril?

Enalapril (brand names Enacard®, Vasotec®) is an **angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor** that relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, reduces fluid retention, and slows progression of kidney and heart disease :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

✅ Approved Uses in Pets

• **Congestive heart failure (CHF):** improves survival and quality of life in dogs with mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy, often combined with diuretics, pimobendan, or spironolactone :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• **Systemic hypertension:** in dogs and cats; particularly helpful in cats with mild–moderate high blood pressure :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• **Protein-losing kidney disease:** lowers intraglomerular pressure and reduces proteinuria in renal patients :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

📐 Dosing Guidelines

• Dogs & cats: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg **once or twice daily**, according to veterinary prescription :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Can be given with or without food—food may reduce digestive upset :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Always ensure **fresh water access**—enalapril can impact kidney function especially in dehydrated patients :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• **Missed dose?** Administer when remembered, or skip if close to next dose—never double up :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

⚠️ Mechanism of Action

Enalapril blocks ACE, preventing angiotensin I → II conversion. This leads to **vasodilation**, decreased blood volume, reduced blood pressure, less fluid buildup in CHF, and decreased glomerular pressure in kidney disease :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⚕️ Side Effects & Feedback

Common effects:

• Appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Low blood pressure signs: weakness, collapse :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cough, fluid retention (rare), changes in thirst or limb swelling :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Serious reactions:

• Allergic reactions: facial swelling, hives, breathing difficulty :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Kidney injury or elevated potassium levels in susceptible patients :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Pregnancy contraindicated (can cause fetal malformations) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🔗 Drug Interactions & Cautions

• Diuretics or other vasodilators: may amplify hypotensive or hyperkalemic effects—monitor carefully :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• NSAIDs: can reduce enalapril’s effectiveness and impair kidney function :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Potassium supplements increase risk of hyperkalemia :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Pregnancy: strictly avoid due to birth defect risk :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

🩺 Monitoring & Veterinary Oversight

• Check **blood pressure** within 1–2 weeks of starting or dosage adjustment :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Bloodwork for **kidney function and electrolytes** at baseline, then periodically (1–2 weeks post-start, then every 3–6 months) :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Reassess clinical symptoms—exercise tolerance in CHF, blood pressure control, and urine protein levels :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

🏡 Case Examples

🐶 CHF dog

• A 10-yr-old Cavalier with mitral disease received 0.5 mg/kg BID + furosemide & pimobendan; exercise and edema improved within 1 month.

🐱 Hypertensive cat

• A 12-yr-old feline with BP 185 mm Hg started on 0.25 mg/kg BID; BP normalized to 140 mm Hg; kidney values stable.

❓ FAQs

Can I stop enalapril when symptoms improve?

No—abrupt discontinuation can rebound blood pressure. Your vet will guide tapering decisions.

Can I give it with food?

Yes—food may help if stomach upset; consistent administration is key.

Is enalapril safe for senior pets?

Yes—with proper monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Enalapril is a foundational ACE inhibitor for treating heart failure, hypertension, and kidney protein loss in dogs and cats.
• Dosing typically 0.25–0.5 mg/kg once or twice daily; always ensure hydration and regular monitoring.
• Watch for low blood pressure, kidney effects, and rare allergy. Avoid pregnancy.
• Frequent blood pressure checks and lab work ensure safety and efficacy.
• Combines well with diuretics, pimobendan, and kidney therapies. Veterinary oversight is essential. 🐾❤️

Considering enalapril for your pet's heart or kidney condition? Download the Ask A Vet app for dosing reminders, blood pressure logs, lab tracking, and 24/7 veterinary support—empowering pet health in 2025 and beyond. 🐶🐱