Benazepril for Dogs and Cats

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is Benazepril Used for in Dogs and Cats?

Benazepril is a prescription medication used in veterinary medicine for many conditions. Most commonly, veterinarians prescribe benazepril to manage congestive heart failure in dogs and cats and to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs and cats.

Benazepril is also used in the treatment of certain kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats. Benazepril may also be prescribed to help manage proteinuria (excessive protein loss into the urine caused by several possible underlying diseases) in dogs and cats.

In horses, benazepril may be used as an additional medication for the treatment of heart valve disease.

Benazepril can be given as a single medication but is more often used in combination with other medications, depending on your pet’s underlying issue. Your veterinarian will determine which medications are best for your pet, based on their diagnosis and treatment plan.

Giving benazepril with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it’s important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.

Benazepril is FDA-approved for human use under the brand name Lotensin® and is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication.

However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs for use in animals under certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn’t described on the drug label. Your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is right for your pet.

In certain circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend a compounded formulation of benazepril.

Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They’re created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs.

How Benazepril Works in Dogs and Cats

Benazepril, an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, minimizes burdens on the heart by lowering blood pressure and widening the blood vessels.

By blocking ACE, a naturally occurring protein the body makes to constrict blood vessels, blood vessels stay relaxed, which decreases blood pressure.

In pets with kidney disease, benazepril also relaxes the kidney’s blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure in the kidney and reduces protein leakage into the urine. 

Benazepril for Dogs and Cats Directions

• Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.

• Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose. This medication is typically given once to twice daily in dogs and cats and every 12 hours in horses.

• Do not stop or change the dosage of benazepril without first discussing this with your veterinarian.

• This medication can be given with or without a meal; giving it with a meal may decrease digestive upset. Treats that contain high levels of sodium (salt) should not be used to give this medication.

• Your pet should always have access to water while on this medication.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do If you forget to give a dose of benazepril. Generally, they may advise you to give it when you remember.

However, if it’s almost time for your pet’s next dose, your veterinarian may instruct you to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. In most cases, they may instruct you not to give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of Benazepril in Dogs and Cats

Benazepril is generally well tolerated in dogs and cats, but side effects are possible. They include:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

• Weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue (lethargy)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lack of coordination

• Changes in thirst and urination

If you believe your pet may be experiencing any side effects, consult your veterinarian.

Human Side Effects

Benazepril is also a prescription medication for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets, and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, immediately seek medical attention or call the national Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Monitoring Your Pet

Specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is on this medication may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.

When To Call Your Vet

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of benazepril

Benazepril Overdose in Dogs and Cats Information

The primary concern with an overdose with benazepril is excessively low blood pressure, which may present as weakness, vomiting, high heart rate, collapse, or lethargy.

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

• Pet Poison Helpline® 855-764-7661

• ASPCA® Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

How To Store Benazepril for Dogs and Cats

Follow these tips when storing your pet’s benazepril:

• Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label.

• Benazepril tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature of 68–77 degrees F (20–25 degrees C) with excursions between 59–86 degrees F (15–30 degrees C) permitted.

• Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture and light.

• Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.