Benazepril medication for dogs reviewed by veterinarian Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, and edited by Catherine Barnette, DVM, published on June 1, 2020, and last reviewed on June 30, 2025. Shared on Facebook, Twitter, and available via email and print.
Benazepril, a common angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, particularly for managing key health conditions in dogs. Marketed under the name Aceptor, this medication is frequently used to alleviate heart failure, chronic renal failure, and high blood pressure in our furry friends.
Common Uses and Benefits
Management of Heart Failure
Benazepril plays a crucial role in reducing fluid build-up, a common symptom of heart failure. By minimising the amount of fluid that accumulates in the lungs and other parts of the body, dogs experience improved comfort and a reduction in symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Furthermore, by reducing pressure on the heart, benazepril enhances blood flow and improves cardiac function, leading to better overall circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Chronic Renal Failure
For dogs suffering from chronic renal failure, benazepril offers significant benefits. The medication helps reduce protein in the urine, which is beneficial for kidney health. Moreover, by lowering blood pressure and reducing proteinuria, benazepril helps protect kidney function over time, a crucial factor for dogs with chronic renal failure.
High Blood Pressure
In managing high blood pressure, benazepril demonstrates its effectiveness by controlling blood pressure levels. This is achieved by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. By doing so, benazepril reduces the risk of complications associated with high blood pressure, such as organ damage and heart disease. Furthermore, it prevents secondary damage to organs like the kidneys and heart, which can occur due to persistent high blood pressure.
Additional General Benefits
Benazepril is often used for long-term management of these conditions, providing consistent relief and improving the quality of life for dogs. It is also commonly used in combination with other medications, such as diuretics like furosemide, to enhance therapeutic effects.
Precautions and Administration
Benazepril should be stored at room temperature, in the dark, and inside the packaging until use. The dosage of benazepril should be determined by a veterinarian and pet parent, and adjusted based on side effects, blood samples, and the best effect with the fewest side effects. It's essential to note that the dosage isn't always prescribed based on weight alone.
Benazepril should not be used at the same time as other ACE inhibitors. Tablets that are removed from the packaging or halved should be kept dry and given to the dog within 48 hours. Benazepril is generally given once daily, with an empty stomach or with food, and the dosage should be confirmed each time medication is ordered.
Care should be taken when using benazepril with drugs that lower blood pressure. Spikes in blood potassium can occur when using benazepril with diuretics like spironolactone. If the cost of benazepril is prohibitively expensive, a veterinarian can write a prescription for the medication to be filled at a human pharmacy.
If a dog misses a dose of benazepril, the missed dose should be given as soon as remembered, and the next dose should be given 24 hours later. Always consult with a veterinarian regarding any concerns or questions about the administration of benazepril to your dog.
[1] Veterinary Medicine: Small Animal Practice, 5th Edition. W.J. Brodbelt, D.M.M. Mills, S.E.D. Watkins, and P.D.N. Navarro. Elsevier, 2016. [3] Merck Veterinary Manual. Benazepril Hydrochloride. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/drugs/cardiovascular-drugs/angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors/benazepril-hydrochloride
- Benazepril, a crucial component in veterinary medicine, aids in the management of heart failure in dogs.
- Reducing fluid build-up is one of the ways benazepril mitigates heart failure symptoms.
- By minimizing fluid in the lungs and other body parts, dogs experience reduced coughing and improved breathing.
- Cardiac function is enhanced as benazepril reduces the pressure on the heart, improving overall circulation.
- For dogs with chronic renal failure, benazepril provides significant benefits.
- Benazepril helps reduce protein in urine, aiding kidney health.
- By lowering blood pressure and reducing proteinuria, benazepril helps preserve kidney function.
- In managing high blood pressure, benazepril exhibits efficacy in controlling blood pressure levels.
- This is achieved by relaxing blood vessels and making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- By reducing the risk of high blood pressure complications, benazepril offers protection against organ damage and heart disease.
- Long-term management of these conditions benefits from the use of benazepril, improving the quality of life for dogs.
- Benazepril is often combined with other medications, like diuretics, to amplify therapeutic effects.
- The dosage of benazepril should be determined by a veterinarian and pet parent.
- The dosage should be adjusted based on side effects, blood samples, and the best effect with the fewest side effects.
- Benazepril should not be used concurrently with other ACE inhibitors.
- Care should be taken when using benazepril with drugs that lower blood pressure.
- Benazepril tablets should be kept dry and given to the dog within 48 hours of removal from the packaging.
- If a dog misses a dose, the missed dose should be given as soon as remembered, with the next dose administered 24 hours later.
- Consultation with a veterinarian is essential regarding any concerns or questions about benazepril administration.
- Benazepril should be stored at room temperature, in the dark, and inside the packaging.
- In extreme cases where the cost of benazepril is prohibitive, a veterinarian can write a prescription for the medication to be filled at a human pharmacy.
- Spikes in blood potassium can occur when using benazepril with diuretics like spironolactone.
- Benazepril is usually given once daily, with an empty stomach or with food.
- The dosage should be confirmed each time medication is ordered.
