Cardalis® Tablets for Canine Congestive Heart Failure

What Cardalis® Is and How It Works

Cardalis® is a veterinary combination tablet for dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). It pairs benazepril, an ACE inhibitor, with spironolactone, a potassium‑sparing diuretic. This dual action helps reduce fluid buildup and eases the workload on the heart. Cardalis for dogs is given by mouth once daily with food.

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This Cardalis medication is used under a veterinarian’s care for dogs with CHF due to valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. The benazepril component lowers angiotensin II activity and reduces blood pressure and afterload. The spironolactone component blocks aldosterone, which helps limit fluid retention and heart remodeling. Many pet owners look for Cardalis online to support an ongoing CHF plan their vet has prescribed.

Tablets are manufactured by Ceva (Ceva Santé Animale). Common strengths include 2.5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg, 10 mg/80 mg, and 20 mg/160 mg (benazepril/spironolactone). Selection depends on the dog’s weight and clinical status. Cardalis tablets for dogs are scored and palatable to aid dosing.

Dosage and Usage

• Give once daily with food at about the same time each day.
• Select the tablet strength based on veterinary guidance and the dog’s weight.
• Available strengths include Cardalis 2.5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg, 10 mg/80 mg, and 20 mg/160 mg.
• Tablets are scored; splitting may be used to achieve the prescribed dose.
• If a dose is missed, give when remembered unless it is close to the next dose; then skip the missed dose.
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
• Offer water freely and monitor appetite, energy, and breathing rate at rest.
• Do not crush unless a veterinarian advises; use the scored line for splitting.
• Wash hands after handling and keep out of reach of children and other pets.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F); brief excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original blister until use to protect from moisture.
• Avoid heat, humidity, and direct sunlight during storage.
• When you travel, carry tablets in your hand luggage with the prescription label.
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high.
• If a tablet is split, return the unused half to the blister and use at the next dose.

Benefits and Savings

Cardalis dog tablets address two key pathways in CHF. Benazepril reduces vasoconstriction and afterload. Spironolactone limits aldosterone‑driven fluid retention and cardiac remodeling. Together, they help ease coughing, reduce fluid buildup, support exercise tolerance, and may improve quality of life in dogs with heart disease.

Convenience matters in long‑term care. Cardalis tablets for dogs are palatable, scored, and dosed once daily with food. Multiple strengths help match the dog’s weight and reduce pill burden. Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. Owners comparing Cardalis for dogs cost often find multi‑pack options provide added value over time.

Side Effects and Safety

• Decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Lethargy, weakness, or reduced activity
• Increased thirst or urination
• Soft stool or gastrointestinal upset
• Mild dehydration or dry gums if fluid losses occur
• Changes in blood potassium or kidney values
• Low blood pressure signs such as wobbliness or faintness

Serious but less common risks include hyperkalemia (high potassium), significant drops in blood pressure, kidney impairment, or abnormal heart rhythms. Dogs with Addison’s disease, pre‑existing hyperkalemia, or severe kidney disease may not be suitable candidates. Cardalis for cats is not indicated; this product is for dogs only. Spironolactone may have antiandrogenic effects; use is not advised in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs unless a veterinarian decides benefits outweigh risks. Drug interactions can occur with potassium supplements, other potassium‑sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, or digoxin. Monitoring by a veterinarian helps guide safe use.

Onset Time

Some dogs show easier breathing, improved appetite, or better energy within 1–2 weeks as fluid balance improves. Resting respiratory rate may trend downward during this period. Structural and neurohormonal benefits build with consistent dosing. A fuller response often emerges over 4–8 weeks as therapy stabilizes and the care plan is optimized.

Compare With Alternatives

Cardalis combines benazepril and spironolactone in one daily tablet. Some dogs receive separate benazepril or enalapril plus spironolactone to allow flexible titration. Others may use pimobendan to enhance cardiac contractility and reduce preload/afterload. Loop diuretics such as furosemide remain common for symptom control in CHF and are often used together with an ACE inhibitor.

Choosing between a fixed‑dose tablet like Cardalis and individual agents depends on weight, potassium levels, kidney function, and response. A combined product helps reduce pill burden and supports consistent adherence. Separate components can help tailor each agent if fine adjustments are needed.

Combination Therapy

• Cardalis may be used with a loop diuretic such as furosemide for fluid control.
• Pimobendan is commonly added for dogs with systolic dysfunction or valve disease.
• Dietary sodium management and weight control can support overall heart health.
• When background insulin or sulfonylureas are present, no direct interaction is expected; focus remains on electrolyte and kidney monitoring.
• Veterinarians may adjust diuretic doses to limit dehydration and electrolyte shifts.
• Bloodwork checks (electrolytes, creatinine) help guide ongoing safe use.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Good candidates include dogs with CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy, where an ACE inhibitor and spironolactone are indicated. Dogs with normal potassium and manageable kidney values tend to tolerate therapy better. Palatable, scored tablets help with long‑term administration in small and large breeds.

Use caution in dogs with kidney insufficiency, low blood pressure, or a history of hyperkalemia. Cardalis cats use is not recommended; this product is labeled for dogs only. It is also not intended for acute decompensation that needs emergency stabilization. Regular veterinary rechecks guide dose selection and adjustments.

Cost management matters for chronic care. Multi‑month orders may reduce per‑shipment costs and help ensure continuous supply. Timely reorders avoid missed doses. Strength variety supports accurate dosing, including Cardalis 2.5 mg/20 mg for smaller dogs and Cardalis 20mg for dogs with higher weight ranges. Some owners consult Cardalis reviews and clinic feedback when planning long‑term therapy.

Authoritative Sources

Animal Drugs @ FDA search for Cardalis

Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate database

Order Cardalis from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the prescribing veterinarian’s directions and local regulations for prescription medications.