Can I Give My Dog Viagra?
Viagra is obviously a well-known prescription medication that’s popular with older men. Surprisingly, it’s sometimes used for treating heart and lung problems in pet dogs.
This drug has an entirely different purpose, completely unrelated to sexual performance. Sildenafil (Viagra) or Revatio lowers high blood pressure and treats heart disease.
If your dog has pulmonary hypertension, Viagra can help! So, this pharmaceutical has a medical purpose for canines. That said, most furry friends don’t suffer from health problems.
Can I Give My Dog Viagra? Answer: Yes, as directed by a vet.
This medication sometimes makes sense for animals.
Viagra has a strong brand name association that’s linked to male sexual enhancement. Don’t let that fool you, there are very real applications of this drug for dogs. Canines with heart problems or hypertension could, in fact, be candidates for its use. Viagra is prescribed to pets, but not that often.
Viagra can treat some serious and life threatening conditions.
Why Viagra for Dogs.
There are dog owners who are desperate to help improve their best friend’s suffering or decline in health. This is primarily an issue with older dogs.
There is evidence that Viagra will work for a beloved dog, even though this treatment option isn’t considered conventional. It’s usually a last resort when more conventional treatments are ineffective.
How It Actually Works.
Research indicates that, under normal conditions, Viagra does not have much of an effect on the heart. Therefore, it is not considered to be a preventative drug for dogs.
That said, when your pet’s heart is stressed and working hard to pump blood, Viagra can assist in this process. It could theoretically prolong an older dog’s life.
Viagra, in both humans and dogs, strengthens the heart and its functions. Sometimes stress contributes to heart problems.
Those with younger pups should take this as an important reminder. A healthy diet and regular exercise are things to make a habit of early on to head off such unfortunate conditions in the first place.
Proper Viagra Dosage.
Use caution when giving your dog drugs developed for humans is absolutely critical. Viagra dosage is primarily geared for the weight and digestive tract of a typical human male.
For this reason we will not be recommending a dosage here because we want you to consult with a vet regarding this critical aspect of Viagra treatment.
Cialis and Generic Pills.
The best known drug in this category is, by far, Viagra. Patents have been expiring though, and increased competition has emerged. There are now several other brands which works equally as well.
Cialis is a good alternative. In fact, most generic pills are nearly the same as Viagra. They’re also effective as long as they’re from a reputable distributor. Shop around but talk with your veterinarian first!
Conclusion on Viagra.
Don’t be put off by the name Viagra. Under some circumstances, your pet dog may greatly benefit from its use. Viagra was actually developed for heart problems and it is very effective for pulmonary hypertension. Sometimes dogs need help in this area. It can be a life saver. Speak with your vet before giving your dog any Viagra.
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Dr. Stephanie Flansburg Cruz, a practicing vet, has reviewed and endorsed this article. She has 3 dogs of her own and cares about the welfare of all animals.
6 Comments.
My vet prescribed Sildenafil before doing any diagnostic tests on the heart. He said to give it for a week and come back later for an x-ray. Am not going to do it. It’s a 4 day holiday,so I can’t ask the vet. Does this make since to anyone?
I just wanted to weigh in with a drastically different experience. Our rescued Beagle, Rosie, has lung and heart issues and became quite ill due to both. Once a carefully prescribed dosage of Viagra was begun, she showed immediate improvement and we have been given an extra one and a half years with her doing well.
There is now quite a bit of research to support the use of Viagra and it’s actually used fairly frequently in our area. She now takes a variety of meds with the Viagra. I can tell you it was a godsend to us and our baby girl! Best to all who are searching for an answer.
Did it cause Rosie digestive issues? My 10 pound Dachshund has congestive heart failure (CHF) with passing out spells. She is on Vetmedin, Enalapril and Lasix. The vet just added Viagra for her passing out spells.
She has had two doses and one of my two Doxies has thrown up several times. Not sure if it’s the one with CHF or the other one. They both seem fine. I was just wondering if the Viagra causes digestive issues?
I am giving Viagra to my dog but her breathing problem didn’t get any better. Should I continue giving it to her? Is there another pill that I can give that costs less than Viagra and will work for Pulmonary Hypertension?
The first step is asking your veterinarian. If the high price of Viagra is too expensive, ask your vet about a veterinary compounding pharmacy. It’s pennies on the dollar.
My dog’s vet gave a compounding prescription for Viagra due to right-sided congestive heart failure. It’s not cheap, $87 dollars a month. She is not really doing any better after being on it for a month. I am looking into other options. She was more active before the Viagra. Remember, it’s a medication that wasn’t intended for dogs in the first place. I think it’s just trial and error. Look for something else to help.
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Doctor Stephanie Flansburg Cruz, a practicing veterinary physician, has reviewed and endorsed this article. She has 3 dogs of her own and cares very much about the welfare of all animals.
Can I Give My Dog Viagra, Why Viagra Can Make Sense For Dogs
