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Viagra is obviously popular with older men.
But guess what!
It can also help dogs with serious heart or lung illnesses.
Yup! This drug has a purpose entirely unrelated to sexual performance. In certain situations, it can actually extend quality of life.
In particular, Viagra may be appropriate for dogs with pulmonary hypertension.
Though furry friends typically do not suffer from heart problems…
Dogs Can Take Viagra (for rare medical reasons)
Forget erectile dysfunction!
There is a valuable use for dogs with abnormally high blood pressure. Of course, a proper diagnosis is needed before any treatment can begin.
But you’ll be happy to hear that the research basically concludes Viagra improves certain life threatening conditions and this applies to dogs as well!
Energy And Life Extension
It should also be noted that studies additionally indicate that Viagra likely does not have much of an effect on an already healthy heart.
In other words, it is not a preventative drug for dogs.
But Viagra can assist if the heart is stressed and/or working hard to pump blood. It could prolong an older dog’s lifespan, giving them more energy.
The fact is a poorly functioning heart may respond well to Sildenafil.
Young At Heart Hounds
Those with younger pups need to ensure a pet’s healthy diet and regular exercise.
Prevention, prevention, prevention!
A good lifestyle goes a long way towards heading off such unfortunate heart or lung conditions as they get older.
A Vet Must Dose Viagra
Be cautious whenever giving your dog a pharmaceutical (especially one that has been designed for humans).
There are always potential side effects. Remember Viagra is geared for the weight and digestive tract of a typical person.
We won’t recommend a dose here. You’ve got to consult with a qualified vet regarding this super critical aspect.
Applicability For Dogs
Viagra is absolutely prescribed to dogs. That is a fact!
Nevertheless, the treatment isn’t conventional nor is it a popular prescription for pets. They just do not live long enough to have pulmonary problems.
Declining health comes with having an older dog.
Even then, a weakened heart or lung complications are not that commonly seen in geriatrics.
Viagra is not always suitable, even if a canine has cardiovascular-related issues. However, it is worth asking your veterinarian about!
Cialis And Generic Pills
The most famous drug in this category is, by far, Viagra. It was the first blockbuster of its kind.
The patent has since expired and competition is well established.
There are several other brands (generic versions) that likely work for dogs too.
Cialis, Revatio and Levitra are alternatives but only Viagra has been studied for use in dogs.
The Bottom Line
Some dogs, under certain circumstances, can benefit from Viagra.
It can work miracles for pulmonary hypertension, but only a vet can determine if Viagra is right for your dog.
In general, reasons for providing Sildenafil to a precious pet are quite serious so do not experiment.
My dog is on Viagra for pulmonary hypertension. It’s not for congestive heart failure. Vetmedin and Enalapril is used for CHF. My dog also has a heart problem but, again, the Viagra is for her pulmonary artery.
She survived untreated heartworm when in a puppy mill, but the worms destroyed her pulmonary artery and heart. Viagra has been great for her.
My buddy gave Viagra to his Schnauzer. Linus was constipated for 3 weeks!
Viagra killed my Pomeranian in under two weeks. There was internal bleeding as well as blood in her stool. Horrible.
My vet prescribed Sildenafil without any diagnostic tests on the heart. He said to give it for a week and come back later for an x-ray. I’m not going to do it. Does this make sense to anyone?
It actually saved my dog’s life! I had it compounded in liquid form. She had been on Lasix and it was killing her kidneys! A small dose of Sildenafil every day brought her back to life.
Our rescued Beagle 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. 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.
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 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 had to get my dog off Lasix. Make sure you have him do kidney values. It almost killed her (took a toll after a year).
The doggy Viagra saved her life. I took her off Lasix immediately after it was killing her kidneys.
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 remember she was more active before the Viagra. It’s a medication that wasn’t intended for dogs in the first place. I think it’s just trial and error. I am looking into other options.