Behaviour change after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

157 reports to the FDA describe behaviour change in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 2.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.5% across reports for all dog medicines.

157Reports

38%Marked serious

29%Recovered

12%Died or euthanised

19 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

16 15%

1–2 days

22 20%

3–7 days

9 8.3%

1–4 weeks

13 12%

Over a month

48 44%

How the animals did

Recovered

45 29%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.6%

Still unwell when reported

27 17%

Died

11 7.0%

Euthanised

8 5.1%

Not known

65 41%

Problems reported at the same time

35 22%

33 21%

30 19%

19 12%

18 11%

Restlessness or agitation

17 11%

Vocalising

16 10%

Tremors

15 9.6%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Pimobendan treats heart failure and some heart disease.

Products with this ingredient include Vetmedin. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Pimobendan cause behaviour change in dogs?: 157 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 19 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Pimobendan in dogs · Medicines most reported with behaviour change