Side Effects of Benazepril in Dogs

Benazepril is a prescription medication used to treat both humans and animals with cardiovascular disorders. Despite its effectiveness at lowering blood pressure levels and slowing the progression of kidney disease in dogs, benazepril poses a risk for side effects in some dogs.

  1. Types of Side Effects

    • Possible side effects of benazepril in dogs include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, changes in urination, vomiting, sudden lethargy and weakness.

    Features

    • Benazepril is most likely to cause side effects when taken at high doses, explains PetPlace.com.

    Drug Interactions

    • When taken with diuretics or medications that increase urination, benazepril poses a risk for kidney failure, cautions VeterinaryPartner.com.

    Risks

    • Infrequently, the use of benazepril in dogs leads to hyperkalemia, a condition where levels of potassium in the dog's bloodstream become dangerously high. In some cases, dogs develop severe allergic reactions to benazepril, warns PetPlace.com.

    Considerations

    • Veterinarians rarely prescribe benazepril for dogs that are pregnant, nursing or have decreased kidney functioning because of the potential side effects of the drug, explains VeterinaryPartner.com.