Telmisartan for Dogs: A Medication for High Blood Pressure

Dogs can develop high blood pressure and protein in their urine due to chronic kidney disease. Without treatment, both conditions can cause serious complications that can affect a dog’s health. 

The human medication telmisartan (Semintra, Micardis) can help manage high blood pressure in dogs. It also treats protein in the urine in dogs with chronic kidney disease. It’s a relatively new medication in veterinary medicine, but studies suggest it’s a good option for canines. 

Here, we’ll discuss how telmisartan for dogs works, its potential side effects, its medication interactions, and more. 

Telmisartan for dogs at a glance

What is telmisartan for dogs, and how does it work?

Telmisartan is primarily used to treat two conditions in dogs: high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the urine) caused by kidney disease. These are considered off-label uses, since the medication is not FDA approved for use in dogs.

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs like telmisartan block the activity of angiotensin II. The primary role of angiotensin II is to increase blood pressure. So by blocking angiotensin II, telmisartan causes:

• Relaxed blood vessels in the kidneys

• Decreased sodium and water retention

• Decreased aldosterone release 

What is the typical dosage of telmisartan for dogs, and how is it given?

Your veterinarian will determine the best telmisartan dosage for your dog based on these factors: 

• Your dog’s body weight

• The condition being treated

• Any other ongoing diseases your dog has

Telmisartan is available as a tablet or liquid. Both forms of the medication are given by mouth once a day. Telmisartan can be given with or without food. 

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What should you do if your dog misses a dose of telmisartan?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of telmisartan, give them the medication as soon as you remember. Then, wait the prescribed amount of time (typically 24 hours) to give them their next dose. Do not give your dog two doses of telmisartan at once. 

What are the common side effects of telmisartan in dogs?

The most common side effects of telmisartan are digestive issues, including:  

• Decreased appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

If your dog develops digestive issues while taking telmisartan, contact your veterinarian. They may offer suggestions about ways to help your dog tolerate telmisartan. Or they may recommend a different medication.

What are the most serious risks of telmisartan for dogs?

Telmisartan is often prescribed to lower blood pressure in dogs. But in some cases, telmisartan may cause blood pressure to become too low. This serious risk is known as hypotension. Signs of hypotension in dogs include: 

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Incoordination

• Confusion

• Fainting

• Pale gums

If you notice signs of low blood pressure in your dog, stop giving them telmisartan and contact your veterinarian right away. Your vet may lower your dog’s dosage or recommend a different medication.

Does telmisartan interact with any other dog medications?

Telmisartan can interact with other dog medications and supplements, including: 

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril and benazepril

• Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam, diazepam, buspirone, and doxepin

• Digoxin, a heart medication

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as carprofen and meloxicam

• Opioids, such as morphine and buprenorphine

• Potassium supplements

• Diuretics

Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your dog takes before you start giving them telmisartan. 

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Written by:

Catherine Barnette, DVM

Catherine Barnette, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian with 14 years of experience providing preventive care, medical workups, and surgical services in a number of general veterinary practices. She also served on her county's board of health for several years and taught biology laboratories for college students.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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