Furosemide
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Furosemide for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Furosemide is a water pill that helps your pet get rid of extra fluid.
- You can give it with food or on an empty stomach.
- Your pet will pee more than normal while taking it.
- Your pet must always be able to drink fresh water.
- Call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble walking steadily, develops a head tilt, seems to lose hearing, becomes very weak, collapses, or stops peeing.
This medicine is a loop diuretic (a type of water pill).
It comes as tablets and as liquid you give by mouth.
Other common names
- Disal
- Lasix
- Salix
Uses
Uses approved for animals
- Used to treat extra fluid buildup (also called swelling from fluid) in dogs and cats.
- Extra fluid can happen for many reasons, including heart failure, lung problems, or liver problems.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use)
- Treating fluid buildup in other kinds of animals
- Treating high calcium levels in dogs
- Treating certain kinds of kidney disease in dogs and cats
- Helping prevent bladder irritation in dogs that are also being treated with cyclophosphamide
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals that are:
- Allergic to furosemide or to other loop diuretics (water pills) such as torsemide or bumetanide
- Not making any urine at all (anuria)
- Pregnant
Use carefully in animals:
- With kidney or liver disease
- With diabetes
- That are dehydrated, or could become dehydrated, such as pets that are vomiting or have diarrhea
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to any of the following, wear gloves or do not handle the medicine:
- Furosemide or other loop diuretics (water pills) such as torsemide or bumetanide
- Sulfa medications
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- You may give it with food or without food.
- Make sure your pet can always drink plenty of fresh water.
- If possible, do not give the last daily dose within a few hours of bedtime. This may reduce the chance your pet needs to pee during the night. Ask your veterinarian about the best dosing times to help avoid nighttime urination.
- If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
- Your veterinarian may tell you to change the dose based on how your pet is doing. If anything is unclear, contact your veterinary clinic.
Side effects of Furosemide for pets
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Drinking more and peeing more. Be sure your pet has more chances to go outside or use the litter box, especially when starting the medicine or when the dose is increased.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
This medicine can upset the balance of salts and minerals in the body (electrolyte imbalance). Your veterinarian will check for this with regular blood tests.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Trouble balancing or a head tilt
- Hearing loss
- Severe weakness or collapse
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet stops urinating.
How will I know it's working?
- Many pets begin to feel better within 30 to 60 minutes. After that, you should see a slow improvement in your pet’s signs.
- Your veterinarian will need follow-up testing to check how well the medicine is working and to confirm your pet is handling it safely.
If your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The medicine will no longer work within about 12 to 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effect may continue longer if your pet’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used for life. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. Refill the prescription on time so treatment is not interrupted.
Overdose
Signs of taking too much may include seizures, collapse, or coma. If you see an overdose happen or think it may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In many situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember. Then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light and moisture.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Throw away liquid medicine 90 days after opening it, or sooner if the label says to.
- Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available. To find a location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it in a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”