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Why is my dog's heart rate slow after hydrocodone and heart meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I gave my dog hydrocodone at the same time as his vetmedin, enalapril, and lasix. He has heart failure. His heart rate is slower than normal could this be the hydrocodone?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2017

Hello. Hydrocodone can decrease heart rate as it takes away stress and pain. It does not typically directly decrease the heart rate, only secondarily by decreasing stress and pain. Normal heart rate for a resting dog at home, for a small breed dog (you have not posted a breed however small breed dogs are more prone to heart disease) is between 70-120. If your dog's heart rate is dropping less then 60 I would have him to the vet. Also, if you are feeling heart rate by pulses vs. listening to the heart, your dog could be 'dropping beats' from an arrhythmia, and should be seen by a vet. It is hard to answer your question without more specific information. Feel free to consult with us if you would like to discuss this in further detail. Good luck with your little one!

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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