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My dog faints from tachycardia. Will Fortekor help or cause weakness?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 6 months old | 22 lbs

Can a dog with Tachycardia die from the faintings? He had 3 today and I’m really worried. It will take hos body a few days to adjust as a vet said in here, also can fortekor cause weakness in him as he seems really weak . As well, can Fortekor stop the faintings in the dog or atleast make him live longer?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 8th, 2018

A dog will not die simply from fainting, but they can die from the cause of fainting. Weakness is the inability of the body to move as normal. Fortekor does not cause weakness. Heart disease causes weakness. The drug does have a side effect of lethargy, which would be the pet just doesn't want to move, just doesn't feel great, but could move normally if prompted. Fortekor may stop the fainting if it has the desired effect on the heart. It may or not impact his remaining life span. That would depend on the type heart disease Bono was diagnosed with. I understand you are scared about Bono and you have a lot of questions. If you have information on his diagnostic results and diagnosis, we may be able to answer your questions more fully. Choosing a consult with an expert may help the most so we can discuss all of the details needed to help you.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. Bono sounds like he has a fairly serious heart problem. The Fortekor is an ACE inhibitor that is used to widen blood vessels & help treat congestive heart failure. By itself, it should not cause weakness because its premise is to open the vessels to allow more blood to flow & thus make a patient feel better. Syncope ( fainting ) is not always associated with tachycardia unless his heart rate is extremely high ( well over 180 beats per minute & closer to 300 beats per minute ). If not done, I would recommend the following, a Pro-BNP test to diagnose heart disease, an EKG &/or cardiac ultrasound. If he is fainting this many times a day, you need to see what the fundamental problem with the heart is. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 8th, 2018

    It will take a few days for the body and the heart to regulate itself and get used to the medications. Realize that this is the beginning of treatment. There is a possibility that the dosage is not the best yet, but this is something that will have to be adjusted over time. So the best you can do now is not to upset or excite the dog and avoid him running about or jumping. You are doing everything you can, but it may take time for the medications and the correct dose to work. Any exercise increases the demand on oxygenated blood. Since the heart is not working efficiently yet, not enough oxygenated blood reaches the brain, which is why Bono faints. So slow him down, give him his tablets as prescribed and call your vet on Monday to report how Bono is. Your vet will then tell you when to come for a recheck,

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