How To Recognize Heart Disease in Dogs

Have you just came home from the vet and received the sad news that he or she has found heart disease in your dog? When you heard this prognosis, chances are you felt your own heart sink as this is your beloved pet. Did you know that there is plenty you can do in order to change what might look like bad news from your vet? As you read this article, you will find out how to prevent and treat heart disease in dogs.

When it comes to heart disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Are you feeding your dog a healthy diet? If not this may be the cause of his deteriorating health. Don’t beat yourself up about this, but it’s time to get wise about healthy foods for dogs and what to feed your dog to speed his recovery.

Chemical medicines for heart disease in dogs do have known side effects. If you can, find a holistic vet who can prescribe herbal remedies such as hawthorn and dandelion which can both help strengthen the heart muscle and prevent fluid build up.

Always take your dog to the vet for his annual check-up even though he doesn’t appear to have any health problems. If you notice your dog coughing, especially during the night time or after exercise, rush him to the vet straight away as this may be a symptom of heart disease.

If your dog is lethargic and can’t seems to keep up while you are walking or if you notice a difference in the way he breathes, then you should take your dog in for a vet visit. Some of the more serious signs of heart disease in dogs include weight loss for no apparent reason, labored breathing and fainting.

Moderate exercise is also important and is as simple as walking your dog a few times a week. If your dog is already affected by heart problems you may have to let him set the pace. Slow down or stop if he seems very tired or starts to cough.

Your dog may have been diagnosed with cardiac ischemia, which is a reduced blood supply to the heart. Reperfusion is another possible heart problem which means actual damage to the heart tissue. Both these problems will respond well to CoQ10. CoQ10 is a fantastic supplement for dogs as it not only slows down the progression of heart disease, but it will also improve the overall health of your dog. We all know that a happy dog is a healthy dog.

To prevent the formation of LDL cholesterol (bad choleterol) in your dog and to help your dogs heart health, then we recommend some good old Vitamin E. You should give your dog Vitamin E in 200-500 IU each day.  

Another great supplement that will help your dog’s heart is L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine prevents further deterioration of the heart muscle. When you combine L-Carnitine with Taurine, it will increase your dog’s life expectancy. You should give this to your dog in doses of 500-2000 mg each day.

In conclusion there are many ways to  improve your dog’s heart health, as long as you pay close attention to his health and remember to take him to his anuual visit to the vet each year or straight away if something seems wrong. Remember, heart disease in dogs could arise at any time, so please be watchful for any of the above symptoms.