How can I help my dog with heart problems?
If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, your veterinarian could recommend a low-sodium di Read More
How can I slow down my dog's heart failure?
Aryanna Smith
2025-08-22 07:33:41
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Follow your vet’s advice and ask questions. Your vet will be best placed to advise you on your dog’s condition, so they should be your first port of call. Go at your dog’s pace… Your dog might not be able to do as much as they used to, or keep up with other dogs. It’s really important that you take life at their pace if you can – which may be a tad slower than what it was! …but don’t stop exercising! Your dog will still need regular exercise to help keep them happy, healthy and in shape! If they can’t walk as far as they used to, consider cutting their walks down but having a couple more throughout the day if they can cope and make sure to avoid hot weather. Limit things that may trigger your dog, for example, if your dog gets over-excited when they see unfamiliar dogs or new people, try taking them out at quieter times. Keep everything at home as calm as possible for your pooch. Monitoring your dog’s breathing can also help, your vet may ask you to monitor your dog’s ‘resting respiratory rate’ to see if their heart disease is progressing, or if their medication needs to be adjusted.
Jacynthe Bogisich
2025-08-12 05:47:13
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There are a number of medications used to treat congestive heart failure in dogs, including diuretics to remove the excess fluid buildup in the lungs and body, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which help improve symptoms, and vasodilators to relax the body's blood vessels. A positive inotrope may also be prescribed to help strengthen the force of contractions in the heart and improve blood flow. Regular trips to the vet for examinations and monitoring are essential. While treatment for congestive heart failure can help to manage the disease and improve your dog's quality of life, at some point your dog will reach stage 4 of the condition. If your dog has congestive heart failure, be sure to have open and honest discussions with your vet about the progression of your pet's symptoms and prognosis.
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Brant McLaughlin
2025-08-01 13:10:38
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Your dog's treatment depends on what specific heart problem they have and what may be causing it. Your vet may recommend one or more of the following: Medications to help the heart work and correct irregular heartbeats, Medications to slow fluid build-up in the lungs. A commercial or prescription low-salt diet to help decrease fluid build-up in your dog's body, Limited activity or exercise to manage weight without putting too much strain on your dog's heart. Your vet may also recommend supplements, Dogs with congestive heart failure may benefit from vitamin B supplements, taurine, or carnitine. Antioxidants like Coenzyme Q and vitamin E may also help. Make sure to bring your dog for regular visits with your vet and stick with your treatment plan. Unchecked heart problems can make things harder on your dog and even shorten their life. With the right treatments, care, and monitoring, your dog can live a long, comfortable life.