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Canine Congestive Heart Failure Treatments: Helping Your Pet Live Longer

By Geraldine Dimarco


There are probably few words that pet owners dread more than 'canine heart disease'. It will lead to the dog's eventual demise if nothing is done. While there are really no cures for inborn animal heart problems, canine congestive heart failure treatments are available that will help lengthen the lifespan of your dog, as well as improve his quality of life.

So what is this dog heart disease we are talking about? The heart, as you know, has four chambers, each having a set of valves that it operates with. The problem sets in when some of these parts stop working, and the other parts will then have to make up for it by working harder. The heart then fails to function as it normally should. While dogs don't get heart attacks, the complications that arise from heart problems will eventually lead to heart failure when left unchecked.

Coughing, labored breathing, tiredness, fainting and blue tinged gums are some symptoms of canine heart disease. Also, observe if the tummy of your pet is distended. This disease causes high blood pressure which makes fluid leak out of blood vessels. This fluid then builds up in the lungs and abdominal cavity of the canine, thus making him look bloated.

Unfortunately, the pet owners sometimes don't realize that their dogs are already suffering from this disease because the symptoms look mild and harmless enough in the beginning. It is of utmost importance that you take him to for regular check-ups so that the vet can diagnose and treat any health concerns appropriately.

If your pet has been diagnosed with some form of heart disease, do not fret. Continuous studies on canine congestive heart failure treatments are being done to find out how to best improve the condition of the dog.

Most likely your options will be medications that will correct defects in the proper functioning of the heart. Specialized drugs focus on fixing the canine's ability to reduce fluid build-up, repairing irregular heartbeats, and increasing the quantity of blood pumped by the heart. For some dogs, surgery is recommended. After an initial rest, resume regular exercise regimens for the dog.

Herbal supplements are excellent tools that can be used to improve heart function. Crateagus oxycantha strengthen artery walls; Calcium fluoride, Kalium phosphate and Arnica Montana support good blood pressure; mistletoe and valerian root are valuable support to the canine's cardiovascular health.

Your pet's health can be greatly helped by providing him with a nutritional diet rich in nutrients that promote cardiac health like Calcium, Vitamin E, Taurine, L-carnitine and Omega-3 fatty acid should be served. Include yams, squash, beets, broccoli, carrots and cucumber in the meals that you serve him.

Naturally, it breaks our heart to discover a potentially critical sickness our pet might be facing. However, let us continue to look at what can be done, instead of focusing on the problems. You have the opportunity to spend quality years with your beloved pet - make it as memorable as you can.




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