What Do You Know About Canine Congestive Heart Failure?

By Geraldine Dimarco


Canine congestive heart failure - sounds daunting, but what exactly is it? Congestive heart failure is the result of your dog's heart not being able to function properly. It is often caused by abnormal heart structure that causes the heart to work harder to make up for defects in the organ. When it is overused and insufficient blood is pumped out, heart failure occurs.

Since the heart does not pump adequate blood into the system, blood pressure builds up and fluid begins to leak out of blood vessels. This causes congestion to the tissues and the excess fluid to gather in the lungs and abdominal cavity. The dog will look like he has a bloated looking tummy because of this. The symptoms will slowly worsen and the dog's health will deteriorate when left unchecked.

Dog heart problems are often the product of heredity, birth deficiencies and infections like heartworms. It can also be aggravated by obesity, age, lack of exercise, poor nutrition and unsanitary living arrangements.

Canine congestive heart disorders are a concern for many pet owners. There are medications and procedures that are available that help the heart pump blood more effectively. However, it would be good to learn more about natural healing for a dog with congestive heart failure as a better alternative to treat your pet.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe to help cure canine heart conditions. Crateagus oxycantha or Hawthorne is a cardio tonic herb that contains anti oxidant properties that encourage arterial strength. Homeopathic ingredients like Arnica montana, Kalium phosphate, and Calcium fluoride are also known to support healthy blood pressure for the canine.

An important part of natural healing for dog with congestive heart failure is to have a nutritional diet. A low sodium and high mineral diet will do wonders for the health of your pet. Calcium, Vitamin E, Taurine, L-carnitine and Omega-3 fatty acid are some nutrients that promote good heart function. As much as you are able, avoid commercial feeds and serve instead fresh and healthy food. Add chopped pieces of yams, squash, beets, broccoli, carrots and cucumber to his meals.

Another way to keep your pet's heart in its best shape is to engage him in regular exercise. A daily walk around the block or a weekly romp in the park makes for fun times with them while maintaining the optimal condition of his cardiovascular and circulatory system. Balance your activities well; you do not want to overtire or over exercise your dog.

Canine congestive heart failure is rarely curable, especially when it is in its more advanced stages. While this is unfortunate, the good news is that early detection and proper treatment may extend your canine?s life as well as improve his quality of life. Watch out for symptoms like coughing, fainting, difficulty in breathing, tiredness, loss of appetite and grayish gums.

It is always better to use natural remedies first before subjecting your dog to medications that have chemicals that may complicate their health problems, if they have any. A simple ultrasound or x-ray will verify if they do have a heart condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.




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