Conventional medications for canine heart disease combat the symptoms of the disease but often leave your dog weakened by side-effects. Natural treatments can strengthen your dog's heart and improve his overall well-being. You may choose to use holistic treatment either as an alternative to traditional drugs or in conjunction with them.
-
Hawthorn Plant
-
For dogs as well as humans, the hawthorn plant helps strengthen the heart muscle. Natural Dog Health Remedies, a website focusing on natural holistic dog care, recommends hawthorn for its ability to dilate blood vessels to the heart and brain. Hawthorn also has antioxidant power, removing free radicals that decrease oxygen in the bloodstream. Hawthorne can help against angina, arrhythmia and arteriosclerosis. It improves anaerobic capacity and helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart rate.
Vitamins and Minerals
-
Natural Dog Health Remedies suggests using the antioxidant Vitamins A, B6, C and E to keep your dog's heart in good health. Antioxidants prevent heart damage by removing free radicals from the bloodstream. Dr. Ihor Basko, a holistic veterinarian based out of Kauai, Hawaii, lists magnesium and selenium as useful supplements for maintaining a dog's heart health.
Enzymes and Amino Acids
-
Amino acids can also help boost a dog's heart health, according to Natural Dog Health. L-Carnitine aids in metabolizing fats, carrying fuel to the heart. L-Taurine helps in the regulation of potassium from the heart muscle. Dr. Basko recommends the naturally occurring antioxidant coenzyme Q10 as "one of the most beneficial supplements" for heart disorders in dogs.
Gingko Biloba
-
Ginkgo biloba is an herb used for overall cardiovascular and respiratory health, according to Natural Dog Health Remedies. This herb supports the elasticity of blood vessels, preventing hardening of the arteries. It also has a reputation for lifting depression, which can help improve quality of life for an ailing dog.
Siberian Ginseng
-
Chinese medicine has used Siberian Ginseng as a tonic to restore heart strength and overall energy levels for centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Basko recommends the herb for use in animals with heart disease. However, this plant (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not actually a member of the ginseng family and has been extensively studied in human health, and is known to have some side-effects. Taking the plant can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia, headaches and nose bleeds. Medications such as Digoxin, blood thinners and sedatives negatively interact with Siberian Ginseng. Consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog a supplement with this plant in it.
Fatty Acids
-
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for canine heart health, according to PetEducation.com. Borage (also known as starflower), evening primrose or fish oil are suggested for canines as well as humans with heart concerns because of their ability to strengthen all muscle tissues. Known as essential fatty acids (EFAs) or "good fats," they produce prostaglandins, which regulate heart rate, blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. You can give your dog supplements of one of these oils or include food sources for them in his diet. Flaxseed products, salmon, mackerel and sardines also contain EFAs.
Garlic
-
Garlic helps prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream, according to Natural Dog Health Remedies. It can also reduce cholesterol levels. It supports immune system functioning, making it an important aid in sustaining the health of a dog weakened by cardiac problems.
-