Heart problems are prevalent in the canine population, and elderly dogs are not the only ones affected. Heart disease takes many forms in dogs--arrhythmia, bradycardia (slow heart), tachycardia (fast heart), valvular disease (heart murmur or heart valve problems) and cardiomyopathy (diseased heart muscle). Each condition can lead to an enlarged heart as the heart muscle works harder to do its job, or even to heart failure. Almost unknown in pets until a few decades ago, high-stress living, poor nutrition and damage from pollutants, toxins and chemicals are some of the causes of canine heart disease.
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Naturopathic Remedies
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Naturopathy, or holistic healing, treats dogs as individuals with physical and emotional distress, rather than representatives of a species that react in predictable ways. While holistic practitioners do not advocate rejecting traditional veterinary medicine, especially in emergency situations, they view their instructions as complementary to a dog's well-being. Generally, they offer recommendations for nutrition, herbal and related supplements, vitamins and minerals and therapeutic manipulation.
Nutrition
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Just as the makeup of human food products is changing to include elements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, so is the composition of pet food. Modern dog food often lists salmon or avocado as a major ingredient. Make sure what you feed your dog is preservative-free and contains little salt or meat. Diane Stein, in her book "The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats," advocates making your own mostly raw food for your heart patient dog. Feed 1/2 to 1 oz. of raw beef, turkey or chicken daily. Supplement his diet with tofu, eggs, dairy products, cooked whole grains and raw vegetables. Stein recommends feeding three to four small meals per day, rather than one or two big ones.
Herbs and Other Dietary Supplements
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Hawthorn berry is the most accepted herb for the heart. Start with three drops of the tincture three times a day. If you have not seen improvement in five days, increase the number of drops. The correct dosage will vary from animal to animal. You will know you have found it when the characteristic heart cough stops and the dog's energy level is higher. Because many dogs with heart problems take prescribed diuretics, adding a little apple cider vinegar to the water bowl acts as a needed potassium supplement. Available at health food stores, protein derivatives L-carnitine and taurine have been said to prevent, improve or even reverse heart disease in dogs.
Vitamins and Minerals
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Dogs require the same vitamins and minerals for good health that humans do, and the ones on veterinary heart medications need increased amounts of all of them. Diuretics, in particular, wash nutrients away. First in importance are the antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin C should be given in ascorbic acid form only. Give 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily. The daily dosage for E varies from 100 IU for small breeds, 200 IU for medium-large dogs and 400 IU for giant breeds. Dogs should also take a B-complex tablet daily and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D once a week. Additions of the minerals magnesium, zinc, chromium and selenium should also be beneficial. Coenzyme Q10 brings oxygen into the cells and tissues.
Alternative Treatments
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Holistic healing is a growing branch of veterinary medicine. For those who live where there are alternative vets, you may have access to veterinary homeopathy, veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine. These treatments are often combined for maximum benefit. An owner might also want to seek out a practitioner of Reiki, a system of touch that takes the dog to a state of deep relaxation. The therapist will concentrate on the heart chakra, one of seven energy centers in your pet's body. Reiki for dogs has been proven to relieve pain, strengthen the immune system and clear out toxins.
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