Fluid Restrictions For Dogs on a Heart Diet

Congestive Heart Failure

• CHF is not a heart attack, in which blockage results in the termination of blood circulation to an area of heart muscle, leaving damaged and dead tissue. Rather, CHF is a condition characterized by weakness of the heart muscle. It simply cannot pump effectively and forcefully enough. Depending on which heart chamber is failing, blood cannot be pumped through the lungs where it can pick up oxygen and transport it to other organs and parts of the body, or blood backs up in the liver and abdominal area. Because circulation is sluggish, fluids seep into the lung or liver tissues, causing fatigue, swelling and shortness of breath. The vet may recommend fluid restriction, along with ACE inhibitor drugs that relieve some of the workload on the heart, and diuretic medications that increase fluid release through the kidneys. Sodium (salt) intake is likely to be restricted also, as dietary salt increases fluid retention. Dogs with CHF appear tired, weak and uninterested in food. They may have a cough, abdominal swelling or bluish cast to the tongue and gums. Vomiting and excessive thirst and urination may also be symptoms of CHF.

Treatment

• According to "Notes on Cardiorespiratory Diseases of the Dog and Cat," by Mike Martin and Brenda Corcoran, restriction of fluids for dogs with CHF means they are "not provided ad lib." This may mean that the owner should make fresh water available for three to five minutes two to three times a day. A vet that knows the patient is the one who should make recommendations and give guidance to the owner as to how much water is allowed. Some vets are reluctant to restrict fluids and instead focus on dietary sodium restriction at less than 12 mg of salt per kilogram of weight per day.
  
  Owners will need to be creative to provide tasty low salt treats. Dogs may not like the taste of low sodium food. According to John Bonagura, DVM, co-author of "Kirk's Current Vetinary Therapy XIV," foods that should be avoided are: baby food, bread, canned vegetables (unless they are labeled "no salt"), cheeses, condiments, lunch meats and most pet foods and treats. Dr. Bonagura suggests that owners tempt dogs with cooked fish, low sodium tuna, cooked plain meat, yogurt, applesauce and maple syrup. In addition, Bonagura says small, frequent meals at lukewarm temperatures are more palatable. Some "pampered" pets might appreciate eating from their owner's plate or they might be more inclined to eat healthy if the foods are kept in a familiar treat jar.
  Other important considerations for dogs with CHF are weight reduction and exercise. According to "Notes on Cardiorespiratory Diseases of the Dog and Cat," "Obesity is a recognized cause of increased cardiac workload." Exercise is generally considered beneficial for the heart, as long as it is well within the animal's capability.