Best Supplements for Dogs With Congestive Heart Failure
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Congestive heart failure in dogs is a serious health issue that does require medication. However, supplements for congestive heart failure can be a huge help and improve your dog’s symptoms, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. It is important to speak with your holistic vet about supplements. My dog Edie has seen a huge improvement after using many of the below supplements and vets are typically amazed at how well she is doing. All dogs are different and none of this is a guarantee, but from my first hand experience I do not believe Edie would be here today without supplements for congestive heart failure!
Taurine– Taurine is vital for maintaining heart muscle function and can prevent and treat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. 250-750 mg twice daily depending on size.
L-Carnitine– Helps in energy production in heart muscle cells, which is beneficial for dogs with heart disease, particularly those with DCM. You can give 500 mg a day for small dogs, and up to 2000 mg a day for larger dogs.
Coq10/Ubiquinol– Supports cellular energy production and has antioxidant properties that protect heart cells from damage. My personal favorite supplement for heart disease. Note that some studies show that Ubiquinol is more easily absorbed than Coq10. Both are beneficial and you should get what you can afford. Read more about Ubiquinol here.
Hawthorn Berry– Hawthorn berry can improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen heart muscle contractions. A great natural blood pressure supplement. Please check dosage on bottle depending on the form you are using.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)– Can help reduce inflammation, support heart muscle health, and improve appetite and muscle loss in dogs with congestive heart failure.
D-Ribose– Can help improve diastolic function in congestive heart failure, leading to better heart performance. D-ribose helps replenish adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is critical for cellular energy production and overall heart muscle function
Fera Cardiac Support: I personally give this supplement as it contains taurine, l-carnitine, hawthorn berry, coq10, and Vitamin E all in one, making it easier than giving these all separately. Note that even though this contains Coq10, it is not a high enough dose for most dogs to be considered a therapeutic dose. I still give 100 mg of ubiquinol in addition to this supplement.
Kidney Gold: Many dogs with congestive heart failure are on diuretics such as Furosemide (Lasix) which can be hard on the kidneys. Therefore it is very important to take care of the kidneys along with the heart. Kidney disease is a common result of heart disease since the medication that helps the heart, can harm the kidneys.
Dandelion Leaf Tincture: Dandelion leaf is a mild, natural diuretic. It can be used alongside Furosemide to hopefully avoid increasing the dose and avoid further kidney damage. Note that Furosemide/Lasix is a very important and necessary medication. Dandelion leaf should not typically be used in place of Furosemide/Lasix unless advised by your vet.
References
https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-coq10-for-heart-disease
Disclaimer: Please note that this site is for informational purposes only and this is not medical advice. Please discuss all supplements and medical diagnoses with your vet. We are not responsible for any issues with your dog’s health.