Canine Congestive Heart Failure and Your Dog
by habits on Oct.31, 2009, under investment
Canine congestive heart failure is classified as a condition caused by an abnormality in the function and construction of the heart, its chambers and walls. There are two main types in which this ailment shows itself in. If the heart chamber walls are thickened, the capacity to pump blood is decreased and blood flow is limited. In addition, the heart becomes bigger when the walls are stretched thin; also causing decrease in the effectivity of the organ to pump sufficient blood.
While the dog’s heart may, for a time, work harder to make up for the decrease in function; eventually it will weaken considerably - sufficient to cause canine cardiac failure. Symptoms of this include a bluish tongue, increased drooling and a grayish tinge around the mouth area, labored breathing, coughing more than usual and becoming easily tired. Unfortunately when these signs show themselves, the deadly disease is likely in its latter stages.
Veterinarians will confirm findings of an enlarged heart or cardiovascular abnormalities throught the recommended chest x-rays and ultrasound. It is important that you do because if you misdiagnose the dog’s condition, administering incorrect drugs can prove to be lethal to the dog’s system. Confirm the report and take the necessary steps that can help extend your pet’s life.
One of the most important things you can do to aid your pet is to give him the right meals that consist of nourishing and nutrients enriched food. This means incorporating lean meat and vegetables like pumpkin, beets, zucchini, yams and carrots. Mix the vegetable and meat together and chop it into small pieces that your dog can easily eat.
Additional supplements Omega-3, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, Taurine and L-Carnitine should be included in the dog’s food intakemeals. Research have shown that the right amount of these nutrients have many times, decreased fatalities and significantly improved cardiovascular health.
Dogs are usually given medications that will constrict the blood vessels so that the blood will flow better. Diuretics also help in improving blood flow. It flushes out excess fluids in some of the canine’s organs; this also helps in the management of canine heart murmur.
Heart murmurs are occasionally found during a young pup’s formative years. If you have your dog checked earlier, the doctor would have been able to identify it easily. Instead of short, sharp beats; the animal’s heartbeats will resound with softer and longer thumps in his chest. Heart murmurs are sometimes caused by anemia and inborn cardiac abnormalities, but there are treatments that will help this condition not to become worse than it can be.
Other than a good diet and regular exercise, herbal and homeopathic tonics are said to fight the degenerative effects of canine heart murmur. Kalium phosphate, calcium fluoride and arnica montana are other effective ingredients that aid in promoting the general health of the dog’s blood pressure and cardiovascular system.
Canine congestive heart failure is a regrettable business some pet owners will be faced with. No responsible dog owner wants that on anybody of course but you can choose to not let this sickness rule your dog’s life. Extend the life of your pet and make it as easy as you can for him - if health is a consequence of happiness and love, then aim to give your pet its very best health every single day of its life.