Heart Disease in Dogs and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

No matter what age your dog might be, there are some signs that they might be suffering from heart disease. If you notice your younger dog slowing down on walks, it’s worth it to have your dog checked out for cardiac issues. Likewise, if you observe your dog coughing or having trouble breathing, especially after exercise or before bedtime consult your vet.

Two symptoms that might not seem like obvious signals of heart disease are bloating or swelling of the belly, or an unexpected, sudden bout of rear leg weakness or even paralysis. Over time, you will observe your dog losing weight. No matter what the underlying cause, it’s important to get your dog checked out by a vet right away.

If your dog has been exhibiting symptoms that point to heart disease, your vet will likely do a physical exam that includes checking your dog’s blood pressure, listening to the lungs and heart, and perhaps a blood draw or an X-ray. If the results are concerning, your vet may refer you to a specialist. Canine cardiac specialists are trained to use diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiograms, which measure your dog’s heart’s electrical activity. Another way the specialist may examine your dog’s heart is through an echocardiogram, which is considered the most accurate way to view a dog’s heart in great detail.

There are many ways to treat a dog for heart disease, including pharmaceutical interventions, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Many of the recommended interventions will differ depending on the kind of heart disease your dog has, so the plan for a younger dog with congenital heart disease might look a lot different than the one for a dog who has developed heart disease over time. Owners of dogs with heart disease often turn to nutraceuticals as well. Let’s take a look at the many methods of treatment for dog heart disease.

1. Traditional Pharmaceutical Interventions

Due to the wide range of causes of canine heart disease, there are dozens of specific medications that your vet may prescribe. One popular option is known as an ACE inhibitor. It’s frequently prescribed to help reduce the amount of stress on the heart. However, there are some risks involved, and your dog will require close monitoring by your vet.

Vets often prescribe other medications along with an ACE inhibitor, such as nitroglycerine, digitalis, and beta blockers. Along with reducing symptoms, these drugs can help to improve your dog’s overall quality of life.

2. Surgery

Surgery is a last-ditch effort to repair a dog’s heart, and it’s not appropriate in all cases. During the surgery, the dog’s heart is stopped and a bypass machine takes over. While the heart is stopped, the surgeon is able to go in and replace any rings or valves that need repair. Surgery is an incredibly expensive and painful option. If you are considering surgery, keep in mind the many variables in mind, such as the dog’s age, overall health, and age.

3. Lifestyle Management

Many dogs who present with heart disease can truly benefit from a lifestyle change. A change in diet is often needed — dogs with heart disease need an all-natural, high-quality, meat-based diet that’s rich in protein. A dog with heart disease should also maintain a healthy weight. Frequent exercise is a great way to get — and keep — your dog in shape.

One lifestyle tip that you might not be aware of is to keep your dog’s teeth sparkling clean. Since pale gums and a dark tongue can indicate heart disease, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s dental health.

4. Nutraceuticals

Dogs with heart failure are particularly prone to be lacking in omega-3 fatty acids. The most natural, uninvasive way to address this shortcoming is by supplementing their diet. The most frequently recommended supplement is omega-3 fish oil, which has been proven to reduce the degree of severity in dogs with heart arrhythmias. Anecdotal evidence of the benefits of omega 3 fish oils for dogs include increased metabolism in heart muscle cells and an anti-inflammatory effect, both of which can help to improve the heart’s overall health.

For dog owners who are looking for a treatment for dog heart disease, you’ll want to take all of your options into close consideration. But while you’re contemplating, adding omega-3s to their diet is one of the simplest and most beneficial moves you can make. In addition to any veterinarian-recommended interventions, omega-3 fish oils may make a positive difference in your dog’s overall health. At SeaPet, we are dedicated to providing you with the best fish oil for dog heart disease. Put your trust in us when you are looking to plan out your dog heart disease treatment plan.