Recommended Canine Heart Health Supplements Backed by Veterinarians by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Recommended Canine Heart Health Supplements Backed by Veterinarians by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Your pup's heart works tirelessly, day and night, pumping blood through its body. Just like humans, dogs can deal with heart health issues, which can significantly impact their quality of life. With age, these complications become more common, causing many pet parents to question whether dog heart health supplements should be part of their four-legged friend's routine.

Heart supplements play a crucial role in maintaining a dog's cardiovascular health. They help maintain the heart's function, improve overall wellness, and even assist in managing existing heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF), mitral valve disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, it's essential to understand how and when to use these supplements and what to consider when choosing quality dog heart health supplements.

Here's a breakdown of what these supplements are, how they can help, when a vet might recommend them, and some vet-recommended product suggestions.

What are Dog Heart Health Supplements?

Dog heart health supplements come in multiple forms, such as pills, tablets, capsules, and liquids. These supplements are not a replacement for food or any heart medications your veterinarian prescribes but are designed to be added to your dog's regular diet to provide extra support.

These supplements contain naturally occurring ingredients that help promote healthy heart function, including:

• Taurine – a key amino acid that strengthens heart muscle and helps prevent DCM, a serious heart condition in medium and large dog breeds.
• L-carnitine – another amino acid that produces energy for heart cells and can help treat DCM.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – an antioxidant that supports organs with high energy demands, such as the heart and brain.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – help reduce inflammation and the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
• Hawthorn – a powerful antioxidant that regulates blood pressure, stabilizes weak or irregular heartbeats, and improves oxygen use in heart cells.
• Dandelion – packed with potassium, which promotes heart function and helps drain fluids from around the heart, improving its efficiency.

While heart health supplements can offer valuable benefits, they may not be suitable for every dog. Some dogs may already have a balanced diet, and others with normal, healthy heart function may not see benefits from these supplements. Moreover, these supplements can interact with other medications in ways that can harm your pet, so consultation with a veterinarian is crucial before giving your dog any heart health supplements.

When your Vet Might Recommend a Dog Heart Supplement

There are several situations when a veterinarian might suggest a heart supplement for your dog:

• Breed predisposition: Some breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermans, and Boxers, are more prone to heart issues owing to genetics. If your dog belongs to a breed with a higher risk of heart problems, your vet may recommend these supplements as a preventive measure.
• Managing heart disease: If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, your vet may prescribe medication to manage it. The vet might also recommend supplements to offer additional support or address any nutritional deficiencies.
• Aging dogs: As dogs age, their heart can weaken. Veterinarians often recommend heart health supplements for senior dogs to maintain good heart function and slow the aging process on the heart.
• Lifestyle factors: Dogs who are overweight, less active, or exposed to environmental stress may be at a higher risk for heart problems. So vets may recommend supplements to address underlying health issues and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Five Vet-Recommended Dog Heart Health Supplements

Depending on your dog's needs, here are some vet-approved supplement options:

1. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Supplement Liquid for Dogs – this liquid supplement provides Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, which can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health and function.
2. Formula CV Capsules for Dogs & Cats – a blend of CoQ10, L-carnitine, taurine, hawthorn, and other essential nutrients, this supplement can help manage DCM and CHF.
3. VetriScience Cardio Chews – tasty treats containing taurine, L-carnitine, CoQ10, hawthorn, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin E help strengthen heart function and support normal blood pressure.
4. VetriScience Coenzyme Q10 Capsules – a standalone CoQ10 supplement that supports energy production in heart cells and heart muscle function.
5. VetriScience Cardio Strength Capsule – this combination of taurine, L-carnitine, CoQ10, and other beneficial nutrients helps maintain normal blood pressure, support strong heart contractions, and ensure proper circulation.

Tips and Safety

• Consult with your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog's health regimen.
• Conduct research to ensure you deal with a reputable supplement company that undergoes third-party testing for purity and potency.
• Follow your veterinarian's recommended dose, even if it's lower than what's on the supplement label.
• Keep an eye out for side effects such as digestive upset or changes in appetite.
• Do not give human supplements to your dog.

Maintaining your dog's heart health is crucial to embracing a long, fruitful life for your furry companion. With proper care and supplements, you can support your dog's heart for years to come.

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