Dog enlarged heart natural treatment, does this disease really cure naturally?
Old age and injury can lead to serious medical conditions in dogs like enlarged hearts or chronic heart failure. Just like humans, your dog’s heart supplies its body with blood and nutrients. An inefficient heart will affect all the different body systems leading to weakness, illness and even death. There are good news and bad news though. There’s no treatment or cure for an enlarged heart in dogs but with the right diet, exercise and extra TLC, your pet will still enjoy a happy, fruitful life.
How to tell if your dog has an enlarged heart? Your dog’s body language will let you know if there is something wrong. If you notice that he is shaking, panting, pacing and showing signs of weakness more often then suspect that he might have CHF. Along with the mentioned symptoms, your pup may also experience exercise intolerance, coughing, loss of appetite, heavy breathing, reluctance to lie down or to get up and collapse or fainting.
Usually, vets prescribe medications to reduce symptoms of CHF and enlargement of the heart. Along with medications, your pet may also benefit from natural treatments and practices. We have ten of the most recommended natural treatments for your dog.
10 Dog Enlarged Heart Natural Treatment
Contents
1. Dandelion
Dandelion is more than a stubborn weed. The dandelion flowers, leaves and roots can be used as a natural remedy to help dogs with enlarged hearts. This weed is rich in vitamins A, C, K, D, and B–complex which are needed for a strong heart and a healthy body. It has iron, manganese, phosphorous and other trace minerals as well.
Dandelions are easily absorbed by the body. It can help with conditions like cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and kidney problems. It comes with antioxidants to improve immune system health, potassium to stimulate appetite and treat chronic indigestion and vitamins A and C for healthy eyes and skin. It is also a diuretic, therefore, it can help dogs with enlarged hearts live a happy, healthy life.
To use dandelion, you can dry it and use as a dried herb, in tea form or in tincture form. To make dandelion tea, dry the flowers and leaves. Use about 1/3 cup of dried herb every 20 pounds of your pup’s body weight. Give your dog dandelion tea three times a day.
2. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is an ancient herb used to treat heart problems. Doctors use this herb to treat heart conditions and respiratory problems in humans. It is effective for hypertension, irregular heartbeat, hardening of the arteries, chest pain and CHF.
The Hawthorn tree is so called because it has sharp thorns with red berries along with the buds. You can just pick some of these juicy berries and feed these to your dog. You may also get a basketful of these berries to make teas or tinctures. It is easy to spot Hawthorn trees because these are abundant in most North American meadows and forests.
Hawthorn berries can improve the overall function of the heart and can strengthen weak or irregular heartbeats. There are studies that show that Hawthorn berries are very popular natural treatments for enlarged hearts and may even be as powerful as digitalis but safer and milder when it comes to any untoward effects.
3. Motherwort
Motherwort is a very popular dog enlarged heart natural treatment ailments in humans and in pets. It is used to treat conditions such as heart failure, irregular heartbeats and heart symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Motherwort also has relaxing effects and can help with sleep.
Research has shown that motherwort has natural compounds that protect the heart. It can relax heart tissues and prevent blood clots which can lead to heart attacks. It has leonurine, a calcium channel blocker which can reduce blood pressure and steadies irregular heartbeats.
The only problem with giving your dog motherwort is that it tastes bitter. You can improve motherwort tea by adding honey, sugar or lemon. It can be made into tinctures and added to your dog’s meals. Be careful when administering motherwort to your pet because this can cause drowsiness, sedation, low blood pressure and diarrhea.
4. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red pigment under the carotenoid family. It is a powerful antioxidant that is stronger than common antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene. It is needed for the prevention of heart disease and inflammation. It can also help with joint issues, immune system health, brain health, and eye conditions.
There are astaxanthin supplements available in the market but make sure that you use astaxanthin from microalgae or from krill. Never use synthetic forms because these are from petrochemicals which can affect your dog’s health.
If you are using a supplement made for dogs, follow the instructions on the label. If you are using supplements for humans, adjust the dose according to your dog’s weight. The recommended dose is 1 to 1.6 mg for every 20 pounds of weight.
5. Colostrum
This natural supplement has very potent antioxidant properties that can improve heart health and prevent heart disease. It also comes with immune fighting proline-rich polypeptide which enhances immunity. It can also regulate the immune response to allergies.
Colostrum can help with joint health, digestive problems like leaky gut syndrome, wound healing in abscesses, wound infections and skin conditions.
There are available colostrum supplements found in natural stores online. Use around 1/3 teaspoons of colostrum powder every 25 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Give this twice daily on an empty stomach or mix with yogurt or milk. Give this for a month or as needed.
6. Green Lipped Mussels
One of the most bountiful sources of omega-3 fatty acids is green lipped mussels. These are found only from New Zealand and will work wonders for your dog’s heart health. Green-lipped mussels are also rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and amino acids.
Aside from strengthening the heart, green lipped mussels are needed for improving arthritis conditions in dogs as it can relieve pain, inflammation and enhance mobility. Green-lipped mussels also enhance skin and eye health.
Green-lipped mussels are available in powder form for humans and also for pets. Simply follow the directions on the product label. There are also freeze-dried green-lipped mussel treats for dogs. Use only cold-treated products since heat destroys nutrients.
7. Eggshell Membrane
This is a natural antioxidant from the delicate membrane between the egg white and the eggshell. This is rich in natural heart and joint health compounds such as glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and chondroitin.
Eggshell membrane supplements are good for dogs as it can reduce joint pain as well as stiffness. It does not come with side effects that regular medications have so its safe to use.
You’ll find natural eggshell membrane supplements for dogs. Look for the NEM brand and simply follow the directions on how to administer to your dog.
8. Phytoplankton
Another good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids is phytoplankton for dog enlarged heart natural treatment. It contains superoxide dismutase which is the most potent antioxidants which can protect the cells of the body, remove toxins and improve overall health.
Phytoplankton can enhance heart health, improve immune system functions, reduce digestive conditions and prolong energy and stamina in dogs. Best of all, this is easily absorbed in dogs.
Just a small amount will work even for a very large dog. You can find phytoplankton supplements for dogs. The usual dose is 1/16 tsp a day or follows package instructions.
9. Green Tea
Use decaffeinated green tea for your dog enlarged heart natural treatment. Green tea has powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that provide most of its therapeutic properties including heart health, anti-inflammatory properties, immune system support, brain health, and anti-cancer effects.
According to experts, green tea is a good supplement for dogs because it is safe and has no known dangerous effects. Give your dog organic green tea using one tea bag or a tablespoon of loose green tea in four cups of water.
10. Larch Arabinogalactan
Extracts of larch arabinogalactan are from the Larch tree and this has very good effects on dogs. It can boost the immune system, enhance heart health, treat digestive system issues like diarrhea and bacteria and has anti-cancer properties.
Larch arabinogalactan is available in supplement form. Use a supplement with at least 10 billion colony forming units or CFU. You may add this to your dog’s food and give for a month and then rest for two weeks before resuming treatment.
There are no side effects to using this supplement. Make sure to give your dog plenty of water afterward. Follow the instructions indicated in the supplement package.
Conclusion
Aside from these natural treatments of heart, your dog needs the best diet as well as exercise that will fit his level of activity and overall health. Although most of these supplements are perfectly safe for dogs, it would be best to consult your dog’s vet beforehand.
Never discontinue any medication prescribed to your dog; only his doctor will discontinue or reduce the dose as necessary. Always take your dog to his regular checkups to monitor his enlarged heart and to get expert advice on his treatment.