Heart problems are fairly common in older dogs and older cats.. There are excellent conventional veterinary drugs but there are also a number of things that can be done at home. The first thing is to make the animal lose any unnecessary weight by putting it on a sugar and salt free diet and cutting out treats and trying to stop it being a couch potato by encouraging it to exercise a little more, whether with toys inside the home or with more time spent outside.
I always blamed myself for my Doberman Sophie’s heart condition as she has been fed far too many titbits, and was definitely too fat, which put a strain on her heart. From then on she had small portions of egg, tofu, poultry, fish and rice twice daily and I would only feed her the original Canine Denes cans, which they assured me did not contain salt or sugar. Almost all the elderly cats at the sanctuary are also fed Denes Original Feline tins and a little feline biscuit
Nutritionally, vitamins E, A and D are very important and also chromium, selenium, zinc and a B complex vitamin. An all in one canine multi-vitamin-multi-mineral would be a minimum requirement along with garlic and greenleaf tablets and in an older dog I would definitely increase the vitamin C daily intake to 500 mg. The amount for a cat would be dependent on its size. If a dog is taking heart tablets it may need to take extra potassium, which could be depleted by the drugs. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a heart condition and can be found in mackerel, herring, sardine or tuna. Alternatively you can give it in capsule form. If you need to add bulk to the meals you can add oatbran, wheatgerm and vegetables.
Homoeopathically: Spongia tosta may be useful, particularly when there is a cough. Calc fluor is good for a weakened heart muscle. Crataegus oxycantha may help if there is fluid retention.
Herbally: Juliette de Bairacli Levy makes a rosemary and honey tea for dogs with heart problems. Skullcap is calming and alfalfa helps with blood pressure while dandelion acts as a diuretic.
Alexandra Bastedo is the founder of the ABC Animal Sanctuary www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk Patron of Compassion in World Farming, Naturewatch, Wildlifeaid and the Animal Welfare Trust and President of Cat and Rabbit Rescue and Vice President of Brent Lodge Bird Hospital, Chichester and Paws Animal Sanctuary at Findon. The Sanctuary is strictly not for profit with all monies raised going directly to the animals. Any donations which are very necessary to keep the rescue centre going can be made through our website.
Copyright Alexandra Bastedo.
