TCVM Protocols for Cardiac Disease in Dogs

What Causes Cardiac Disease in Dogs?

There’s no single cause of cardiac disease in dogs. In fact, aging, obesity, breed, and nutrition can all play a role in canine heart problems. The most common affliction is heart valve problems, which typically affect small breed dogs that are five years or older.

However, regardless of the heart condition, it’s important to spot the signs early. Because most canine heart conditions develop as the dog ages, it's best to begin management as soon as possible.

What Are the Symptoms of Cardiac Disease in Dogs?

There are several tell-tales signs your dog could have heart problems. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, contact your vet immediately. Common signs of heart disease in dogs include:

• a dry cough following physical activity or becoming worse at night
• a "potbelly" appearance in the abdomen from fluid buildup
• fainting, which might seem like a seizure
• fatigue or getting tired more quickly than usual
• rapid weight loss (within just a few weeks)
• restless sleep
• shortness of breath or elevated breathing

How to Help Your Dog's Heart Problems at Home

Luckily, there are several things you can do at home to help your dog's heart condition. The information below is what our co-founders, Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron recommend in their Tennessee veterinary clinics.

Feed A Low-Salt Diet

It’s easy to feed a low-salt diet if you cook at home for your dog. Simply visit PET | TAO's recipe page and choose the diet that most suits your dog's energetic needs. To find out what recipe your dog needs, check out PET | TAO's Eastern Food Therapy Feeding Suggestion chart.

Then, make sure all ingredients have no salt added, and do not add any salt to the final recipe.

Give a Cardiovascular Support Supplement with Coenzyme Q-10

Our vets recommend Vet Classics Cardiovascular Support with Coenzyme Q-10. It combines coenzyme Q-10 with powerful blend of botanicals, antioxidants, and amino acids to help support overall cardiovascular system health.

Feed Heart Treats

Eastern medicine teaches us you can feed heart to help strengthen and tonify the heart meridian. PET | TAO Freeze Dried Heart Treats make it easy to use heart based on the Five-Element Theory. Simply feed several heart treats a day to help your dog feel better. As an added bonus, feeding heart treats also helps with behavioral issues and agitation in addition to promoting heart health.

Supplement with Salmon Oil

There are many studies showing how salmon oil helps heart health. We recommend giving 20-90 mg per pound of body weight (daily). 

An excellent option is Vet Classics Salmon Oil Soft Chews. 

In addition to promoting heart health, salmon oil also helps your dog's skin and coat.

Try a TCVM Herbal Formula

In addition to over-the-counter supplements, there are several TCVM herbal formulas to help dogs with heart health challenges.

A few good examples are:

• Ge Xia Zhu Yu
• Heart Qi Tonic
• Zhen Wu Tang

TCVM herbal formulas require a veterinary authorization. You'll need an authorization from your veterinarian or a telemedicine consultation or exam with one of our veterinarians to purchase TCVM herbs.

Need Extra Help for Your Special Needs Dog?

If you ever need extra help managing your dog's heart health challenges naturally we can help. TCVM Pet Supply cofounders Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron offer TCVM telemedicine consultations.

If you get a TCVM telemedicine consultation ($125), you'll get personalized TCVM recommendations specific to your pet, including:

• TCVM Evaluation
• Food Therapy Recommendations
• TCVM Herb Recommendations & Veterinary Authorization
• Supplement Recommendations
• Alternative Medicine Recommendations

If you reside in the Middle Tennessee area or would like to commute, you may choose an in-clinic appointment instead. You can learn more about each vet and contact the clinic you prefer directly:

• Casey Damron, DVM - White Oak Animal Hospital
• Marc Smith, DVM - Natchez Trace Veterinary Services

We hope this information helps you, and wish you the best in helping your dog feel better.

If you have any other questions or if we can help you in any way, just let us know!

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