Just like humans, dogs are prone to one common health problem – heart disease. Dogs can get heart attacks and heart failure, see here. It can be caused by several things and is a serious issue that only a few veterinary clinics have a solution to.
Especially if it is a genetic problem, there is only so much you can do. However, giving your dog the best life, he can have, will help them to live as long as possible without having to suffer.
Common Types of Heart Diseases
There are a few common types of heart diseases that canines can face, these include:
Heartworm Disease
Mosquitoes carry various diseases such as malaria, zika virus, dengue, yellow fever and more, but the one that causes dogs to have a Heartworm is the “heartworm larvae”, and when they bite dogs, they can transmit this into their bodies.
It is a damaging parasite and can multiply and spread throughout its vascular system and blood vessels. This can lead to permanent damage to their heart valves and large blood vessels and other parts of their bodies.
Canine Valvular Heart Disease
Symptoms of this disease are the thickening of the heart valves in dogs which eventually lead to a breakdown of these vessels that transport blood between the ventricles and chambers. When this happens, it blocks the natural flow of blood into and out of their heart.
Canine Cardiac Arrhythmias
When the regular heartbeat of the dog gets affected it can lead to unfavorable issues of their hearts. This is a problem that occurs with their electrical impulses that control their heartbeat.
Myocardial disease
Caused by the dog’s heart muscle overworking, this problem leads to the walls of the heart thickening and minimizing the flow of blood to the chambers.
Congenital Heart Defects
Several congenital heart defects can affect canines as well. This is mainly an inherited issue and can occur from the time of birth, although it only starts to affect them as they get older.
Congestive Heart Failure
One of the common types of heart disease in pooches is congestive heart failure. The heart becomes too thick and blood does not fill inside it as it should. It hinders the pumping action that normally occurs between the four chambers and causes a dysfunctional situation of the blood flow.
The blood does not get pumped to the rest of the body as well and the dog can suffer from heart failure: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/congestive-heart-failure-in-dogs
Natural Solutions for Dogs Heart Health
There are various home solutions that you can give your dog to help bring them relief and also calm their heartbeats and provide oxygen into their bodies.
Hawthorn
when you give this natural plant to dogs, it can in due time help to increase blood circulation and movement into and out of the heart, regulating the flow. It can also reduce blood pressure and strengthen the heart muscles. Hawthorn has antioxidant properties too, and can also remove any fat build up in the dogs’ bodies which helps to kill any free radicals in the red blood cells.
Ginger
Many people use ginger to treat digestive problems, and if you didn’t know this already, it can be given to your pooch as well. It helps with blood circulation as well and helps to prevent blood from clotting inside the vessels.
Sometimes high fat builds up in arteries and can lead to several problems of the heart and ginger can help to reduce this and break down the fat buildup. Although it has these superpowers, it should be given to them in moderation as too much of this stuff can give them an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Cayenne
This fiery red pepper has been named the “king of medicinal herbs” by many holistic practitioners. People use it in their cooking all the time and it has great benefits. Used to boost metabolism, lower blood pressure, aid in digestion and relieve pain and skin conditions such as psoriasis, it is also used for mongrel’s health benefits.
As a natural remedy Cayenne can stimulate the canines blood flow and help bring life to any disease which is causing deterioration to their heart muscles and health.
CBD Oil
CBD has undoubtedly been researched time and time again because of the great benefits it provides to people, and now our pets can reap the benefits too. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties render it one of the best solutions for a dog’s heart health.
Many pet product manufacturers have started to add this hemp plant extract into their oils, treats and pet food and dog CBD is becoming just as popular as human CBD products. It can reduce high blood pressure and conditions such as heart failure and strokes.
Hypertensive heart disease is a tricky thing to handle when dogs are meant to be active. As we cannot suppressive what comes naturally to them – running and being active, the best we can do is support it so that this does not lead them to have a heart attack.
Dandelion
Dogs and cats love to eat grass and plants, as an innate attempt at helping them to naturally digest their food if they feel their tummy isn’t doing well. One of the great things about this is, they will eat dandelions as well.
If they have weak heart muscles, giving them this diuretic can help remove excess fluids in their heart to help it pump at a stronger level. The root and the leaf can both be given to them to help their condition.
Helping them with natural substances first is a great idea however if you notice something is not right, the recommended route is to first take them to the veterinarian.
