Dog diet and supplements for enlarged heart

Hello Josie’s Parents!
Heart conditions are not uncommon in older dogs. The prescriptions that your veterinarian has started for Josie are good. But with good nutrition and supplements, you may be able to wean her off of some of them.

A good book that I would highly recommend to guide you along, especially for diet recipes, is Dr Richard Pitcairn’s book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

He is a proponent of raw diets, with NO added salt, since raw meat is superior to cooked for better nutrition. See our page on the 10 best dog food options for a list of some raw food diets. Also offer Spring Water or other filtered water for her to drink.

If she is overweight, she should be on a weight reduction diet, since that will be easier on her heart. As Dr. Pitcairn says, “Because more heart energy is required to push blood through all that fat!”

Supplements that provide a good source of B-vitamins and minerals are important for heart tissue. A good supplement would be OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder.

Josie also needs Vetri-Science Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg), give her 10 mg in her food two times daily.

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Standard Process products such as Canine Cardiac support would be excellent for Josie.

Regular daily exercise that is not too strenuous or exciting would also be good for her, such as taking her for a walk, for about 10- 15 minutes twice a day. Monitor her for how tired she is, and do not overdo it (Avoid hills/steep driveways, lots of stairs

Avoid cigarette smoke.

There are numerous homeopathic remedies that are useful for heart conditions, but it would be best to seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to guide you in which ones to choose.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Heart Problems Section

Thank you Dr. Tillman for all your wonderful advice. We will make sure to read Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s book and try the supplements and diet you have recommended. Thank you again for your valuable website and for the tools you have given us to help keep Josie as strong and healthy as we can in her senior years.

Dear Josie’s Parents,
You are very welcome.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

I have a 5 year old just diagnosised with enlarged heart. This is after taking Trifexis Heart worm for 10 months. I need assistance also! Please he is too young, can this be reversed?

Hi Sherry,
Thanks for your question. I’m happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
I’ll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman