Preventing Heart Conditions in Dogs
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Your pet's nutrition is a big part of his overall health, and if he has special dietary requirements or conditions that can be managed through diet, such as obesity, inflammation or dermatitis, check out our selection special Purina food blends, powdered supplements, oral suspensions and more.
Today's Product Spotlight
Vetri Cardio is a soft chew supplement you give to your dog daily. It tastes great and is full of healthful ingredients that support your dog's heart health, including improving cardiovascular function, reducing oxidative stress and helping circulation.
Heart disease is one of the most common illnesses in humans, and our canine comrades aren't immune. The catch-all term can refer to a wide range of heart conditions, both congenital and acquired; some more preventable than others. You should always take preventative steps to give your dog the best chances at a long and healthy life. Preventing heart disease means maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, providing dental care and eating a proper diet.
One of the most common heart conditions that develops in dogs is chronic degenerative valve disease. CDV has many other names, but always affects the heart valves. CDV is much more common in older dogs and those weighing less than 35 lbs., such as chihuahuas, cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles, dachshunds and small terriers. One exception to the general rule of aging is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a breed that is genetically predisposed to developing CVD. Cavalier King Charles spaniels can develop CDV as young as 2 years of age.
Feeding your dog well and providing heart-healthy supplements should be part of a well-rounded approach to caring for your canine. Remember to take him for his regular checkups, give him his heartworm medication regularly as scheduled, and immediately schedule an appointment if your dog exhibits any of the warning signs for CVD.
- Coughing
- Depression
- Collapsing
- Distended belly
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness and fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing when sleeping
- Constantly changing positions while sleeping
- A sudden change in the position your dog sleeps in
Another common form of heart disease in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy. DCM shows up much more frequently in specific breeds, including great danes, doberman pinschers, Irish wolfhounds, German shepherds, boxers and several types of spaniels.
The symptoms for DCM are similar to those of CVD, and it's important to see your vet immediately if you suspect a problem.
Supplements like Vetri Cardio can help, because they contain key ingredients that support a healthy heart.
What's in Vetri Cardio?
Arginine
The body uses arginine to create nitric oxide in the body, a key ingredient to
keeping the lining of blood vessels healthy, helping blood vessels stay open and maintaining healthy blood flow.
Berberine
This chemical, found in some types of plants, shows promising results when studied for its effects on cardiac function. Berberine
positively affects blood pressure and cardiac rhythm.
CoEnzyme Q10
Although evidence is still limited,
some research suggests that CoEnzyme Q10 can support cellular energy within the heart by producing ATP.
Dimethylglycine
This amino acid derivative supports the cardiovascular system as well as a broad range of immune functions, circulation, healthy blood pressure, detoxification and physical performance.
Folic Acid
This B vitamin is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and helps support capillary blood flow.
Hawthorne
This herb contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant that positively affects heart function. Hawthorn
has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, support healthy coronary blood flow.
L-carnitine
Incorporating L-carnitine into a cardiac supportive product for dogs supports heart rate, lipid patterns, proper use of electrolytes and exercise tolerance, all of which are important factors for healthy cardiac function.
Magnesium
Magnesium works synergistically with potassium to help support electrical activity of the heart and a strong normal heartbeat.
Potassium
Potassium works synergistically with magnesium to support electrolyte balance, which is crucial to a healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Taurine
This amino acid supports brain and heart health. It minimizes the loss of potassium, supports proper use of electrolytes, offers antioxidant support and benefits the immune system.
While there is no sure way to prevent heart disease 100-percent of the time, there are steps you can take to help improve your dog's health and his chance for a happy life. Proper diet and regular exercise go a long way when it comes to improving health and lifespan, and starting good habits early is important, if you want to stay ahead of heart disease. If you own a dog breed that's historically prone to heart disease, it's important to be extra vigilant.
