My dog has Heart Failure- Caring for your dog with Heart Disease

It is very scary to be told that your beloved pet has heart disease or heart failure. At least 10% of dogs have heart disease, and whilst it cannot be cured, you can manage the disease and give your dog a full and long life with proper care and treatment.

What is canine heart failure?

Canine Heart failure isn’t the same as a heart attack in humans!  Heart disease in dogs or heart failure means that the dog’s heart isn’t able to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs.  As the dog’s heart performance declines, the symptoms increase. Importantly, heart failure in a dog doesn’t in itself cause pain for the dog.

 

Heart diseases in dogs can be caused by:

  • A valve defect (such as mitral valve disease)
  • A cardiac muscle disease (such as dilated cardiomyopathy)
  • Congestive heart failure (caused by things like mitral regurgitation/endocardiosis or dilated cardiomyopathy)
  • An infection (often originating in the blood or peridontal (teeth) that leads to heart valve infection
  • A parasite, like heartworm

 

Some symptoms of dog heart failure or dog heart disease that you may have noticed include:

 

  • Your dog rapidly tires or is fatigued, especially where this fatigue is new or rapidly increasing
  • Your dog is short of breath, or pants excessively, or has a dry cough after exercising and at night
  • Your dog’s sleep is restless
  • Your dog rapidly loses weight 

 

You should discuss any changes with your vet, as the partnership between vet and pet owner is key to quickly identifying and then successfully managing the condition of a dog with heart disease.

Canine Heart disease can be managed!

Fortunately, heart disease in dogs can be managed - some tools that you might use are:

  • Prescription medicines, such as Cardisure, Vetmedin, Fortekor and Fortekor Plus can be used to widen blood vessels and get more blood out to the rest of the body and to strengthen the pumping action of the heart.  These cardiovascular medications improve your pet’s quality of life!
  • Weight control - obesity places extra strain on the heart!
  • Exercise - talk with your vet, and be guided by your dog about how far to walk etc..

 

Can I buy prescribed Cardiovascular medications (like Cardisure, Vetmedin and Fortekor and Fortekor Plus) online?

There are a variety of Rx or prescription medicines that your vet may prescribe - and your vet will work with you to determine the medication that gives your dog the best quality of life.  Most of these medicines, like Cardisure, Vetmedin, Fortekor and Fortekor Plus can be purchased online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

 

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.