Most of us want to be involved in our pet’s health care.  Ultimately, we are responsible for Fido and Fluffy, and participating in their well-being empowers us and gives us a sense of satisfaction. If I had a dollar for every caring pet owner who said, I’ll do anything for my pet, I would be a rich woman today. This loving sentiment is especially important for pet parents whose cat or dog is suffering from heart disease because, with your vet’s assistance, there are some significant steps you can take that will make a difference in your pet’s prognosis.

When many heart diseases are diagnosed early (remember those annual vet visits) they can be successfully medically managed for years.  This gives us, as pet parents, ample opportunity to explore nutritional and lifestyle choices to optimize the health and longevity of our pets.

Below are listed some of the longest-used and most studied natural substances that benefit heart health through prevention or reducing the effects of current diseases. But because there are a plethora of different heart problems not all of these substances will be useful for every condition; in fact, some could be strongly contraindicated depending on your pet’s particular disease.

ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR VET BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO YOUR PET’S HEALTH PROGRAM

• As Hippocrates said, Food Is Medicine, and your first line of defense against any disease state is to make sure your pet is eating a biologically appropriate diet. In the case of dogs and cats, both of whom are carnivores, that diet would be raw and meat-based. Most commercially available raw pet foods are labeled Complete and Balanced, containing all currently known needed nutrients for your pet’s body, but please read labels carefully.  Well-balanced raw, meat-based diets are high in the heart-necessary nutrient taurine. While dogs can manufacture their taurine, cats cannot and will die if they do not get this essential amino acid from their diet. Eating a species-correct diet will reduce the workload on all organs, resulting in a healthier heart and a longer life for your pet.
• CoQ10 (using the activated form ubiquinol) is a fat–soluble vitamin that has many studies showing its effectiveness in reducing arterial plaque, optimizing mitochondria function, improving the oral microbiome and reducing inflammation. This nutrient is very important for heart health and is difficult to get from food sources alone. In supplement form, holistic vets usually dose at 10mg per ten pounds of body weight.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids are proven to reduce LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and increase HDL (the “good” cholesterol) in our pets bodies. High levels of LDL are associated with plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing blood vessels, thus restricting blood flow to the heart and other organs as well. For carnivores, the best sources of Omega 3’s are fatty fish, cod liver oil, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Dosages are generally 30mg per pound of body weight per day, but your holistic vet may find contraindications if your pet has trouble metabolizing fats.
• Vitamin E and Selenium are best used together since they work synergistically as a powerful antioxidant. Together they improve circulation and heart output. Vitamin E is found in nuts and plant oils (beware of rancidity) and Selenium is highest in seafood and organ meats. Adequate amounts for medicinal purposes are hard to source from foods. Communicate with your holistic vet for correct dosages.
• Kelp and Dulse are two sea vegetables that are brimming with minerals and trace minerals. Trace minerals are notably missing or inadequately supplied in modern pet diets. These elusive trace minerals offer important preventative nutrients for whole body health, especially for the heart.
• Garlic is one of the most widely used and studied herbs. Its’ use has been recorded since 2600 B.C. as an aid in human health.  But the earliest use for pets was noted during the ancient Roman era when garlic was given to conquering warriors and their war dogs to strengthen them. Used consistently, garlic is known for lowering blood pressure, combating hardening of the arteries, discouraging parasites and boosting the immune system.
• Another herb that has been used for centuries to support the heart is hawthorn. Hawthorn works similarly to an adaptogen in the body, bringing down excess and bringing up deficiencies.  This tonic herb will gently increase blood flow throughout the system without putting extra pressure on the arteries. Tinctures are a convenient way to add this into your pet’s heart regimen and dosages are printed on the bottle by pet weight.
• One of the most versatile foods for overall health is the tiny blueberry. Providing significant antioxidant and vitamin benefits, blueberries also contain resveratrol. (While grapes are higher in resveratrol, they are poisonous to pets and should never be fed.)However, resveratrol has been shown to reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and are very heart-friendly. Most dogs enjoy eating blueberries, but cats may be a harder sell. Resveratrol supplements may be suggested by your holistic vet as a natural aid to heart health.
• Other ingredients worthy of checking: magnesium levels, folate, Vitamin D, lecithin, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, ginkgo biloba, nettle, and dandelion to name a few.
• Two other factors that can influence heart health include making sure your pet has moderate, age-appropriate exercise and removing environmental stress whenever possible. Check with your vet about any exercise questions.

The foremost principle when treating a pet with heart disease is to consult your vet.  Conventional vets will be able to accurately diagnose heart disease, prescribe correct medications, and help you manage the disease throughout your pet’s life. Holistic vets can do all of the above and additionally guide your use of nutritional resources to optimize heart function and increase longevity. We treasure our pets, and we treasure our vets for working faithfully to keep our beloved companions healthy. You, your pet plus your vet are the winning combination in the fight against the silent killer of heart disease.

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