Congestive Heart Failure can be a difficult diagnosis to manage, but with the right diet and nutrition, you can help your pup stay healthy and happy. We've found the 5 best dog food brands of 2023 to help your furry friend enjoy their meals while supporting their heart health.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Dogs?
Congestive heart failure in dogs is a chronic condition resulting from underlying heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, or hypertension.
Symptoms of congestive heart failure include coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and decreased appetite. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, blood tests, X-rays, and an echocardiogram.
Treatment for congestive heart failure includes medications, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, diet, weight management, and regular exercise. Close monitoring and continuous treatment are necessary as congestive heart failure is a progressive and chronic condition.
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The Two Types of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the body. There are two primary types of congestive heart failure in dogs: Left-Sided Congestive Heart Failure and Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure. Each type affects different parts of the body and presents with distinct symptoms.
Left-Sided Congestive Heart Failure (LS-CHF)
Mechanism:
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Pathophysiology: In left-sided CHF, the left ventricle fails to effectively pump blood out to the body, causing blood to back up into the left atrium and then into the lungs. This leads to pulmonary congestion and edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs).
Symptoms:
- Coughing: Often worse at night or after exercise.
- Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea): Rapid or labored breathing due to fluid in the lungs.
- Exercise Intolerance: Reduced ability to engage in physical activities.
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Restlessness: Especially at night, as lying down can exacerbate breathing difficulties.
Causes:
- Mitral Valve Disease: Common in small breeds and older dogs.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: More prevalent in large breed dogs.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or ventricular septal defects (VSD).
Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure (RS-CHF)
Mechanism:
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Pathophysiology: In right-sided CHF, the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the lungs, causing blood to back up into the right atrium and then into the systemic circulation. This leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and other parts of the body.
Symptoms:
- Ascites: Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup.
- Peripheral Edema: Swelling in the limbs.
- Jugular Vein Distention: Visible swelling of the neck veins.
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Exercise Intolerance: Similar to left-sided CHF, but due to systemic rather than pulmonary issues.
Causes:
- Heartworm Disease: A common cause in areas where heartworm is prevalent.
- Tricuspid Valve Disease: Similar to mitral valve disease but affects the right side of the heart.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the lungs can strain the right side of the heart.
My Dog Has Congestive Heart Failure, Do They Need a Special Diet?
For dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), a low-sodium diet can reduce fluid retention and ease the workload on the heart. A high-protein, low-fat diet maintains muscle mass to support heart function, while antioxidants can protect the heart from further damage. Diuretic medications like Furosemide are often prescribed to help remove excess fluid and sodium. Consulting with your veterinarian is important to determine the best diet based on your dog's specific condition and underlying causes of CHF.
What Kind of Food Do I Need for My Dog with Congestive Heart Failure?
When selecting food for a dog with congestive heart failure (CHF), it's important to look for certain nutritional characteristics. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Low Sodium
A diet that is low in sodium can help reduce fluid retention and ease the workload on the heart.
2. High Protein
Feeding a diet that is high in protein can help maintain muscle mass, which can help support heart function.
3. Low Fat
Feeding a diet that is low in fat can help reduce the workload on the heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.
4. High Antioxidants
Feeding a diet that is high in antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, can help protect the heart from further damage.
5. High Fiber
Feeding a diet that is high in fiber can help regulate bowel function and keep stools firm, which may be beneficial for dogs with CHF.
6. Low Phosphorus
Some dogs with CHF may have kidney issues and may benefit from a diet low in phosphorus.
The Top 5 Dog Food Picks for Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Early Cardiac
Early Cardiac is formulated to support heart function with added EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids and low sodium content. Available with a prescription.
Avg. Cost: $84.99
RX Required
Avg. Rating: 4.5
Hill’s Prescription Diet: Heart Care H/D
Formulated to support overall heart health. H/D also helps to support liver and kidney function.
Avg. Cost: $84.99
RX Required
Avg. Rating: 4.0
Hill’s Prescription Diet: Weight Management R/D
Clinical nutrition especially formulated to reduce dogs' body fat by 22% in two months, while keeping him or her satisfied
Avg. Cost: $105.99
RX Required
Avg. Rating: 4.7
Royal Canin: Canine Satiety to Support Weight Management
formulated to help dogs lose weight in a safe and well-balanced manner. With a special blend of fibers, it helps to keep your dog full longer.
Avg. Cost: $104.99
RX Required
Avg. Rating: 4.5
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: CC CardioCare High Protein
Formulated to support optimal cardiac function in dogs. CC includes a blend of amino acids and fatty acids to maintain healthy heart structure.
Avg. Cost: $75.99
RX Required
Avg. Rating: 4.0
Oxygen Therapy for Your Dog with Congestive Heart Failure
Supplemental oxygen can help increase the oxygen concentration in the air that your dog breathes in, which can often help alleviate some of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. It can also help to reduce the workload on the heart by making breathing easier and reducing the need for the heart to work harder to pump blood.
Oxygen therapy for dogs with congestive heart failure typically involves the use of an oxygen concentrator, which removes nitrogen from the air and increases the concentration of oxygen.
The oxygen is then delivered to the dog typically through an Oxygen Cage or via the use of a Pet Oxygen Mask. Pawprint sells portable Oxygen Kits for Dogs here with everything you need to administer Oxygen at home to your Dog, when they need it.
