My dog has CHF. Can I use natural remedies with his medication?

Thanks for asking PetCoach! When we use a holistic approach to treatment, we need to remember that it is best to think of it as a marriage of traditional western medicine (drugs) with eastern medicine (herbs, acupuncture, etc). Some of the medications we use for congestive heart failure just CANNOT be replaced-- for instance Lasix (furosemide) - this medication is essential in treatment of chf. Additional treatments in addition to frequently used drugs for CHF would include acupuncture, as well as an herb called Hawthorn. This herb is not going to interfere with Lasix (furosemide), Vetmedin (pimobendan), or enalipril. If she is on digoxin (used to treat some arrhythmias), it could potentially interfere. I recommend Standard Process/Medi-herb brand for herbals. Here is a website to find a place that sells this brand: https://www.standardprocess.com/HCP-Search Adding acupuncture and Hawthorn would be the best suggestion I have for you. Good luck with your dog!

For now there is very little you can do except start the medication prescribed and wait for them to work. Your dog should start feeling a lot better within the next few days with less fluid in his lungs and better cardiac function. You can start feeding a special diet for dogs with congestive heart failure, such as Hills Prescription h/d. Such diets typically have restricted sodium levels to limit fluid retention, added taurine and L-carnitine, and amino acids that may help support heart function, added B-vitamins and magnesium. Here is some good information: http://www.vermontveterinarycardiology.com/index.php/for-clients/feeding-the-cardiac-patient

No, it is not recommended to use any other medications or herbal remedies. Often time herbal remedies interfere with the medications - there have not been enough studies done on this so I would not risk it. Just continue to give the medications as prescribed by your vet. Those are the best treatments for his condition.

Unfortunately the dilation of the heart cannot be reversed, but the medications will help to slow its progression and improve the other side effects of enlarged heart. The vetmedin helps the heart pump faster and harder, the furosemide reduces fluid build up in the lungs and the benazepril stops maladaptive pathways being activated. You should see a difference in him within a week or two, the medication can help to improve quality of life greatly.

With my research I was able to find a reliable source that contradicts the use of both Young at heart and Pimobendan (Vetmedin). Since your pet is already on Vetmedin, he should not be on this supplement. The other heart medication, Enalapril, can be given with this supplement however, but I am unsure if this is indicated for your pets specific heart condition or not. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8501760 I would however suggest getting him on a prescription dog food for pets with heart disease such as Hill's H/D or Royal Canin Cardiac. I hope that Krystal's condition stabilizes soon with her heart medications. The best we can hope for is to help her compensate for her heart defect as long as feasibly possible. Best of luck to you and take care!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Odie isn't feeling well. The heart on the x-rays is very big, so treatment for the heart disease is a good idea. One of the medications given typically with heart disease is a drug called Furosemide, and this usually makes them drink and pee a lot. Other medications for heart disease including Benazepril (Fortekor) and Pimobendan (Vetmedin). Benazepril can be hard on the kidneys so follow up bloodwork is recommended. If Odie is not improving with the medications he might need higher doses. Also, if he isn't eating and drinking, I would be concerned about another disease process going on, and would recommend bloodwork. You can always try a 24 hour emergency center if you can't get into your local vet for a consult. I hope he feels better soon. I wouldn't change any medications you are giving now without talking to a vet first, and it sounds like Odie needs to be seen soon. Best of luck with Odie.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Toxicity does not increase with number of medications, and the more medications you have the better they can work together to help fight the heart disease. (Toxicity occurs with OVERDOSES of one particular drug). Heart disease unfortunately is progressive, and if Zoe has been placed on all four of these medications, it likely means that the heart disease is severe, and she NEEDS these medications so that she doesn't suffer from congestion (which is awful). These are all life-long medications so please do not stop them! At this stage there aren't any other typical heart medications to add in, so if Zoe is not doing well clinically (weak, tired, not breathing well, bloated abdomen), then I recommend you have a recheck with your vet. These drugs can be hard on the kidneys, but in order to treat the heart disease so that Zoe isn't suffering from congestive heart failure, this is sometimes unavoidable. Best of luck with Zoe, I hope she feels better!