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My dog has DCM. Are supplements like fish oil safe with meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 8 lbs

Is it okay to use supplements on a dog who has DCM? I've been reading online and come across several articles that state a number of supplements have quite a few benefits for a dog suffering from heart disease that include: - Hawthorne berry - L-arginine - Omega 3 fish oil Obviously you can't believe everything you read on the internet so is this true? And if so, what sorts of things are each good for? And are each okay to use together as well as with medication - vetmedin & frusemide

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on October 16th, 2017

Yes, you can use supplements on a dog with DCM. However, most of the supplements have similar actions to the drugs that we use for heart disease, so you need to be sure that you are working with your vet or a vet trained in herbal medicine to make sure the dosage and effects are safe for Chico. I use Hawthorne berry to increase cardiac contraction, and I don't see that Chico is on a medication for that, so that might be a good addition. And I don't think there are any contraindications for Omega 3 fish oil which can improve blood supply to the heart muscle itself. Again, I would recommend speaking to your vet about those supplements and see if they have any other suggestions. I will often use Coenzyme Q10 in my heart patients as well. If you need to find a vet comfortable with herbal therapies, you might be able to find one here under the find a vet section.
https://www.ahvma.org
I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.
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