Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has SAS. Is it safe to give heart supplements with Sotalol?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 9 days old | 30 lbs

Hello, My pup was recently diagnosed with severe SAS and prescribed Sotalol. On the other hand I was reading about other types of supplements for heart conditions, specifically pet wellbeing “young at heart” that I am interested in trying but is not recommended to use with heart medications. What would be best for my pup?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2019

The biggest issue with herbal medications (which is what this supplement is) is a lack of controlled studies to prove that they work. Additionally, just like a man made medication, an herbal medication can also have side effects. Having said all of that, the specific product you refer to does contain Hawthorn which does have effects similar to sotolol. I don't know that its "better," or "safer" than sotolol because we just don't have the data to show that, whereas sotolol has been studied extensively regarding dosage, safety, efficacy, etc.
In short, its reasonable to try this herbal medication but I would strongly advise that you do it under the care of a veterinarian who has been trained in herbal medicine. Here is a link to find a a veterinarian who has studied herbal remedies: https://www.vbma.org/us-members.html
Keep in mind that SAS is a mechanical defect, and so no medication will "fix" it.. rather the goal of medical management is to minimize the problems that the heart defect causes.
http://massvetcardiology.com/Data/resources/cardiacdiseaserefe/subaorticstenosiss/understanding_sasgeneric.pdf

Best of luck with her!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button