The Role of Diet in Treating Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

Just like humans, cats and dogs are at risk of developing heart disease. Unfortunately both species of companion animals are frequently diagnosed with cardiac conditions.

There are several types of feline and canine cardiac ailments that present themselves differently, but eventually all of these conditions result in congestive heart disease. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently, which causes a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other body tissues.

What are some of the initial signs that may point to a possible heart problem?

Coughing in dogs may be indicative of cardiac disease because an enlarged and failing heart allows fluid to back up into the lungs and press on the windpipe. Rapid breathing, loss of appetite, lack of energy, pale or bluish gums, a weak and rapid pulse and an enlarged tummy are other signs that may signify canine cardiac problems.

In cats, however, symptoms of heart disease may not be as readily apparent as they are in dogs. Its only signals may be difficulty breathing and weight loss. Felines tend to make asthmatic-type sounds rather than a hacking cough.

While cats and dogs rarely develop primary hypertension (high blood pressure), secondary hypertension from heart disease is common. In order to prevent heart disease symptoms from getting worse due to secondary hypertension, a sodium-restricted diet (much in the same way physicians treat humans) for pets is also recommended.

What can be done to help manage heart disease in cats and dogs?

According to an article featured on Pet MD, dietary management, in addition to medications, is an essential part of treating congestive heart disease.

L-caritine is an amino acid essential to the function and health of the heart. It is an important source of muscle energy. As a source of energy for the heart muscle it is often offered as a supplement in the diet of pets with heart disease. Taurine is another amino acid which plays an essential part in heart health, and when deficient in the diet can cause dilated cardiomyopathy, a specific form of heart disease to which cats are particularly susceptible. Taurine is often added to the diet of animals with heart disease since it can resolve its symptoms.

But just because a certain diet may prove very effective for one animal doesn’t necessarily mean that diet is suitable for another. All pets, whether sick or healthy, must be evaluated individually in order to achieve an optimum and complete balanced diet. Working together with a veterinarian to plan an appropriate feeding regimen may go a long way in helping to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs living with heart disease.