Care & Treatment
Although
your dog may have been diagnosed with a heart disease such as Mitral Valve Disease
or Dilated Cardiomyopathy there are many things you can do to help your
dog live a longer, better life.
Your vet will already have prescribed suitable medication, and it will help if you understand how these medicines can help your dog.
Click the headings to find out more.
It is important to remember that, as yet, there is no cure for either of the causes of congestive heart failure in dogs. However, there are treatments that not only greatly improve your dog's quality of life but can also extend your dog's life span - significantly. Medical treatment may consist of some or all of the following:
- Diuretics that remove excess fluid from the lungs or abdomen.
- Medicines that 'open up' constricted blood vessels, so reducing the work your dog's weakened heart has to do.
- Medicines that improve the strength, or the rate of, your dog's heart beat. This will improve the amount of blood pumped.
- Medicines that allow the heart to work more efficiently which should help your dog to live longer.
