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Heart Medicine for My Dog"Heart medicine for my dog is based on human medications that have been adapted for dogs. Natural supplements also have a good track record of success. Consult your veterinarian." The goal of most heart medicine for my dog is to reduce the stress on the heart so it doesn’t have to pump as hard. Often multiple drugs are used with frequent changes in dosage until there is the desired effect. The heart muscle is a complex organ requiring some trial and error in administering types and doses of heart medicine. Treatment is similar to treatment in a human. Types of Heart Medicine For My DogACE (angiotensin converting enzyme Inhibitors) - A class of drugs called ACE inhibitors reduce blood pressure and block the body’s instinct to beat faster when blood flow declines. With the heart not having to beat as hard, the life of the heart and your dog is increased. This drug has been extensively tested and is safe. ACE inhibitors can be the only drug prescribed if your dog has been diagnosed early.Common brand of ACE’s are: Enalapril (Enacard ®, Vasotec®) Side effects of these types of heart medicine for my dog include vomiting and diarrhea. Diuretics/Furosemide – Works on your dog’s kidneys and helps to remove water. Other diuretics include Spironolactone and Chlorthiazide. Common drug brands are Lasix® and Disal®. Side effects include weakness and dehydration. Nitroglycerin – This drug enlarges the veins, allowing blood to flow easier through your dog’s body. It is given to your pet with a patch on the skin either in the groin or armpit or in a pill. Nitroglycerin is only effective for two days. Common brands are NitroBid®, Nitrol®, Isordil® and Sorbitrate®. Digitalis – The drug digitalis is used to slow a racing heart. The drug is very powerful and requires monitoring. Inodilators/Digoxin – This type of drug is used to stimulate a heart that is failing and helps regulate a heart that isn’t beating regularly. Common drug brands are Lanoxin®, Cardoxin® and Cardoxin LS®. Side effects include diarrhea, appetite loss and vomiting. Ditiazem - Used in dogs to treat an irregular heartbeat. This drug will slow the beat. This drug usually does not have side effects. If any, they include reduced appetite or a slower heart rate. Drug brands are Cardizem®, Cardizem CD® and Dilacor XR®. Atenolol and propranolol - These types of heart medicine for my dog are called betablockers. They work on the part of the nervous system (sympathetic) that affects the heart rate. Treatment reduces the heart rate, allows your dog’s heart to work with less oxygen and can calm abnormal heart beat patterns. Common drug brands are Tenormin® Inderal®. Side effects include changes in attitude and low blood pressure. Then can also mask signs of diabetes such as blood sugar measurement. Herbal and Natural Remedies - Homeopathic approaches have been successfully used to support the heart and circulatory system. Herbs such as hawthorne, Arnica montana, Kalium phosphate, Calcium fluoride are all associated with improved heart health. PetAlive makes a supplement designed for heart health that is worth exploring. Discuss this option with your veterinarian before combining with other medications. Click Here To Learn More About Types of Heart Medicine For My Dog and Dog Heart Disease
Sources: Nelson, O.R. - "Home Care of the Heart Failure Patient"Washington State University.
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