Canine congestive heart failure is a condition that is the result of an abnormality in the performance and construction of the heart, its chambers and walls. There are two main types in which this ailment shows itself in. If the heart chamber walls are thickened, the capacity to pump blood is diminished and blood flow is also decreased. On the other hand, the heart becomes bigger when the walls are stretched thin; also causing decrease in the effectivity of the organ to pump sufficient blood.

While the dog’s heart may, for a time, work harder to make up for the worsened performance; eventually it will weaken considerably - sufficient to cause canine cardiac failure. Symptoms of cardiac failure include increased drooling, a bluish tongue, and a grayish tinge around the mouth, labored breathing, coughing more than usual and becoming easily tired. Unfortunately when these signs manifest, the deadly disease is usually in its more advanced stages.

Veterinarians will confirm findings of an enlarged heart or cardiovascular abnormalities by ordering investigations such as chest x-rays and ultrasound. It is imperative that you do because if you misdiagnose the dog’s condition, administering inappropriate drugs can prove to be lethal to the dog’s system. Verify the report and take the needed steps that are likely to help prolong your pet’s life.

Feeding your dog a healthy diet will go a long way toward keeping your dog’s heart healthy. This means incorporating lean meat and vegetables like pumpkin, beets, zucchini, yams and carrots. Mix the vegetable and meat together and chop it into small pieces that your dog can easily eat.

Additional supplements Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, L-Carnitine, Taurine and Omega-3 fatty acids should be included in the animal’s food intakemeals. Research have shown that appropriate dosages of these nutrients have in many cases, decreased fatalities and significantly enhanced cardiac health.

Once dog heart failure is diagnosed, the first thing your vet will probably recommend is medicine that will constrict the blood vessels for the reason that the blood will flow better. Diuretics also help in developing blood flow. It takes out excess retained liquid in some of the canine’s organs; this also helps in the management of canine heart murmur.

Heart murmurs in dogs are often discovered during a puppy’s formative years. If you have your puppy checked earlier, the veterinarian would have been able to identify it easily. Instead of short, sharp beats; the animal’s heartbeats will sound like having softer and longer thumps in his chest. Heart murmurs are sometimes caused by anemia and inborn cardiac abnormalities, but there are therapies that will help this condition not to become worse than it can be.

Other than a good diet and regulated exercise, herbal and homeopathic tonics are said to fight the bad effects of canine heart murmur. Kalium phosphate, calcium fluoride and arnica montana are other effective ingredients that help promote the general health of the dog’s blood pressure and cardiovascular system.

Canine congestive heart failure is an unfortunate business some pet owners will need to face. No pet owner wants that on anybody of course but you can choose to not let this ailment rule your dog’s life. Prolong the life of your pet and make it as comfortable as you can for him - if health is derived from happiness and love, then make it a goal to give your dog its very best health everyday of its life.