Forums HomeGrown Herbalist Student Forum Veterinary Herbology Canine heart disease/failure

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    • #45029
      Cathy Beedle
      Student

        We have an American Staffordshire/American Bulldog mix who is in the beginning stages of heart disease. We’ve switched him to a vet recommended diet to support his heart and he’s currently on vetmedin. Has anyone had experience with herbal support for canine heart disease?

      • #45193
        Herb Thyme
        Student

          hi, I don’t have direct experience.  But have heard from someone that hawthorn berry is supposed to be good for dogs heart.  Hope that helps.  It should also be available on Doc’s store site, fyi.  As I have seen it there.  Best of luck with your dog.

        • #49491
          Dr. Patrick Jones
          Homestead Instructor

            Did the vet tell you what type of heart disease? That will affect recommendations a lot.

            Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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          • #53755
            Lisa McGough
            Student

              What would be considered a type of heart disease?  Mine has just been diagnosed.  Vet just said you could hear it on the left side.  I would prefer using herbs rather than Vetmedin and Lasix.  She (my Pomeranian) was coughing and spitting up foam as if gagging on something.  Spitting up stopped but hacking cough continues.  Any recommendations for herbal use?  Thanks

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              • #53795
                Sandra Dian
                Student

                  I have 3 Japanese Chin that have varying levels of congestive heart failure. My most serious, Rosie 12 yrs old, was put on Vetmedin and Lasix. The others were wait and see… I eventually found a great vet who is also a certified herbalist and she recommended I give them all Hawthorn to support hearts and Dandelion as a mild diuretic. I’ve in fact stopped the Lasix on Rosie and she is doing just as well, better as the lasix seemed to be messing with her potassium levels.

                  • #53896
                    Lisa McGough
                    Student

                      Thank you for your post.  I have found that same information just by my own research.  Doc Jones has said not to give Hawthorn Berry with the medications.  He said it in the post here as well as in the school.  Did you stop the Vetmedin before giving Hawthorn Berry?  Or did you give the Hawthorn Berry with the Vetmedin?  I have reduced the Lasix and am going to start Dandelion for the mild diuretic.  I have been looking for a holistic vet near me but not many exist.  Maybe I can find a holistic vet online willing to give a consult.

                    • #54507
                      Jan Ludvik
                      Student

                        My 12 yr old Aussie was diagnosed with MVD on the left side. I refuse to use lasix so I opted for dandelion leaf along with his vetmedin. I read dandelion is as good as lasix but doesnt deplete the potassium like lasix. So he’s been on vetmedin and dandelion leaf for almost 2 years and no fluid build up yet. It actually surprised my vet.

                    • #56814
                      Lisa McGough
                      Student

                        Just offering an update as to what I have been using in regards to early diagnosis of congestive heart failure.  My vet put my Pomeranian mix on Vetmedin and Lasix.  Sh could not take Vetmedin.  She could not breathe and her tongue turned purple.  Since she was in the beginning stages of CHF and could not tolerate Vetmedin, I decided to take her off all medication and only use herbal remedies.  I am giving her dandelion leaf for the coughing and she has not coughed but one or two times since starting dandelion leaf.  I am also giving hawthorn berry for strengthen her heart.  I also implemented the liver support and kidney builder due to her high numbers in her blood work.  Since giving the liver support and kidney builder,  her numbers have declined to where she is now just above the normal range.  Like one point outside of normal.  So the herbs have helped her tremendously.  Hope this helps you all.

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                        • #58803
                          Dawn
                          Student

                            Hallelujah!  So happy for your Lisa; nice job!  I appreciate your update so we can all learn from your experience 🙂

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                      • #58461
                        Dr. Patrick Jones
                        Homestead Instructor

                          Just offering an update as to what I have been using in regards to early diagnosis of congestive heart failure.  My vet put my Pomeranian mix on Vetmedin and Lasix.  Sh could not take Vetmedin.  She could not breathe and her tongue turned purple.  Since she was in the beginning stages of CHF and could not tolerate Vetmedin, I decided to take her off all medication and only use herbal remedies.  I am giving her dandelion leaf for the coughing and she has not coughed but one or two times since starting dandelion leaf.  I am also giving hawthorn berry for strengthen her heart.  I also implemented the liver support and kidney builder due to her high numbers in her blood work.  Since giving the liver support and kidney builder,  her numbers have declined to where she is now just above the normal range.  Like one point outside of normal.  So the herbs have helped her tremendously.  Hope this helps you all.

                          Good work Lisa. :0)

                          Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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