Food and Exercise Matter
Providing a fresh, natural diet that is designed to regulate sodium and giving your dog plenty of regular exercise are the best ways to keep his heart and lungs healthy.
A Natural Heart Diet
A low-sodium, high potassium diet with extra omega-3 fatty acids is recommended for dogs with heart disease. Fresh, raw, or slightly steamed vegetables should be added for supplementary nutrition. Bone-meal tables or bonemeal powder should be given for calcium and phosphorus. Be sure to include a multivitamin mineral supplement, omega-3 fatty acids, plant enzymes, and green food or health blend without additional salt.
Dogs with heart failure must be fed low-sodium diets because they retain sodium instead of filtering it through the kidneys. Talk to your veterinarian about starting your dog on a low-sodium diet if your dog has been diagnosed with heart failure. Remember that the low-sodium diet applies to snacks as well as regular meals.
Most dogs with heart problems have little or no appetites and suffer from low potassium levels due to decreased food intake. Ask your veterinarian about adding potassium and magnesium supplements to your dog's food to prevent deficiencies.
Move for Heart Health
An exercise regimen is important in preventing heart disease. If a dog already has clinical disease, depending on its severity, restricted exercise might be necessary. To start a preventive routine, gauge your dog's activity level. For dogs that aren't accustomed to working out, start off slowly. Do something you both enjoy. Walking is the best exercise for both of you. If you don't feel comfortable going for a stroll in your own neighborhood, then pack your dog in the car and drive to another location. You don't have to pick an exotic locale; a local park is a good place to start.
If you're a city dweller, many shopping centers have dedicated walking paths around their perimeters. Dedicated dog walkers have even taken their dogs strolling in parking garages.
If you prefer a more active workout, consider signing up your dog for agility training. In agility, dogs run through an obstacle course that includes climbing an A-frame, going through a tunnel, jumping through a suspended tire, and weaving through poles. This is a fast and fun way for you and your dog to exercise her heart muscle.
