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Is it okay to use supplements on a dog who has DCM? I've been reading online and come across several articles that state a number of supplements have quite a few benefits for a dog suffering from heart disease that include: - Hawthorne berry - L-arginine - Omega 3 fish oil Obviously you can't believe everything you read on the internet so is this true? And if so, what sorts of things are each good for? And are each okay to use together as well as with medication - vetmedin & frusemide

Is it okay to use supplements on a dog who has DCM? I've been reading online and come across several articles that state a number of supplements have quite a few benefits for a dog suffering from heart disease that include: - Hawthorne berry - L-arginine - Omega 3 fish oil Obviously you can't believe everything you read on the internet so is this true? And if so, what sorts of things are each good for? And are each okay to use together as well as with medication - vetmedin & frusemide

Updated On October 16th, 2017

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 8 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

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Yes, you can use supplements on a dog with DCM. However, most of the supplements have similar actions to the drugs that we use for heart disease, so you need to be sure that you are working with your vet or a vet trained in herbal medicine to make sure the dosage and effects are safe for Chico. I use Hawthorne berry to increase cardiac contraction, and I don't see that Chico is on a medication for that, so that might be a good addition. And I don't think there are any contraindications for Omega 3 fish oil which can improve blood supply to the heart muscle itself. Again, I would recommend speaking to your vet about those supplements and see if they have any other suggestions. I will often use Coenzyme Q10 in my heart patients as well. If you need to find a vet comfortable with herbal therapies, you might be able to find one here under the find a vet section. https://www.ahvma.org I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.

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