Try This Supplement: A Game Changer for ILL Dog Hearts

My Heart's Best Friend: How EPA/DHA Supplements Benefits Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease


The Problem: Introduction

Bark, wag, and cuddles - those are my favorite ways to show my mommy just how much I love her. But when my heart started acting up, and I was diagnosed with mitral valve disease, I could see the worry in her eyes. That's when I learned about EPA/DHA supplements and how they've been making my life a whole lot better.


Mitral Valve Disease: A Surprise Discovery

Being a dog is pretty pawtastic most of the time, but not so much when you’re dealing with something like mitral valve disease. For me, there weren’t any visible symptoms, so it was discovered by surprise during a routine check-up before my professional dental cleaning. Since I can get a little too excited and don’t love people touching my teeth, the vet decided it was best for me to sleep and dream while they polished my pearly whites. 🐾✨



The Solution: How EPA/DHA Supplements Benefits Me

So, what are these EPA/DHA things, and how do they support me?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) not cure mitral valve disease, they can have positive impacts on dogs with this condition:

  • Overall reduced inflammation: EPA and DHA have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Improved cardiac function: Omega-3 fatty acids support overall cardiac function. While they can't reverse the damage done by mitral valve disease, they can help the heart pump blood more effectively, improving circulation and reducing the workload on the heart.
  • Slowing the progression: EPA and DHA are fatty acids that are able to slow down the progression of mitral valve disease!
  • Lowered blood pressure: EPA and DHA have been shown to have a modest blood pressure-lowering effect. In dogs with mitral valve disease, this can help reduce the strain on the heart and decrease the risk of further complications.
  • Reduced risk of blood clots: Dogs with mitral valve disease are at an increased risk of blood clots. EPA and DHA can help decrease the likelihood of clot formation, reducing the risk of thromboembolic complications.
  • Heart health support: Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to overall heart health. They can complement treatment plans and improve the long-term outlook for dogs with mitral valve disease.

It's important to note that while EPA and DHA can have these positive impacts, they are not a standalone treatment for mitral valve disease. Dogs with this condition typically require a comprehensive treatment plan that may include surgery, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. Always consult with a veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog's diet, as the appropriate dosage and treatment plan should be tailored to your dog's specific needs.


Proof - What the Studies say

In a 2021 study conducted by the Veterinary Cardiology Service at the Veterinary Hospital of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Goias, Brazil, it was discovered that supplementing dogs with omega-3 fatty acids can significantly improve their heart health and reduce the risk of heart problems. Dogs that were given omega-3 supplements showed better results on heart tests and exhibited fewer signs of heart disease progression. They said…….” Dietary supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids contributes to more favourably Doppler echocardiographic measurements, such as normalized LVD, and reduces the VHS measures.” This means when dogs eat omega-3 fatty acids, their hearts perform better on tests, and their hearts look smaller in X-rays, which is a sign of better heart health! Additionally, the study revealed that omega-3 supplements help protect the heart from irregular beats, further emphasizing their positive impact on canine cardiovascular health.


Choosing the right Supplements

But wait, before you run off to grab some EPA/DHA supplements for your furry friend, remember, each dog is unique. Here's what my humans did to make sure they got it right:

  1. Vet's advice: My humans talked to my vet first. They're smart that way. The vet knew just how much I needed and which supplement was best for me.
  2. Quality matters: My hoomans chose the best supplements. They made sure they were pure and free from yucky stuff like heavy metals.
  3. Keeping it tasty: Since I can be a picky eater, they found supplements that I'd happily gobble up, whether they were in liquid, capsules, or soft gels.


Conclusion

So, here I am, living a pawtastic life with the help of EPA/DHA supplements. Mitral valve disease can be a real challenge, but these supplements have been like my trusty sidekick, helping me feel better and enjoy life to the fullest.

Remember, every dog is different, so don't forget to chat with your vet or another professional for dog health before starting any new supplements. They'll guide you on the right path to keep your furry friend's tail wagging, heart happy, and life full of cuddles, fetch, and all the good stuff!

For more information about mitral valve disease in dogs follow @paw_art_by_prinz!

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