CHF dog: Should I switch food and test my well water for sodium?

Question

My 10 lb. Papillion was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure Taking three different medications. I have been feeding him Instict freeze dried raw dog food. Lot of Protien. I'm on line and saw Hill's H/D dog food for Dogs with severe heart problems. Also Salt is another major concern and it mention it's could be in water. We have a well, not city water. Your thoughts on changing his food and the water please. i'll contact vet but want opinion from you too. Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Male | 12 years and 2 months old | 10 lbs

Jeffrey Milner · Accepted Answer

It is true that Hills makes a diet that is designed to support heart health. The diet is designed to be low sodium low protein low phosphorus and high in corn which contains several different vitamins and minerals that will support the health of your dog when they are in heart failure. That being said neither I nor any of the other doctors with which I work go around recommending this food to any of our cardiac patients. This is because there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of this product. That is not to say that it doesn't work as there are many different anecdotal reports that it has extended people's pets lives. In terms of the water you are giving your pet if you are concerned that there is a high level of sodium in the water I would recommend having it tested. You could also give bottled water if you are concerned. The mainstay treatment for cardiac failure in dogs are diuretics and blood pressure drugs. Depending on the cause of the congestive heart failure there's another drug called pimobendan that your veterinarian may also recommend. In some cases this has been proven to significantly extend quality and longevity of dog's lives.

CHF dog: Should I switch food and test my well water for sodium?

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