My dog has congestive heart failure. What care helps besides meds?

Question

My 13 year old chihuahua was just diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Is there anything else I can do for him other than administer the medicine he has been prescribed by his vet? Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

For now there is very little you can do except start the medication prescribed and wait for them to work. Your dog should start feeling a lot better within the next few days with less fluid in his lungs and better cardiac function. You can start feeding a special diet for dogs with congestive heart failure, such as Hills Prescription h/d. Such diets typically have restricted sodium levels to limit fluid retention, added taurine and L-carnitine, and amino acids that may help support heart function, added B-vitamins and magnesium. Here is some good information: http://www.vermontveterinarycardiology.com/index.php/for-clients/feeding-the-cardiac-patient

My dog has congestive heart failure. What care helps besides meds?

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