Homeopathy is often effective but should be used under the guidance of an experienced practitioner. These conditions are too severe for home treatment, but I will give a  few suggestions for supplements and herbs that support heart function. See a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any heart illness.

There is a harm, however, in supplementing any animal who has heart disease with the species-specific amino acid. Tuarine may also stabilize cardiac arrhythmias. The amino acids L-Taurine and L-Carnitine have been associated with heart disease in cats and dogs, respectively. Supplement dogs with L-Carnitine (125 mg per twenty-five pounds daily) if heart illness occurs. These have specifically been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where in the walls of the heart ballon out and function poorly, and the correct amino acid may greatly improve the condition. Double the dose for the first two weeks.

Helpful supplements for animals with heart problems.

Coenzyme Q 10 is a supplement thet great benefits the heart muscles. This in an oil base-usually in a gel capsule, like vitamin E-it is more effective than the dry form. Give about 1mg/lb of the oil form, and up to twice this amount in the dry form.

• Vitamin E (5-10mg/lb daily),
• Lecithin (one-fourth teaspoonful per ten pounds daily
• Germanium (1-2 mg/lb daily).
• Essential fatty acids may also be very helpful. Give flax seed oil (one-fourth teaspoonful per ten pounds daily) and evening primrose or borage oil (125 mg per ten to twenty-five pounds daily).

 If the heart is not pumping adequately and fluid is building up in the lungs or other areas, this herb may help reduce the fluid and reduce the load on the heart. You may be able to use dandelion in lieu of Lasix (furosemide) or other chemical diuretics. Make a tea by pouring one cup of water over one tea. An herb that can stimulate improved cardiac function is hawthorne, known as the homeopathic remedy Crataegus. Use this under the direction of an herbalist, if possible. You may also give about three to five drops of the tincture per ten pounds, two to three times a day. If your companion is on digitalis, use only diuretic and kidney and liver cleansing herb.

Spoonful of dried herb and allow to steep cool. Give one to two dropperfuls per ten pounds, two to three times a day. Alternately, give about five drops of the tincture, two to three times a day.