Bronchodilators. These drugs make breathing easier for dogs experiencing DCM
. Bronchodilators include theophylline and aminophylline. Pimobendan.
What food should I feed my dog to avoid DCM?
Peas of any kind, including Green Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Pea Flour, Pea Starch and any other form of the word Pea! Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) Beans of any kind, including Soybeans or Soy. Lentils.
What food causes DCM in dogs?
In July 2018, the FDA warned about a potential link between DCM and the consumption of grain-free pet foods—or, more specifically,
pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legumes, or potatoes
as their main ingredients. The agency had been receiving reports of diet-associated DCM as early as 2014.
Does grain-free food cause dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs?
As grain-free pet foods rose in popularity,
vets started noticing a potential connection between dogs who were on a grain-free diet and a type of heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Can you reverse DCM in dogs?
Many cases of nutritionally induced DCM can be reversed if the nutritional deficiency is identified and treated
. Similarly, patients with tachycardia induced DCM can show full reversal of the cardiac changes once the underlying arrhythmia has been treated and controlled.
Can canine DCM be reversed?
What is the prognosis for dogs with DCM? Unfortunately,
DCM is rarely reversible
and individuals that have it usually have it for life. A rare exception is taurine deficiency in a small subset of the population as discussed above. Medical therapy can help, but long-term survival is variable for each animal.
Are sweet potatoes linked to DCM?
Researchers analyzed more than 800 compounds in foods that the FDA flagged as being associated with the severe heart disease and found that peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were
most frequently tied to canine DCM cases
.
Can sweet potato cause DCM in dogs?
Far fewer dogs diagnosed with DCM were eating foods containing potatoes or sweet potatoes. This means that
sweet potatoes, as a treat, will not harm your dog or cause DCM
.
How do you supplement taurine for dogs?
Taurine levels can be boosted simply by
adding (or increasing) meat-based protein
in your pet’s diet. Any type of meat will do as long as it’s fresh and good quality (anything you’d be willing to serve on your own dinner table). Organs such as the heart are also high in taurine and are sure to get your pooch drooling.
What are symptoms of DCM in dogs?
- Lethargy.
- Anorexia.
- Labored breathing.
- Panting.
- Coughing.
- Abdominal distension.
- Sudden collapse.
How do you know if your dog has DCM?
It is not uncommon for dogs with DCM to have a long pre-clinical phase where that are no obvious symptoms.
Weakness, fainting spells, difficulty breathing, distension of the abdomen with fluid, and coughing
are all possible in the later stages of disease.
What age do dogs get DCM?
The risk of getting DCM increases as dogs get older and rarely occurs in dog that are
< 4 years old
. Certain breeds have a higher risk of developing DCM, especially Doberman Pinschers.
What is the best heart medicine for dogs?
Pimobendan (brand name: Vetmedin®)
is a heart medication used to treat dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), usually caused by either dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency.
Are carrots good for dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots
. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth (and fun) and it is included in many dog foods.
What does taurine do for dogs?
For dogs, taurine is needed
for eyes, reproduction, bile acid (for fat digestion) and for healthy heart
. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats is associated with inadequate taurine levels.
Are split peas good for dogs?
Keeping in mind that fruits and vegetables are not necessary to a dog’s diet and should be thought of as an occasional treat,
peas are not toxic or poisonous to dogs
.
Which is better for dogs pumpkin or sweet potato?
Pumpkin:
Pumpkin has much of the same nutrients as sweet potatoes do
, and has the added bonus of often regulating a dog’s digestive system. If you want to give canned pumpkin (only two to four tablespoons), make sure it’s solid pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
Is white rice or brown rice better for dogs?
It is always white rice because our canine companions need the starch. However,
white rice has a higher glycemic index than brown rice
and can cause blood sugar levels to rise. If your dog is diabetic, you can still feed him a little white rice, if needed, but it shouldn’t be given to him on a consistent basis.
Is canned pumpkin good for dogs?
Plain canned pumpkin without added sugars, ingredients, or fillers, as well as plain fresh pumpkin and pumpkin flesh, are safe bets for your dog
. One thing to be sure to avoid is sugar-free canned pumpkin, Dr. Woodnutt warns. “The main concern is with sugar-free canned pumpkin, which may contain xylitol,” she told us.
