Does Your Dog Have Heart Arrhythmia? Stock Up On These 8 Local Store Foods

In this blog post, we’re going to walk you through the foods that you can give and use to support your dog during heart arrhythmia.

Using our knowledge and experience in holistic medicine, my team and I at Zumalka have put together this article to share with dog parents and animal lovers worldwide the best foods to go for when it comes to managing arrhythmia and maintaining your pet’s overall heart health.

As a bonus, we are also revealing our favorite natural and high-quality home remedy for dog arrhythmia while we’re at it.

 

What is Dog Heart Arrhythmia?

Dog arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heart rhythm.

It is characterized by frequent abnormal heartbeats. When your canine family member is suffering from arrhythmia in dogs, his heart may either beat too slowly or too fast.

It is crucial to take note that side effects from conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, especially when not given in the correct dose, can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

This condition must not be ignored since it can result in heart failure and sudden death. Pacemaker implantation may also be recommended in severe cases.

Many dogs can develop arrhythmias and may require treatment options as soon as these issues are detected. Commonly affected breeds include German Shepherds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White Terriers, and Dachshunds.

 

Is Arrhythmia the Same as Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia.

It is called "ventricular tachycardia" because it originates from the ventricles or the valves in the heart structure that pump blood. Its clinical signs include "skipping" a heartbeat or two.

This condition is often caused by an underlying condition like severe anemia, adrenal gland, and thyroid problems as well as heart muscle disease. It can lead to ventricular fibrillation if neglected.

This issue with the heart valves is deemed as one of the "dangerous arrhythmias" since it can be fatal if it persists for more than a few seconds. A veterinary cardiologist will often recommend a complete physical exam and chest radiographs in this situation.

 

Types of Dog Arrhythmia

There are (4) types of dog arrhythmia, which we’ll discuss briefly below:

 

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation takes place when the top chambers of a dog’s heart generate electrical impulses in a disorganized manner.

Instead of contracting normally, this rhythm disturbance makes it twitch rapidly. Specific breeds affected are large dogs like Great Danes.

 

Heart block

A heart block happens when the electrical impulses sent out by the atria are unable to get to the ventricles. This type of arrhythmia causes abnormal rhythms that prevent the heart from ideally pumping blood. All breeds of dogs—and cats—are vulnerable to this issue.

 

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia

Sinus arrhythmia usually occurs when a dog is relaxing. It is often set off by non-cardiac causes like the effects of inflammatory cells and stress. It may cause an irregular heartbeat, but not serious in any way. Over-exercised dogs are commonly affected, too.

 

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome occurs when the sinus node fails to generate impulses that make the heart contract.

This type of arrhythmia eventually causes the heart to temporarily stop beating. Sinus node disease can pause heartbeats for as much as eight (8) seconds and lead to the deterioration of heart muscles.

 

Ventricular Arrhythmias

A ventricular arrhythmia is characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate. It is commonly followed by a significant decrease in the amount of blood flow in the system resulting in a dog’s sudden fainting.

Inherited ventricular arrhythmia is prevalent among many breeds like German Shepherds and Boxers. The latter are also highly prone to ventricular cardiomyopathy.

 

What Causes Dog Arrhythmias?

Although canine heart arrhythmias are generally set off by confused impulses, the following factors can significantly contribute to the occurrence of this condition: 

• Congenital illness

• Adverse effects of injuries

• Infections and other diseases

• High levels of stress and anxiety

 

How Serious is Arrhythmia in Dogs?

Believe it or not, your dog can experience irregular heartbeat and abnormal heart rhythms once in a while, such as in the case of sinus arrhythmia.

However, it becomes a cause of concern if you already notice exercise intolerance and sudden fatigue, especially among dogs suffering from underlying causes like thyroid gland issues, conditions affecting the adrenal glands, and heart disease.

 

Signs of Heart Arrhythmia in Dogs

Here are the signs that you should look out for when it comes to arrhythmias in dogs: 

• Unexpected fainting

• Sudden lethargy or weakness

• Constant exercise intolerance

• Lack of playfulness

• Stiff or wobbly movement

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

This health issue can easily get worse—and could even result in fatal adverse effects—if proper care and attention are not given right away.

 

How are Arrhythmias Treated While Improving Blood Flow?

Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly believe, you don’t have to immediately resort to conventional medicines when your dog is suffering from arrhythmia.

Make sure you stock up on the following foods to support your pet when he experiences irregular heartbeat:

 

Curly-leafed Parsley

A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that curly-leafed parsley is abundant in Vitamin B9, which is also known as folate or folic acid.

Vitamin B9 has been seen to help decrease homocysteine levels in the body, which are linked to cardiovascular disease.

To use parsley as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, throw in a handful of this leafy herb into a blender with a bit of water and mix well until it has a soupy consistency.

Add this parsley concoction to your dog’s water dish or sprinkle a small amount of it into his meals. As a bonus, this helps get rid of dog bad breath, too.

 

Mango

Another study in NCBI reports that mangoes are abundant in heart-friendly compounds like mangiferin, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, as well as potassium and magnesium which have been seen to help maintain regular heart rate and pulse.

Additionally, these compounds also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

To use mango as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, just combine a small amount of this sweet fruit with your dog’s meals.

Keep in mind to only feed him the fleshy pulp and none of the skin and the hard seed kernel.

 

Hawthorn

Mount Sinai reports that hawthorn is rich in antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) that help maintain ideal circulation in the coronary artery.

These OPCs are also seen to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels.

To use hawthorn as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, you can directly feed two to three berries to your canine family member per day. As an alternative, you can also dry the berries and then mix them in your dog’s food. 

 

Orange

The NCBI shares that oranges are not just rich in Vitamin C, but are also good sources of potassium and fiber, which have been seen to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular illness. Scientists emphasize that this may be due to their ability to get rid of the bad cholesterol in the body.

To use oranges as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, feed your canine family member a couple of segments of this sweet citrus fruit per day. Make sure you get the seeds out first since these can have a really bitter taste.

 

Ginger

Finally, the NCBI reveals that ginger is abundant in organic compounds that have anti-hypertensive properties. High blood pressure can make the heart function erratically, such as in the case of dog arrhythmia.

To use ginger as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, grate a thumb-sized piece and mix it directly with your dog’s food. Grating ginger not just helps get rid of the stringy parts, but also neutralizes its sharp, spicy bite.

 

Our Favorite Home Remedy for Arrhythmia in Dogs

Zumalka's HEARTBEATPET contains homeopathic ingredients for maintaining a regular heartbeat and proves to be an excellent support for promoting proper circulation of blood in the heart. It also has zero chemicals and is made with a gentle, holistic approach.

To use HEARTBEATPET as a home remedy for arrhythmia in dogs, you simply have to give your canine family member one (1) spray every day, in water or directly in the mouth. Repeat this process until the symptoms disappear.