Heart Disease & Heart Failure
Heart disease can be alarming for pet owners – especially considering many pets may seem perfectly healthy until suddenly they show signs of illness. When the heart struggles, it can affect energy, breathing, and overall comfort. The prospect of life-long management and ongoing uncertainty can be overwhelming.
At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets here to support both you and your pet, guiding you every step of the way. Our goal is to support heart function and ease symptoms through gentle, whole-body therapies. With the right care and guidance, many pets continue to enjoy happy, active lives despite heart disease.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
What is heart disease vs heart failure?
Heart disease
Heart disease is a broad term used to describe conditions that affect how well the heart can pump blood around the body. This pumping action is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and removing waste products.
Some forms of heart disease develop gradually and may go unnoticed, while others can progress more quickly. With early detection, appropriate veterinary care, and ongoing support, many pets with heart disease can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.
Heart failure
Heart failure is an advanced stage of heart disease, in which the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This can lead to fluid build-up, reduced circulation, and life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is struggling to cope. With appropriate veterinary treatment and supportive care, many pets with heart failure can be kept comfortable and maintain a good quality of life.
Common types of heart disease
There are several types of heart disease that we commonly see in pets. Understanding the type of disease your pet has can help guide treatment, monitoring, and supportive care.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weak and stretched. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, which can eventually lead to heart failure. It is most common in large and giant breed dogs.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the walls of the heart become abnormally thickened. This reduces the amount of blood the heart can hold and pump with each beat. This is the most common form of heart disease in cats and can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Degenerative Valve Disease
Degenerative valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves become thickened or leaky over time. This allows blood to flow backwards within the heart, reducing efficiency and gradually placing extra strain on the heart. It is most seen in older, small-breed dogs.
Holistic treatment
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular veterinarian, as we do not offer surgical or conventional medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a valuable part of supporting pets with heart disease and heart failure. With acupuncture and carefully selected Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support pets with heart disease or heart failure in the following ways:
- Help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
- Help support a stable heart rate
- Help support healthy blood circulation to the heart
- Help protect heart muscle
- Help promote efficient heart contractions
- Help support a healthy fluid balance and help reduce fluid build-up
- Help alleviate coughing and breathing issues
- Help promote exercise tolerance
Through these gentle approaches, our qualified vets aim to ease clinical signs and enhance quality of life by helping support heart function and cardiovascular health, alongside conventional treatment.
Food therapy
Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, food therapy is foundational in addressing underlying “patterns of disharmony” (the way disease presents within the individual). We aim to support the body’s natural balance with tailored whole-food diets, rather than heavily processed pet foods which may contribute to inflammation in some pets.
When it comes to heart disease, nutrition can influence inflammation, circulation, fluid balance, and overall cardiovascular health.
Every pet is unique, and more specific dietary recommendations are tailored to your pet’s individual TCM diagnosis. These should always be discussed with one of our qualified vets during your consultation.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
What are common clinical signs of heart disease and heart failure?
Many pets with heart disease show few or no noticeable signs until the disease progresses to heart failure. When heart failure develops, clinical signs can include:
- Laboured or rapid breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Pale gums
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Extreme fatigue and reluctance to move
- Exercise intolerance
- Increased sleeping
- Fainting or collapse
Subtle behavioural changes such as reduced play, withdrawal, restlessness or reduced appetite can sometimes be noticed earlier.
How is heart disease and heart failure typically treated by conventional vets?
Please be advised that conventional treatment is provided by your regular vet, as we do not offer surgical or medical interventions at Holistic Vet Care.
Conventional treatment is tailored to the stage of heart disease, either aiming to reduce the risk of heart failure or to manage existing heart failure. In all stages, the goals of treatment are to support heart function, minimise clinical signs, and maintain a good quality of life.
Common approaches may include:
- Medical management – medications are chosen based on the type and severity of heart disease. They may help control blood pressure, reduce fluid build-up, strengthen heart contractions, and reduce the workload on the heart.
- Dietary changes – low-sodium, highly digestible, prescription diets to support heart function and manage fluid build-up.
- Lifestyle changes – gentle exercise and minimising stress to reduce strain on the heart.
With careful management and regular veterinary care, many pets with heart disease or heart failure can remain comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life.
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, healing, and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
