There are five different categories of canine heart care. The first is lifestyle, including weight management, exercise, and healthy diet. The second is veterinary care, such as blood pressure measurement. The third is supplements, the most common of which are taurine and curcumin. The fourth are veterinary drugs, including:
- Furosemide, which reduces fluid accumulation
- Vetmedin, which helps heart muscle contract fully
- Benazepril, which helps dilate blood vessels
- Various blood pressure medications
The fifth, and newest, treatment is rapamycin. It’s the only drug proven in scientific studies to reverse some forms of heart disease. It’s prescribed off-label for now, but we should see that change in the coming years.