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Monday 6 September 2021

CHF, digoxin and hawthorn in dogs

  

Here are facts about hawthorn benefits for dog heart health and its interaction with digoxin.


Hawthorn is a flowering shrub in the Rosaceae family, known for its heart-healthy properties in humans and potentially in dogs as well.

Studies suggest that hawthorn like this may improve cardiac function and circulation in dogs with heart conditions.

Hawthorn contains flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and other compounds that may have antioxidant and vasodilatory effects.

It's believed that hawthorn can help strengthen the heart muscle and improve its ability to pump blood.


Hawthorn may also help regulate blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Some studies indicate that hawthorn can improve exercise tolerance in dogs with heart disease.

Hawthorn supplements for dogs are available in various forms, including capsules, extracts, and tinctures.

When giving hawthorn to dogs, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage.

Hawthorn is generally considered safe for dogs when used in recommended amounts, but adverse effects such as digestive upset may occur in some cases.


Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed for dogs with heart conditions such as congestive heart failure.

Digoxin works by increasing the strength and efficiency of the heart muscle's contractions.

Hawthorn and digoxin both affect cardiac function, so there is a potential for interaction when used together.

Some studies suggest that hawthorn may enhance the effects of digoxin, leading to an increased risk of side effects or toxicity.

The combination of hawthorn and digoxin may result in excessively slow heart rate (bradycardia) or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).


Monitoring is essential when using hawthorn alongside digoxin to ensure that the dog's heart rate and rhythm remain within safe parameters.

Veterinarians may adjust the dosage of digoxin when administering hawthorn concurrently to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

It's crucial for dog owners to inform their veterinarian about any supplements or herbal remedies their pet is receiving, including hawthorn.

Regular check-ups and monitoring of cardiac function are recommended for dogs receiving hawthorn and digoxin therapy.

Hawthorn should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medications for heart conditions in dogs.


Dogs with known allergies to plants in the Rosaceae family should not be given hawthorn supplements.

While hawthorn is generally well-tolerated, individual dogs may react differently, so close observation for any signs of adverse reactions is important.

The safety and efficacy of hawthorn in dogs with specific heart conditions have not been thoroughly researched, so its use should be approached with caution.

Always choose high-quality hawthorn supplements specifically formulated for dogs, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosing.

In addition to its potential benefits for heart health, hawthorn may have other health-promoting properties for dogs, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of hawthorn on canine heart health and its interactions with medications like digoxin. 


Hawthorn should not be given to dogs that are currently taking digoxin. Digoxin is sometimes prescribed to dogs that have congestive heart failure.


While hawthorn can be helpful in cases where a dog has mild to moderate congestive heart failure it should not be used if a dog is currently taking digoxin. Hawthorn interacts with digoxin, so it increases the availability of digoxin in your dog's blood. This can lead to digoxin toxicity. 



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