Dog with CHF ; dandelion dosages for canine;

Question
Hello Marie,
I first have to say that my 12 yr old Std Poodle is on NuVet Plus tabs and I have become a distributor because of the results I have seen in him.  They are wonderful and I tell everyone that has a dog or cat about them. (I am a Groomer so I see lots of pets)  
However, my Poodle also has Congestive Heart Failure with symptoms that started about a month ago and I was wondering what I can do to help him.  I have started him on L-Carnitene 100 mg and CO-Q10 100 mg that I give once a day and I also give him Cayenne Fruit tabs 455 mg (suggested for humans 3 x a day) once a day.  The change in him was almost instant with him ceasing coughing when he wakes up in the morning and panting (lightly) during the night.  Here is the website that I found that tells of supplements that are good for a dogs heart.  
http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/dog-heart-problems.html
I would like to know if there is anything else that I should start giving him and in what doses.  I have not had him to a Vet nor have I had him diagnosised with CHF, but on his last visit, the Vet told me that "Cajun" had a heart murmur and it could possibly turn into CHF later in his life.  I don't have the money to take him to the Vet right now, but I am very knowledgable in many illnesses in dogs and have worked as a Vet Tech in the past.  When I get some money, I will get my boy to the Vet to get a diagnosis, but just can't right now.  Cajun is doing pretty well so far, doesn't have the distended chest or doesn't need to drop his head to catch a breath, so I know that the CFH is in the beginning stages.  I just want to do what is best for my guy.  
I am feeding Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice food, which is free of Wheat, Corn and Soy.  All my boys seem to be doing very good on it.
I am also an expert (in the Poodle category) here on AllExperts, so if there is any other information you need, please feel free to ask, or you can e-mail me.  
Hope to talk to you soon,
Kim and Cajun

Answer
Hi Kim and Cajun,  Well, looks like you are doing a great job!  Glad Cajun is on the NuVET Plus - I would give him 1 1/2 NuVet wafers per day.    The Key to CHF management is low sodium diet with diauretics.  Make sure you Chicken and Rice by Diamond is the best and lowest sodium you can find.  You will need to do your homework on this.  

NEXT, I think that everything you have picked so far is great!
All that I would like you to add is some Dandelion and it's mixed with x-tra milk Thistle
( This is a great brand and you can follow the directs for your Dog's weight )
I would drop under the tongue or mix in the food daily
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/148020.aspx




Here is a little info on LOW Sodium for CHF dogs:

Best Brands of Low Sodium Dog Food
Three of the best brands of low sodium dog food on the market today based on ingredients, price, and consumer opinion include:

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal LP 11 Modified Formula

This formula contains rice, brown rice, ground corn, chicken fat, and natural flavors. This dry dog food is only available with a veterinarian's prescription and is intended for dogs going through renal failure. In addition to moderate sodium restriction, phosphorous is also limited in this variety from Royal Canin. A 5.5 lb. bag costs around $17, while a 16 lb. bag costs around $36.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula

This formula contains lamb meal, brown rice, ground white rice, rice bran, and canola oil. It contains only one source of proteins and one source of carbohydrates, along with no artificial preservatives, colorants, or flavors. A 5 lb. bag costs around $10 while a 28 lb. bag costs around $40.

Innova Low Fat Adult Formula

This formula contains turkey, chicken, barley, brown rice, and potatoes. It contains 40% less fat than Innova's regular adult dog food and contains wholesome ingredients from all of the basic food groups. A 15 lb. bag costs around $29 while a 30 lb. bag costs around $55.
To see more from this site: go here:
http://www.your-dog-food-comparison.com/low-sodium-dog-food.html



HOPE the litte bit of info is helpful to you.
Thanks for your NuVET Testimonial !
For folks that want to learn more about NuVET Please see my site:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


BEST wishes for a Happy 2012
Marie Peppers LPN MA ,
ASK the Pet Nurse