Comprehensive Guide of Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food
What Is Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food is a medical diet specifically formulated to support your dog's heart health. Supporting cardiovascular function in dogs who are on the verge of developing heart disease or those who already have it is vitally important to ensure their survival and quality of life.
An Introduction to Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart disease can take several forms in dogs. Dogs can be born with heart defects, have a genetic predisposition to heart problems, and develop heart issues due to poor lifestyle and diet. Your vet can use x-rays, electro- or cardiography, or cardiac catheterization to diagnose whether your dog has this disease.
Untreated heart disease can result in heart failure, so it is imperative to take your dog to the vet if you see any symptoms. Your dog can suddenly become weak and become intolerant of exercise. They might have breathing difficulties, high pulse rate, and a swollen abdomen.
Because the heart is too weak or damaged to pump blood correctly, your dog may even lose consciousness; their skin can appear bluish and might lose their appetite. Appetite loss is typically accompanied by sudden weight loss. Other symptoms you can look out for are signs of jaundice, bloody cough, or the appearance of bloody mucous.
How Does Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food Help?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food provides a complete medical diet that is designed to support your dog's cardiovascular system. The nutrients are formulated in precise proportions so that your dog can maintain healthy blood pressure and pump enough blood to support your dog's body.
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food promotes fluid retention in your dog, which is imperative to prevent dehydration. Additionally, dogs with heart problems are often prescribed diuretic medicines. This causes a loss of nutrients through increased urine output. Hill's specialized recipe replenishes these nutrients.
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food is made with low levels of sodium and high levels of L-carnitine and phosphorus. Controlled protein levels help protect your dog's vital kidney functions to act against multiple organ damage. The added antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins boost your dog's weakened immune system.
How Much of Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food Should I Give My Dog Daily?
The daily amount of Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food your dog needs depends on your dog's weight. You can use the following guidelines:
| Dog's Weight | Daily Feed (can) |
|---|
| 5 lb | can |
| 10 lb | can |
| 15 lb | 1 can |
| 20 lb | 1 cans |
| 30 lb | 1 cans |
| 40 lb | 2 cans |
| 50 lb | 2 cans |
| 60 lb | 2 cans |
| 70 lb | 3 cans |
| 80 lb | 3 cans |
| 100 lb | 4 cans |
| 120 lb | 4 cans |
This standard guideline is for 13 oz. can. Please adjust the serving size if using any other size can. If there is any unused portion of food left in the can, make sure you cover it well and refrigerate it till the next meal. Don't leave the food out for too long, and make sure any unused portions are used as early as possible.
It is important to note that these are the total amounts you should give your dog every day. So if you have a 40 lb dog, you should give one can for lunch and one can for dinner. Ensure that you don't give double the recommended food to your dog as you risk your dog becoming overweight.
Obesity puts even more pressure on the heart, which can spell disaster for dogs with pre-existing heart issues. If your vet has given you different instructions on how much food you should give your dog, you should follow those.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Give This to My Cat?
No, you cannot give dog food to your cat. Cats have different nutritional needs, and you risk exposing your cat to malnutrition. If your cat has heart issues, you should speak to your vet about prescribing Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care cat food instead.
Do I Need a Prescription to Buy This Dog Food?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food is a medical diet designed to support weakened cardiovascular systems. You need a vet's prescription to buy this. Make sure to keep updated prescriptions when you buy this dog food.
How Should I Store This Dog Food?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food should be kept away from direct sunlight and where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures. As this is prescription dog food, make sure you keep it somewhere your other dogs or cats won't be able to eat it.
Why Can't I Give This to My Other Dogs?
Canine cardiovascular systems are in a delicate balance. You don't want to risk upsetting this balance by giving them food meant for dogs with weak hearts. You can also risk other adverse effects if you use this food without a vet's supervision.
Does This Have Any Allergens?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food contains protein in the form of chicken, pork liver, chicken liver, and fish oil. Protein is a common allergen, and if your dog is allergic, you should inform your vet. Additionally, if your dog has a grain allergy, you should be aware that this food contains whole grain corn.
My Dog's Coat Looks Very Dull Since His Diagnosis. Does This Food Help With That?
Hill's Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Canned Dog Food contains fish oil, nourishing your dog's skin and coat. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can moisturize your dog's skin and make their coat shinier! If your dog needs additional skin support, you should discuss your concerns with your vet.
