What Can I Give My Dog for Heartworm Recovery? How To Naturally Support Heart Health.
What Can I Give My Dog or Cat to Support Heart Health and Help with Heartworm Recovery?
Hey there paw-rents! Maisy here. I’m your favorite Havanese from the herbal heart of BARC. If you’ve been searching for ways to support your dog or cat’s heart, especially when heartworm is part of the conversation, then you’re in the right place. Today we’re barking up the Hawthorn tree. Yep, the herb, not the hedge!
Let’s talk about how Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) helps keep your fur baby’s ticker strong and steady, especially during and after heartworm challenges.
What Is Hawthorn and Why Does It Matter for Pet Heart Health?
Hawthorn is a small tree with bright red berries and a big reputation in traditional herbal medicine. It has been used in European herbal traditions for centuries to support heart strength, circulation, and long-term cardiovascular health.
For pets, Hawthorn may help:
- Strengthen heart muscle tone and rhythm
- Promote healthy blood flow and circulation
- Protect cardiovascular tissues with antioxidant compounds
- Support recovery after stress or strain on the heart, like heartworm treatment
Veterinary herbalists often include Hawthorn in herbal formulas designed to support the heart before, during, and after events that place extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
How Hawthorn Works: Western Herbal Science Meets Traditional Wisdom
Hawthorn’s heart-helping magic comes from its flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins, plant compounds that have been studied for their ability to:
- Improve coronary blood flow
- Support myocardial (heart muscle) contraction
- Reduce oxidative stress in cardiovascular tissues
- Stabilize blood vessel walls and enhance oxygen delivery
Traditional Chinese Medicine views Hawthorn as a digestive and circulatory herb that "invigorates the blood," which aligns with its long-standing use for cardiovascular wellness.
In modern integrative veterinary practices, Hawthorn is often paired with herbs like Motherwort or Garlic to create heart-nourishing blends that help ease the recovery process for pets facing chronic cardiovascular strain.
When Might Your Pet Benefit from Heart Support?
If you’ve ever asked, “What can I expect during heartworm treatment?” or “How do I support my dog’s heart after recovery?” here are signs your pet may benefit from heart-focused herbs:
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Coughing after mild activity
- Shallow or labored breathing
- General weakness or restlessness
- Recovery from confirmed heartworm treatment
- Risk of exposure in mosquito-prone areas
Even indoor pets can get heartworm from a single mosquito bite, which is why year-round prevention and heart health support go hand-in-paw.
Heartworm and the Heart: Prevention vs. Recovery
Many pet parents ask, “Can my dog recover from heartworm?” The answer is yes, but it often takes time and supportive care. Heartworm treatment can stress the heart and lungs, so herbs like Hawthorn may help ease that burden.
Here’s what Hawthorn does not do:
- It does not kill heartworms
- It does not replace conventional veterinary treatment
- It does not substitute for year-round prevention
Based on herbal folklore, here’s what it may help with:
- Strengthening heart tissue during recovery
- Promoting healthy circulation
- Supporting overall cardiovascular wellness
If your pet has been treated or is high risk due to location or past history, adding Hawthorn to your routine may be a smart, holistic choice. But, always check with a vet first before starting a new food, herbs and spices, or supplements to ensure the proper care and safety for your pet family member.
What the Research Says
- Studies published in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy report Hawthorn extract enhances cardiac performance and increases tolerance to physical activity in heart-compromised animals
- Planta Medica and American Journal of Veterinary Research both cite Hawthorn’s vasodilatory and myocardial-supportive actions
- Veterinary Herbal Medicine by Wynn and Fougere recommends Hawthorn as a safe cardiovascular tonic in dogs, especially when monitoring blood pressure and medication interactions
Always consult your vet before introducing new herbs, especially if your pet is on prescribed medications for heart disease. As I said before, please consult with your vet before starting your fur family member on any new food, herbs and spices, or supplements. (Because hey. I’m just a cartoon dog writing a blog.)
Maisy’s Final Bark
Heart health is no joke, especially when you’re chasing squirrels or keeping watch at the window. If your pup or kitty needs a little extra support for circulation or recovery after heartworm treatment, Hawthorn is one of nature’s finest friends.
That’s why we included it as one of the hero ingredient in our BARC Heartworm Support Drops, formulated with love and vet-reviewed to help keep hearts strong and tails wagging.
Want to Try This Herb the BARC Way?
Check out our BARC Heartworm Support Herbal Drops for Dogs and Cats, made with Hawthorn and other heart-nourishing herbs. It’s the gentle, plant-powered way to support your pet’s cardiovascular wellness.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on any new supplement or herbal remedy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on these pages is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care.
Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your veterinarian. Please consult a veterinarian with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your pet’s health condition. Results may vary.
For full product information and our complete disclaimer, please visit our product disclaimer page.
References:
- Toma, C. C., Olah, N. K., and Vlase, L. (2005). Hawthorn extracts and cardiovascular health. Planta Medica, 71(10), 884–887.
- Wang, X., and Wang, D. (2016). Hawthorn’s effect on the myocardium: A systematic review. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(3), 97–112.
- Wynn, S. G., and Fougere, B. J. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
- Rehder, S., and Kaul, S. (2013). Cardioprotective effects of Crataegus extract in heart failure. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 74(2), 178–183.
- Zhou, Y., et al. (2020). Crataegus in cardiovascular therapy: A review of pharmacological studies. Phytomedicine, 68, 153179.