Heart Health in Dogs: Understanding Common Heart Issues

A dog’s heart is one of the most important organs in their body, just like ours. As dog parents, we often focus on the obvious health issues—like diet and exercise—but it’s just as important to pay attention to their heart health.

Canine heart problems can often go undiagnosed because they develop gradually and don’t always present obvious symptoms. In this blog, we will explore the most common heart conditions in dogs, including hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, and heartworm disease. We’ll also give you actionable tips on how to keep your dog’s heart healthy and prevent these issues from affecting your furry friend’s quality of life.

Heart Disease in Dogs: What You Need to Know

• What is Heart Disease in Dogs?

  Heart disease in dogs refers to any condition that affects the normal function of the heart. It can develop from several causes, including genetics, infections, or long-term health conditions like hypertension or diabetes.

• Types of Heart Disease in Dogs:

  • Congenital Heart Disease: Some dogs are born with heart defects, which can lead to problems like heart murmurs or irregular heart rhythms.

  • Acquired Heart Disease: This occurs over time due to conditions like mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It’s most common in older dogs.

  • Heartworm Disease: Caused by parasitic worms, heartworm disease affects the heart and lungs and can be deadly if left untreated.

• Symptoms of Heart Disease:

  • Excessive coughing, especially at night

  • Difficulty breathing or laboured breathing

  • Fatigue or reluctance to exercise

  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs

  • Fainting or collapse

• How to Prevent and Manage Heart Disease in Dogs:

  • Heartworm Prevention: Give your dog monthly natural heartworm prevention to avoid this potentially fatal disease.

  • Diet and Weight Management: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for heart disease. Feeding your dog a heart-healthy diet can help.

  • Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise is crucial for maintaining heart health. Avoid over-exercising, especially in older dogs.

  • Supplements: Certain natural supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, can help support heart health. Proflax Healthy Heart is an excellent supplement that promotes heart function and supports overall cardiovascular health. This is particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those with pre-existing conditions.

Hypertension in Dogs: The Silent Threat

• What is Hypertension?

  Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the pressure in your dog’s arteries is too high. Over time, this can cause damage to vital organs like the kidneys, heart, and eyes. Unfortunately, many dogs with hypertension don’t show symptoms until the condition becomes severe.

• Causes of Hypertension:

  • Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of hypertension in dogs. The kidneys regulate blood pressure, and when they are damaged, blood pressure can rise.

  • Obesity: Extra weight puts added strain on your dog’s heart, which can lead to high blood pressure.

  • Stress: Like in humans, stress can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, but chronic stress in dogs can contribute to ongoing hypertension.

  • Age: Older dogs are more likely to develop hypertension, often in conjunction with other health conditions like heart disease.

• Symptoms of Hypertension: Since hypertension often has no obvious symptoms, it’s vital to have regular vet check-ups. However, some signs can include:

  • Decreased appetite or sudden weight loss

  • Lethargy or weakness

  • Difficulty breathing or coughing

  • Sudden vision problems (such as bumping into objects or changes in eye appearance)

• How to Prevent and Manage Hypertension in Dogs:

  • Regular veterinary check-ups, especially for senior dogs

  • Balanced, nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight

  • Regular exercise and activity to keep blood pressure under control

  • Stress Management: Techniques such as calming supplements or a calm environment can reduce stress-related hypertension. Dorwest Valerian & Scullcap is a great natural supplement to support relaxation and stress relief in dogs, especially those suffering from stress-induced hypertension.

Heartworm Disease in Dogs: An Often Overlooked Threat

• What is Heartworm Disease?

  Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected dogs. It’s transmitted through mosquito bites, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

• Symptoms of Heartworm Disease:

  • Mild coughing or coughing during exercise

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Loss of appetite and weight loss

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Swelling in the abdomen

• How to Prevent Heartworm Disease:

  • Monthly heartworm preventatives, we recommend natural worming treatments for protecting your dog from this potentially deadly disease.

  • Regular vet check-ups to ensure your dog is heartworm-free.

The Role of Diet and Supplements in Maintaining Heart Health

A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in preventing heart disease in dogs. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins can support heart function and help reduce inflammation.

• What Should You Feed Your Dog for Heart Health?

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oils, these help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

  • Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can protect your dog’s heart from damage caused by free radicals.

  • Low-Sodium Diet: Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. Opt for low-sodium dog food if your dog has hypertension.

• Supplements for Heart Health: Consider natural supplements that support heart function, such as:

  • Taurine and L-Carnitine: Amino acids that help maintain heart muscle health.

  • Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for supporting cardiovascular health.

  • Proflax Healthy Heart: Supports heart function and can help improve circulation and overall heart health, especially in older dogs.

  • Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek: Known for its circulation-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties, Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek is a great choice for dogs with heart disease.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

Heart health is essential to ensuring your dog has a long, happy life. By understanding the risks of conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and heartworm disease, you can take proactive steps to protect your dog’s heart. Regular vet visits, a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and stress management are all key factors in maintaining your dog’s cardiovascular health. If you notice any symptoms of heart problems, don’t wait—contact your vet immediately.

If you have any questions, please send them to us. Let’s work together to ensure our dogs live long, healthy lives, with hearts full of love!

Now that you know how to protect your dog’s heart, why not take action today? Visit our store for natural heart-health supplements, or check out our blog for more tips and advice. 🐾💖