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5 Tips for Pet Heart Health

By Sam Salvati - 8/6/19

Humans aren't the only ones who can develop heart disease - animal hearts are equally susceptible to heart disease for a variety of reasons.

So how can you ensure that your pet’s heart is healthy and happy? Here are 5 tips on how to protect your critter’s cardiac health.

Set Up Annual Check-ups

Whether or not your pet has a known coronary issue, you should visit your veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up. Pets with identified heart defects should visit the veterinarian every 3-6 months if possible. Through regular check-ups, you can catch issues early and guarantee a healthy heart for your pet.

Use Heartworm Disease Prevention

Carried by mosquitoes, heartworm disease is an often fatal heart infection that is painful and troublesome for pets. However, pet heartworm prevention can be achieved simply through one annual test at the veterinary clinic. In one vet visit, you could save your furry friend's life.

Monitor Your Pet’s Diet

Similarly to humans, a healthy diet is one of the best heart disease prevention methods for pets. Monitor your pet's meal portions by measuring exact amounts of food, buy food from healthy brands that are low in salt and fat, and restrict the number of treats you give your animal.

For more tips on dieting specific to your pal, check with your veterinarian.

Frequent Exercise

Just like dieting, consistent exercise can improve your pet's mind, body, and especially cardiac health.

Slowly build up your pet's exercise difficulty and intensity. Also, keep in mind overheating for your pooch - too much heat can seriously inhibit heart health for dogs. Offer water and take breaks while exercising your pet, as to not push your pal too much.

See a Veterinary Cardiologist

If you notice any alarming signs that might suggest your pet is having heart issues, a trip to a veterinary cardiologist might be necessary. These warning signs include excessive coughing, random collapses, or extended shortness of breath.

In the face of any of these symptoms, a veterinary cardiologist would be your best option to figure out the issue and ultimately eradicate it.

Pasadena native Sam Salvati is the adoring dog dad to Pablo, Ester and Farris. He enjoys keeping abreast of and writing about the latest developments in pet care.

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