Approximately 7.8 million dogs in the United States have heart disease. Like humans, dogs can also develop heart problems and heart disease, leading to congestive heart failure. It’s essential to take note of the early symptoms to take preventative measures against the disease
Heart disease in dogs can be caused by multiple underlying conditions, including heart valve degeneration, arrhythmia (irregular heart rate/rhythm), and heart muscle disease. Conditions such as aging and obesity can also play a role in your dog’s heart health.
Here are the symptoms and the treatment needed to relieve and prevent heart disease
Symptoms
If you see your dog experiencing these early symptoms, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian immediately:
Persistent Cough – A Cough that lasts for more than a few days should always be checked out. Heart disease could be the reason behind the cough. This could result from fluid in the lungs or the enlarged heart.
Having a hard time settling down for the night – heart disease can make them uncomfortable and in pain, and this would cause your dog to become restless.
Reduced willingness to walk or exercise
Difficulty breathing and increased respiratory rate – Trouble breathing is a symptom of the disease; in an advanced state, the difficulty happens mostly when lying down.
Fainting – When something is impacting heart function, organ function also suffers. The collapsing could occur during a coughing spell or exercise.
The key is knowing what preventative measures to take to keep your dog healthy. Being proactive makes all the difference. The most important of these measures is scheduling regular check-ups with your vet.
Other ways to help your dog stay in good health are –
· A healthy diet that includes Omega-3 Fatty Acid (fish oil) and Taurine (amino acid)
· Exercise – pups need a balance of activity
· Staying in the know with symptoms and paying close attention to any changes with your dog that may align with them
· Vitamin supplement- Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fatty Acid, among a few others, are components to look for when selecting the right supplement for your pet,
There is no absolute way to prevent heart disease. Just like with humans, some things just develop. Some breeds are more prone than others which is something to keep in mind when considering taking on a new pet. Researching your dog’s breed will help you take preventative measures, knowing what they are susceptible to. The critical thing to remember is to take your dog’s health as seriously as your own. We need check-ups, vitamins, and healthy diets, and so do they.
