We adore our dogs and they, in turn, adore us. You desire to do whatever you can to safeguard your best friend as a pet parent, and we want to assist you in that endeavor. Did you realize that pet heart disease is almost as frequent as human heart disease? That’s accurate, pets of all sizes and breeds can suffer cardiac problems and illness. Heart disorders may affect any animal, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas, tabbies to Siamese cats, ferrets to rabbits.
The first question that every pet owner has is whether or not heart disease is deadly. When left unchecked for too long, the answer is a painful yes. There is no cure or therapy for a pet who develops congestive heart failure.
Read on to learn how you can protect your pet’s heart from complications.
How should the diet look?
The best approach to avoid heart disease in your pet is to feed them a balanced diet and keep them at a healthy weight. Pets should follow their veterinarian’s recommendations for a meat-based diet. A raw food diet should be avoided for optimal heart health. Bacteria that can enter a dog’s bloodstream and cause a heart valve infection are more likely to be found in raw meat.
Taurine, a vital amino acid-building component that cats do not make on their own, must also be included in a cat’s diet. Because taurine is exclusively found in meat-based meals, this implies avoiding grain-only diets.
Exercise – the Solution to many problems
Regular exercise is crucial for all of us — humans and dogs alike – to maintain a healthy heart. Though your pet’s particular exercise requirements are determined by his or her breed, size, and age, all animals need some type of regular movement.
Every day, generally healthy dogs need to have at minimum 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. Hunting or working breed may need an extra one to two hours of exercise. To discover the precise quantity and type of daily activity recommended for your dog, see your veterinarian.
Physical activity should be provided to cats for at least 15 minutes every day. Though most cat owners are aware, figuring out what activity their cat loves might take a little ingenuity and trial and error. Begin with a few minutes of play numerous times a day if your cat does not possess the stamina or motivation to play for the entire 15 minutes.
Heartworms and Parasite Prevention
Heartworm prophylaxis for dogs should be done regularly to avoid serious medical problems caused by heartworms. Every two to three years, the American Heartworm Society advises that dogs have a heartworm blood test.
Infectious agents can be carried by other parasites, such as fleas and ticks, which can harm an animal’s heart. Preventing these parasites might be important all year in Oregon, since the temperature is typically moderate, allowing the critters to live for longer periods.
An early diagnosis is crucial for addressing heart problems before it progresses to heart failure. Sadly, the initial stages of pet heart problems are frequently asymptomatic. The heart can give adequate oxygen to the body while it gradually enlarges; symptoms arise only when the heart can no longer compensate.
As the condition worsens, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of weight, tiredness, coughing, and bloating. It’s usually too late when these warning symptoms occur.
Annual checkups are the most effective strategy to detect cardiac problems early on. Texas Wellness has experienced veterinarians who take care of all aspects of pet care!
