Because of how much you love your dog, taking care of his or her heart is just as vital as taking care of your own. Heart problems in dogs are distinct from those in humans; for instance, coronary artery disease is far less common in dogs than in humans, although heart failure is a serious issue for the elderly. You can take preventative measures if you’re concerned about your dog’s heart health. Here are some items to remember to ensure your dog maintains good heart health.

Healthy Diet

Diets heavy in fat and salt should be avoided for you and your pet because they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease through factors like weight growth, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.

Add high-quality protein and vegetables to a premium dry or canned food brand to improve your pet’s diet. In addition, swap out commercial pet treats for fresh vegetables. Vegetables of varying hues can be fed to your pet to increase the variety of antioxidants they consume.

But there are some foods you should avoid at all costs. Do not eat any of these: onions, shallots, leeks, or garlic. Due to the potential toxicity of grapes and raisins, they are likewise off-limits. Even if your pet already has an excessively large frame, giving them fruit is usually safe. Sometimes, it is still acceptable to eat organic berries.

Depending on the calorie density of the meal, adjust the amount of food you supply accordingly. For your overweight pet, a low-calorie diet may be the best option. Use a measuring cup to ensure that the food you serve is the correct amount.

Regular Exercise

Humans and their dogs suffer from heart disease when they are not physically active. Therefore, you can greatly reduce your risk of acquiring heart disease by engaging in moderate exercise every day. However, it is typically wise to see a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

All health problems that could be made worse by exercise can be ruled out with a simple checkup. To get your inactive pet used to spending time outdoors, you should begin with short sessions and work up to spending more and more time there. Start with 10-minute sessions several times weekly and work up to 30-minute sessions daily. Aerobic exercise includes walking, running, swimming, hiking, fetching, and agility training. 

Keep in mind that the amount of exercise a pet needs great changes depending on factors such as age, breed, weight, and health. If you’re unsure how much physical activity to give your pet, it’s best to consult a Board-Certified Veterinary Cardiologist.

Weight Management

The prevalence of health problems like heart disease increases with pet obesity. It’s human nature for the heart to have to work harder when carrying extra weight. However, losing weight can help improve cardiovascular health.

For your pet to shed weight, your veterinarian or someone from this site must first treat or rule out any underlying medical conditions. Assuming no underlying concerns exist, the key to losing weight is to burn more calories than your pet takes in.

Regular Checkups

Maintaining routine checkups with your medical provider, be it a human or animal, is crucial. If you take your pet in once a year for a checkup, your veterinarian can spot problems like a heart murmur early on (or semiannually for elderly pets). The importance of this cannot be overstated, as animals typically hide their symptoms of illness until they have advanced sufficiently. You may also inquire about procedures like cell regeneration treatment or other groundbreaking procedures to prepare for future incidents.