This month, as spring draws near, we direct our focus to a crucial organ that keeps our beloved canine companions joyfully wagging their tails – their hearts.
As devoted pet parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our dog’s health and well-being. Join us as we explore canine heart health and reveal tips and insights into maintaining a healthy heart for your furry friend. After all, a healthy heart is the best gift we can give to our beloved canine companions.
Understanding Your Dog’s Heart
The first step to caring for your dog’s heart is to have a complete understanding of their health. There are two main categories of heart problems that dogs might be diagnosed with. Congenital abnormalities are heart defects that a dog is born with. Conversely, there are diseases that a dog can develop as they get older, such as mitral valve disease, which is the most common degenerative heart disease in dogs.
A dog’s genetics can play a role in their heart health. According to the American Kennel Club, certain large breeds can have higher rates of heart disease, but that doesn’t mean that smaller breeds are free from risk. The best way to keep an eye on your pup’s heart health is to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Frequent visits can help your vet diagnose a cardiac issue during the early stages and connect you with a specialist, if necessary, which can set you and your dog up for success in navigating their health issue.
At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we know how important it is for you to be informed about your dog’s health, and we don’t want to wait until something is wrong to catch it! Learn more about why scheduling a wellness exam with us is one of the best things you can do to care for your furry companion. As an affordable vet with a convenient mobile clinic, we’re ready and excited to get to know you and your pup!
Tips to Improve Your Dog’s Heart Health
There are a lot of preventative steps you can take to strengthen your dog’s heart, so they don’t develop a disease. If your dog has already been diagnosed with a heart problem, these steps can help you improve their heart health, so they are in the best position to face their diagnosis.
Diet – Just like with humans, diet plays a huge role in a dog’s overall health. A well-balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients is crucial for dogs, especially when it comes to heart health. In fact, there is even a connection between dogs eating an exclusively grain-free diet and developing heart problems. Instead of completely cutting out a food group like grains, aim to feed your dog high-quality, balanced foods. Certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for supporting heart function.
What your dog eats isn’t the only important aspect of diet – how much they eat can also factor into heart health. Obesity can significantly increase your dog’s risk of developing heart disease. During your next checkup with a veterinarian, ask them what the ideal weight is for your dog and if any changes need to be made.
Exercise – Adequate exercise can also decrease your dog’s likelihood of heart disease. Exercise can combat obesity and keep your dog’s cardiovascular system in excellent condition. Most dogs won’t object to extra walks or romps through the park, but if your dog was living a sedentary lifestyle before then you’ll want to slowly introduce them to more exercise.
Dental Health – There has also been a surprising connection between a dog’s dental health and their heart health. Some of the bacteria that are commonly found inside a dog’s mouth have been linked to endocarditis, or inflammation or infection of the interior of the heart. Properly caring for your dog’s teeth is a great way to combat stinky breath and heart disease!
Preventative Medications – Lastly, you should routinely give your dog medication to prevent diseases like heartworms. A dog can get infected with heartworms if they’re bitten by a mosquito carrying the larvae. Adult heartworms can severely damage a dog’s organs and blood vessels and can even be fatal. In a mosquito-ridden state like Florida, heartworm prevention is even more crucial.
As pet owners, we understand that your dogs are cherished members of your families. Just as we prioritize our own heart health, it’s crucial to extend the same level of care to our furry family members. If you’re eager to delve deeper into your dog’s heart health journey, schedule a visit with our compassionate and dedicated team at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics. Your pet deserves the very best, and together, we can ensure their hearts beat strong for many years to come.
