CARDIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN DOGS ARE AS COMMON AS IN HUMANS.
How to recognize heart disease in dogs?
- Hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy (usually in large breed dogs),
- Mitral valve endocardiosis (a degenerative disease in small and medium breed dogs),
- Arrhythmias caused by, for example, hormonal or electrolyte imbalances,
- Infections, parasitic diseases, tumors.
Despite the wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, they all produce similar symptoms, which can be managed with appropriately selected heart medications for dogs. You should immediately take your four-legged friend to the veterinarian if:
- They become apathetic, lose interest in play and walks, or even lose their appetite,
- They start to tire more quickly during physical exertion, even such as climbing stairs,
- You observe a cough, shortness of breath, and faster, shallower breathing, especially after walks or during moments of excitement.
Treatment
The basis for implementing appropriate treatment is a precise diagnosis that identifies the cause of the disease. Heart medications for dogs differ in composition, so a medication that brings significant improvement in one dog may be deadly for another. Therefore, never administer heart tablets to your dog on your own.
A veterinarian diagnoses the disease based on an interview with the caregiver and examinations such as echocardiography, EKG, X-rays, and blood work. Sometimes, the four-legged patient requires hospital care (e.g., oxygen therapy) until their health improves. However, usually, after diagnosing the disease, the veterinarian establishes the rules for pharmacotherapy at home.
If your pet suffers from one of the heart muscle diseases, you must pay particular attention to the systematic and precise administration of the prescribed medications. Any deviation from the established heart medication regimen can be very dangerous for your dog. Also, do not forget about regular check-up visits to the veterinarian.
How to Strengthen Your Dog’s Heart
Regardless of the pharmacotherapy implemented, you should take care of your dog’s diet and lifestyle. To strengthen your dog’s heart, provide them with high-quality, properly balanced food, such as a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet. Ensure that your dog does not gain weight but also does not lose muscle mass, which often happens due to limited physical activity caused by illness.
Adjust your dog’s activity to their capabilities. Avoid long walks or strenuous play. In summer, prevent your dog from being exposed to heat, and in winter, make sure they don’t catch a cold. However, do not neglect daily exercise. A moderate amount of physical activity is an essential part of treatment. Along with properly selected medications and supplements, this will help strengthen your dog’s heart so they can enjoy life for as long as possible.