Protecting Your Pet’s Heart Health
Heart disease is a significant concern in both dogs and cats, and its ongoing nature makes monitoring at home stressful for most folks. That doesn’t mean you and your pet don’t have options, however! With awareness, preventative care, and early intervention, a veterinary team can help pets with heart disease live longer, healthier lives.
In the post below, Oz Animal Hospital will explore common types of heart disease in pets, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to protect your pet.
Forms of Heart Disease in Pets
Heart disease in pets can take several forms, broadly categorized as:
- Valvular Disease: Affects the heart valves, preventing them from closing properly and leading to inefficient blood flow. This is more common in small-breed dogs and certain cat breeds.
- Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy): Weakens or thickens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is common in large-breed dogs, while hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is more prevalent in cats.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Some pets are born with heart defects.
- Heartworm Disease: This serious and potentially fatal disease is caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted to animals via mosquito bites.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Early detection is crucial for managing heart disease, but signs and symptoms manifest differently in dogs and cats. Be sure to watch out for:
1.) Coughing or Breathing Difficulty:
- For dogs, coughing will often occur at night or after exercise. Respiratory distress will involve rapid, short, or labored breaths, even when at rest.
- For cats, coughing is more subtle and could be mistaken for hairballs. Watch for open mouthed breathing, rapid breathing, or panting (which is unusual for cats).
2.) Exercise Intolerance or Lethargy:
- For dogs, tiring easily on walks or a lack of interest in play might be a warning sign.
- For cats, hiding or sleeping more than usual might mean something’s amiss.
3.) Loss of Appetite:
- Both cats and dogs reveal signs of heart disease through lack of appetite, but cats are often finicky eaters, making this sign less certain for them.
4.) Fainting/Collapsing:
- For dogs, sudden loss of consciousness and collapse is a medical emergency.
- For cats, this sign might be less obvious, taking the form of sudden weakness or hiding.
5.) Swollen Abdomen:
- For dogs, fluid buildup in the abdomen is a major indicator of heart failure.
- For cats, this is less common, but it can still occur.
Important Note for Cat Owners
Cats demonstrating pale or bluish gums or cats with unexplained weight loss might also be at risk of heart disease. Remember, cats are masters at hiding illness! Symptoms of heart disease in cats can also be very subtle, making regular veterinary checkups even more critical.
At-Home Monitoring and Preventative Care
Start with weight management. Obesity puts extra strain on the heart. Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. The FDA is looking into potential links between certain diets and heart problems, so follow any updates and vet recommendations.
From there, emphasize proper nutrition. Feed a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for your pet’s species, age, and breed. Your veterinarian can guide you on appropriate food choices.
Don’t skip regular exercise! Provide daily exercise tailored to your pet’s needs and abilities.
Monitor their sleeping respiratory Rate (SRR). Learn how to monitor your pet’s SRR at home. This can be an early indicator of heart problems. Your veterinarian can teach you the proper technique.
As always, pay attention to any differences in behavior, appearance, or activity, too.
Veterinary Care: Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your pet has a heart problem, see your veterinarian immediately. Diagnosis may involve:
- Physical examination
- Chest X-rays
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound)
- Blood tests
Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of heart disease but may include medications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Don’t lose hope! Dogs and cats with heart disease can go on to live fulfilling lives with the right quality care. The team at Oz is here to help, and we’ll hold your hands (and paws!) every step of the way.
At Oz Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier veterinary care that goes beyond traditional standards. Our team takes the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle, habits, and medical history to provide tailored recommendations for vaccines, preventative care, and treatment options. Choose Oz Animal Hospital for exceptional veterinary care that prioritizes your pet’s well-being and peace of mind! To schedule your appointment, contact us today.