Guidelines for Improving Your Dog’s Heart Health

You may be hearing news or reports about the valuable health results of taking care of pets. Many research shows pet ownership can reduce social isolation and blood pressure, help individuals stay physically active, and more. These stated perks can reduce the major risk factors of stroke and heart disease, and there are even studies that show taking care of pets can potentially help you live longer.

However, a dog’s heart requires attention, too, so they can live their best lives despite their short life expectancy. Now, let us look at ways to keep your pooch’s heart in good condition.

Five Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

Like health-conscious individuals that practice good habits to stay healthy, so do your beloved pet. Your pooch is an important part of your family, so protecting their heart is as essential as protecting yours. Here are five simple tips we have gathered to better improve and preserve your pet’s heart health.

1. Prioritize their dental care

Dental illness in canines is more rampant during the ages of 4 and 9 and is connected with heart disease. The infection in a canine’s mouth and accumulation of plaque and tartar can enter the bloodstream, eventually triggering congestive heart failure.

Always observe and maintain your dog’s dental care routine and see a vet dental practitioner immediately if you notice mouth issues like sore gums, foul breath, excessive drooling, and bleeding. You may check the websites of animal dentists near you to learn more about their services.

2. Exercise with them daily

Canines with a healthy weight do not mean they are fit. Fitness requires various physical activities, including cardiac exercises to stretch their joints and muscles and keep their heart healthy. This part is not hard to do, as dogs like cardio. You can always count on them to join you in jogging, running, walking, swimming, agility and flyball.

These exercises can keep your pet’s heart healthy and pumping. However, exercising with your canine must be done in moderation. If you notice strange movements in your pet after doing some workouts, take them to emergency vets at Bel Marin Animal Hospital to be inspected.

3. Schedule veterinary exams regularly

Dogs age quicker than we do. Every 1 year to humans is 4 to 8 years to them. Going that long without taking them to vets for a checkup is not good. So it’s essential to bring your dog to this animal clinic for their checkup at least twice a year, particularly if it is a senior pooch, to monitor their health and condition.

4. Prevent heartworm disease

Heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes. This can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, restriction of blood circulation, coronary infarction, and pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, heartworm illness is now easier to prevent with just a topical product once per month or a simple pill prescribed by vets.

5. Feed them a healthy diet

A healthy mind and body begin with healthy diets. Nutrition plays a significant role, from skin and coat to effective functioning of their organs and joint health. Obesity is the number one enemy of a healthy heart, so ensure your dog gets balanced yet high-quality food and keep their treats to a minimum. Contact your vet for advice if you’re having a problem setting up a healthy diet plan for your furry companion, especially if they need to drop weight.