Animal Care: Maintaining the Heart Health of Your Dog
Because your pet is a member of your family, protecting his or her heart health is as vital as safeguarding your own. Canine circulatory concerns differ from human cardiovascular issues; for instance, coronary artery disease is less prevalent in dogs than in people, although heart failure is a significant worry for seniors. To safeguard your dog’s heart, you can take steps. Consider the following factors to safeguard the heart health of your dog.
Healthy Diet
Your pet, like you, should avoid high-fat, high-salt diets, which can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, and high cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease.
Regarding your pet’s diet, vets suggest incorporating high-quality protein and vegetables into a premium dry or canned meal. In addition, provide your pet with veggies rather than packaged or bagged treats. Changing the color of the vegetables your pet consumes will vary the types of antioxidants they receive.
Nevertheless, there are several foods to avoid. Onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic should be avoided. Grapes and raisins are also prohibited since they may be toxic to certain animals. Fruit is generally safe for pets unless they are overweight. Occasionally, organic berries can be consumed.
The quantity of food you should supply depends on the calorie density of the meal you serve. Your overweight pet may benefit most from a low-calorie diet. It is also essential to use a measuring cup to verify that the portions you serve are accurate because this could aid in treating cardiovascular disease in pets.
Regular Exercise
Inactivity causes cardiovascular disease in humans and animals. Therefore, moderate daily activity can considerably reduce the risk of getting heart disease for both of you. However, it is usually advisable to see a physician before commencing a new exercise regimen.
Regular exams for pets can rule out any health concerns that could be exacerbated by activity. If your pet is not used to being active, you will need to gradually increase his time outside. Start by exercising for 10 minutes multiple times weekly, and work your way up to at least 30 minutes daily. Walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, fetching, and agility training are all forms of physical activity.
Remember that the amount of physical activity a pet needs varies greatly depending on age, breed, weight, and health factors. If you are unsure how much exercise your pet needs, you should consult a veterinarian.
Weight Management
Obese dogs are more likely to experience health concerns, including cardiovascular disease. A person’s heart must work harder when he or she is overweight. On the other side, weight loss will assist in the improvement of cardiovascular function.
Your veterinarian must treat or rule out any underlying medical conditions before your pet can lose weight. If there are no underlying concerns, the approach to reducing your pet’s weight is to expend more calories than they ingest.
Regular Checkups
Regular visits to your veterinarian from places like Orange Animal Hospital are necessary. If you get your pet examined annually by a veterinarian, he or she can spot any problems, such as a heart murmur, early on (or semiannually for elderly pets). This is essential because animals try to conceal disease symptoms until the illness has advanced considerably.
Conclusion
Anyone who has experienced a dog’s affection and loyalty knows that these canine companions benefit our hearts. The extensive study supports this. According to research, owning a dog benefits heart health by reducing social isolation, promoting physical exercise, and lowering blood pressure, which are significant risk factors for heart disease and stroke. They may even lengthen the lives of humans. However, the heart of a dog also requires care. And people can take care to ensure they receive it.
