Dog Heart Problems: 4 Healthy Habits To Prevent Them
Dog heart problems can be different, just like humans. And these become more severe as dogs get older.
Some breeds such as the Boxer or the Poodle have a particular predisposition to heart disease. Unfortunately, in many cases, when a dog’s heart has a problem, there are no symptoms.
In the absence of symptoms, it is necessary to be alert to possible signs and adopt some habits that minimize the risk and prevent the dog’s heart problems.
4 Healthy Habits That Prevent Dog Heart Problems
In addition to the genetic components, some elements such as excess weight can greatly affect the proper functioning of your dog’s heart. Below, we’ll look at 4 healthy habits that are good for your dog’s heart.
1. A good diet
A healthy and balanced diet is undoubtedly the key for a dog to have a long and happy life. And this is especially important when it comes to the heart health of our four-legged friends. Getting your pet on a good diet will help prevent heart disease.
Most dogs are currently fed industrial packaged food. This can be a good thing, as you can better control the amount of protein and nutrients your dog consumes. However, not all brands are the same and it is very important to know how to choose well.
When buying packaged food for your pet, remember to take into consideration their age, breed and state. A young dog who gets a lot of exercise doesn’t have the same nutritional needs as an older dog who stays at home and sleeps all day.
Animal protein is essential for your dog to have a healthy diet that ensures good heart health. Packaged food already contains the right amount of this protein.
If we want to make our pet eat fresh and natural products, the ideal is to give him chicken, fish, beef, pork, eggs and some vegetables. You should avoid onion, which is toxic to them. A balanced diet is one of the most important health habits that benefit dogs’ hearts.
Furthermore, it is essential to control the amount of fat your dog eats. This will not only affect your pet’s weight, but cholesterol levels and heart disease risk as well.
If an animal is already suffering from heart problems, it is essential to reduce the amount of salt it consumes as well. The salt increases the pressure on your heart, which probably already has a hard time pumping enough blood to your body.
2. Physical activity to prevent dog heart problems
Keeping your dog at the right weight is the best gift you can give him to take care of his heart. And to do this, in addition to a balanced diet, physical activity is essential. To be healthy, a dog needs to train every day, walk and run enough.
The activity must be adapted to the age of your pet and its breed. But at all stages of life, even when they are old, dogs need some exercise. A walk of at least 30 minutes a day outdoors will be very beneficial for both the dog and its owner.
3. Visits to the vet
In addition to daily food and exercise, regular vet visits are another healthy habit that benefits your dog’s heart. During the visit, the specialist will be able to assess your dog’s weight and check his beats. It will also ask you a few questions to be able to detect any signs that you have a heart problem.
For example, if a dog becomes excessively tired when he goes for a walk or when he plays, this could indicate heart failure. His heart will struggle to pump blood with oxygen to the muscles, and it will not do so in the necessary quantity. Coughing in dogs can also be a sign that they have a heart disorder.
4. Cuddles and displays of affection
Dogs need a lot of attention and affection during all stages of their life. Being pampered by their owner and enjoying their company will make them calm and happy.
It has been shown that a dog that does not get enough attention or that spends a lot of time alone can become an anxious and nervous dog. And this will undoubtedly affect the health of his heart.
Now that you know some of the healthy habits that are good for your dog’s heart, what are you waiting for to put them into practice?
