Because your dog is a family member, it is just as important to safeguard his or her heart health as it is to protect your own. The incidence of coronary artery disease in dogs is lower than in people, while heart failure is a major problem for elderly dogs. You can take measures to safeguard your dog’s heart. Consider the following factors to protect your dog’s heart health.
Healthy Diet
Your pet, like you, should avoid high-fat, high-sodium foods, which can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, and high cholesterol, all of which are cardiovascular disease risk factors that may result in painful inflammatory conditions treatment.
Regarding your pet’s diet, vets advise supplementing a premium dry or canned food brand with high-quality protein and vegetables. Also, substitute veggies for packaged or bagged snacks. Alternating veggies of various hues will increase the variety of antioxidants your pet consumes.
However, there are a few foods to avoid. Avoid onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic at all costs. Grapes and raisins are also prohibited since they may be toxic to some animals. Unless your pet is overweight, fruit is generally safe for consumption. Occasionally, organic berries are still appropriate.
The amount of food you should supply is contingent on the calorie density of the meal. For your overweight pet, a low-calorie diet may be the best answer. Additionally, it is essential to utilize a measuring cup to verify that the feeding portions are accurate.
Regular Exercise
Heart disease is caused by inactivity in humans and animals. Consequently, modest regular exercise can considerably reduce your risk of acquiring heart disease. However, it is usually advisable to see a physician before commencing any new exercise regimen.
A routine examination can exclude any health conditions that may be exacerbated by activity. If your pet is not accustomed to physical activity, you must gradually increase the time he spends outdoors. Beginning with 10 minutes of exercise multiple days per week, progressively increase your activity to at least 30 minutes per day.
Remember that the amount of physical activity a pet requires varies greatly depending on age, breed, weight, and health factors. If you do not know how much exercise your pet needs, it is usually best to consult a veterinarian for your cat or dog’s cardiology appointment.
Weight Management
Obese dogs are more likely to undergo health problems like heart disease. As in humans, excess weight makes the heart work harder. Conversely, weight loss will aid in improving cardiovascular function.
Before a pet can lose weight, a veterinarian must treat or rule out any underlying medical conditions. If there are no underlying health problems, the key to weight loss is to expend more calories than your pet consumes.
Regular Checkups
A pet routine exam to your veterinarian is crucial. If your pet is examined annually, your veterinarian can spot potential problems, such as a heart murmur, in their earliest stages (or semiannually for elderly pets). This is critical because animals try to conceal disease symptoms until the disease has considerably progressed.
Conclusion
Anyone who has experienced a dog’s affection and loyalty recognizes that these canine companions benefit our hearts. There is extensive research to support this claim. According to research, owning a dog benefits heart health by reducing social isolation, encouraging physical exercise, and lowering blood pressure, all of which are major risk elements for heart disease and stroke. They may potentially extend the lifespan of humans. However, a dog’s heart also requires care. And humans can take measures to ensure that they obtain it.
Related Posts
