You might be hearing news or reports about the beneficial health effects of taking care of pets. Many research shows dog ownership can reduce social isolation and blood pressure, help individuals become physically active, and more. These stated benefits can reduce the major risk factors of stroke and heart problems, and there are even studies that show taking care of pets can help you live longer.
However, a dog’s heart needs attention, too, so they can live their best lives despite their short life expectancy. Now, let’s talk about the simple ways to keep your pooch’s heart in good condition.
Five Tips to Maintain Your Dog’s Heart Health
Like health-conscious individuals that maintain 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 important as protecting yours. Here are five simple tips we’ve gathered to better improve and preserve your pet’s heart health.
1. Feed them a healthy diet
A healthy mind and body begin with healthy diets. Nutrition plays an important role, from skin and coat to the effective functioning of their organs and joint health. Obesity is the number one enemy of a healthy heart, so guarantee your canine gets balanced yet high-grade food and keep their treats to a minimum. Contact your vet for advice if you’re having difficulty setting up a healthy diet plan for your pet, particularly if they need to lose weight.
2. Prioritize their dental care
Dental disease in canines is more rampant between the ages of 4 and 9 and is associated with heart problems. The infection in a dog’s mouth and accumulation of tartar and plaque can get into the bloodstream, which can eventually cause congestive heart failure.
Always observe and maintain your pet’s oral care routine and see a veterinary dentist if you see mouth issues like sore gums, foul breath, excessive drooling, and bleeding. This is why it’s recommended to bring your pet to vet dentists for their regular cat dental cleaning to keep their oral health in good condition.
3. Schedule veterinary exams often
Canines age speedier than we do. Every 1 year to human beings is 4 to 8 years to them. Going that long without taking them to veterinarians for an examination is not good. So it’s important to bring your furry companion in for a schedule at least twice a year, particularly if it is a senior pooch, to monitor their health and condition. You may visit websites like BelMarinAnimalHospital.com to learn more about the necessary vet care for your dog.
4. Exercise with them daily
Pets with a healthy weight don’t automatically mean they’re fit. Fitness requires various physical activities, including cardiac exercises to stretch their joints and muscles and keep their heart healthy. This part is not tough to do, as dogs enjoy cardio. So you can always trust them to join you in jogging, running, walking, swimming, flyball, and agility.
These workouts can keep your dog’s heart healthy and pumping. However, exercising with your dog must always be done in moderation. If you notice uncommon movements in your pet after doing some exercises, take them to an emergency vet clinic to be checked.
5. Prevent heartworm disease
Heartworm disease is brought by mosquitoes. This can trigger inflammation of the blood vessels, blood flow restriction, coronary infarction, and pulmonary embolism. Fortunately, heartworm illness is now easier to prevent with just a topical product once every month or a simple pill prescribed by veterinarians.
