We have a huge heart for our pet patients and their cardiovascular health. As February is American Heart Month, it presents an opportunity for pet parents to prioritize and take proactive steps toward understanding and nurturing their pet’s heart wellness. This month, we dive deeper into common cardiac issues to be aware of, ways to ensure optimal heart health, and the next steps to take if you suspect a cardiac issue is present.
Common Cardiac Issues in Pets
Much like humans, our pets can face a spectrum of cardiac challenges that may significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding these common cardiac issues is instrumental in making the right decisions to face your pet’s heart health head-on.
Congestive Heart Failure – This occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen. It can result from underlying conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, or congenital heart defects.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy – This is characterized by a heart muscle that becomes weak and enlarged. This condition can be genetic in certain dog breeds like Boxers, Great Danes, and Doberman Pinschers, or may result from deficiencies in diet.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – Characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, this condition makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It’s commonly seen in cats and can lead to heart failure and blood clots.
Arrhythmias – Present in both cats and dogs, arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms. Depending on the severity and the underlying cause, arrhythmias can be benign or life-threatening. This is seen more commonly in younger dogs, but they oftentimes grow out of it. Persian cats and Maine Coons are more prone to arrhythmias than other breeds.
Heartworm Disease – Heartworms are parasites transmitted by infected mosquitoes. When they infest a pet’s heart and lungs, they can cause severe damage to the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure and other complications if left untreated.
Nurturing Your Pet’s Cardiac Well-being
You know your pet best, so be sure to keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior. Signs of cardiac issues include, but are not limited to:
- persistent coughing
- difficulty breathing
- lethargy
- decreased exercise tolerance
- collapse
With routine visits and check-ups, your primary care veterinarian will be able to keep you abreast of any issues and concerns.
Additionally, there are ways you can ensure optimal heart health for your animals at home. Taking these proactive steps will help keep your pet’s heart healthy and strong and enhance their overall well-being:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Feed a high-quality, nutritious, balanced diet
- Provide regular exercise
- Support proper dental and oral health
- Minimize stressors in their environment
Next Steps
If your primary care veterinarian’s practice is closed or at capacity, and you believe your pet is suffering from a cardiac issue, please call us at 949-653-9300. Urgent care visits do not need an appointment, but be sure to call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival and update you on an approximate wait time.
We are located inside the AVSG building and have long-standing relationships with other practices with immediate access to veterinary specialists in surgery, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, and more.
Our outstanding clinical care is matched by our exceptional and compassionate teams of technicians, assistants, and client service representatives – giving you the peace of mind that your beloved companion is in the very best hands.