When we think of our fur baby’s heart, we instinctively envision a big heart brimming with love and loyalty! And we would be right! However, do you know how to keep your pet's heart healthy?
When our pets are healthy, we often neglect to consider preventing illnesses. How often do you think about keeping your pet's big, beautiful heart healthy?
Much like us, our pets can be prone to heart disease. Heart health is important if we want our beloved pets to have a healthy, active, happy, long life.
PetWell's THRIVE is a blend of all-natural ingredients that work to strengthen your pet's immune system and promote overall well-being. Boosted with green-lipped mussel with Omega 3 fats for healthy skin, joints, heart, and cognitive function. The perfect boost for immune health.
What Are the Signs of Heart Disease?
Due to the serious nature of heart disease, it's essential you recognise the signs and take immediate action. Here is what to look out for;
- Dry coughing after exercising. The severity of the cough can increase at night
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid fatigue and fainting
- Pale gums
- Swollen abdomen caused by fluid build-up
- Restlessness when sleeping
If your pet displays any of the symptoms or behaviours listed above, see your vet immediately. |
7 Ways to Keep Your Pet’s Heart Healthy
1. Wellness Exams
Annual visits to your vet will ensure an accurate assessment of your pet’s heart conditions. Regular examinations will allow your vet to see if there are any changes to your pet’s heart function. Like any serious disease, early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
2. Dental Health
According to studies there is a significant link between poor dental care and heart disease. An interesting stat from The American Veterinary Dental Society states that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have evidence of dental disease by three years of age. This highlights the importance of staying on top of your pet’s dental health. Annual checks to your vet and professional cleaning are highly recommended. Read more about Dog Dental Care: Preventing Canine Dental Disease
3. Weight Management
Ensuring your pet is at an optimal weight is not only good for reducing their heart stress, it's great for keeping their blood pressure at healthy levels. Moreover, it's crucial for their overall well-being.
4. Good Nutrition
Furthermore, high-quality supplements and nutrient-rich foods play a vital role in our pet’s overall well-being. It’s vital for good health, strong immunity, and a healthy heart. Here are some additions you can incorporate into their daily meals;
Omega-3 fatty acids
A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. The EPA and DHA in fatty acids are known to support cardiovascular health by protecting blood vessels and arteries. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in irregular heart rates and blood pressure associated with stress. Additionally, hemp seed oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to a healthy heart.
Other foods that are rich in omega fatty acids are flaxseed, chia seeds, sardines, salmon, and green-lipped mussels.
You may want to try PetWell’s supplements:
THRIVE – Immune Support
MOBILITY – Hip + Joint
Or you may want to try PetWell’s single-ingredient, human-grade treats, rich in omega 3;
NZ green-lipped mussel
Sardines
Salmon
Goat milk
Australian Goat Milk is high in an amino acid called taurine. Studies show taurine helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, and manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels which can block arteries. It may also reduce blood pressure and artery blockages.
In addition, it's an excellent source of minerals such as magnesium and calcium that work to keep their heart strong.
Other foods that are rich in taurine are tuna, turkey, chicken, liver, eggs, salmon, and shellfish.
You may want to try PetWell’s supplements;
DIGEST – Digestion Relief contains Australian goat milk
THRIVE – Immune Support contains Australian goat milk
You may want to try PetWell’s single-ingredient, human-grade treats, rich in taurine;
NZ green-lipped mussel
Salmon
Organ hearts
Loaded with amino acids, B vitamins, selenium, and iron, this food also contains CoQ10, which actively supports heart immunity and the cardiovascular system. Take your pick of animal hearts - chicken, duck, beef or lamb. Raw or slightly cooked, organ hearts are a great addition to your pet’s diet. Not only is it beneficial for heart health but also for overall well-being.
You may want to try PetWell’s single-ingredient, human-grade treats;
Chicken hearts
Lamb hearts
The egg
One of the most nutritious snacks you can offer your fur baby! Providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that your pet needs for good heart health.
Moreover, eggs provide more than double the amount of choline per 100g than any other food. Choline is an important nutrient for pets. Low choline levels have been implicated in liver disease, heart disease, and neurological disorders like cognitive decline.
Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories
These are a must in your pet’s diet, as they support heart health. Adding spirulina, organic medicinal mushrooms, barley grass, bone broth, spinach, kale and broccoli to their meals can give them the free radical fighters they need for a healthy heart. See the list of top anti-inflammatory foods.
You may want to try PetWell’s supplements which contain multiple anti-inflammatory ingredients. Formulated with supporting ingredients for maximum benefit, they support your pet's unique needs at every stage of their life;
DIGEST – Digestion Relief
THRIVE – Immune Support
CALM – Anxiety Aid
MOBILITY – Hip + Joint
Furthermore, hemp seed oil and fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries are considered superfoods. They contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work to fight free radicals supporting good heart health.
5. Regular Exercise
Daily cardio exercise should be part of your pet’s routine. Exercise is proven to contribute to good heart health. Consider vigorous exercise that increases your pet's heart rate and blood flow. For dogs, it's hiking, running, swimming, fetch, agility training, and walking. For cats, it’s a climbing tower, fetch and providing them with multiple toys.
6. Parasite Preventatives
Medications and vaccines provide your pet protection that can cause serious heart disease. Consult your vet for the most appropriate option for your pet.
7. Know Your Breed
There are certain breeds that are more susceptible to heart disease than others. Specifically, some breeds, including (but not limited to);
- Miniature Poodles
- Cocker Spaniels
- Pomeranians
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Dachshunds,
- Small Terrier breeds
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Doberman pinschers
- Great Danes
- Boxers
- Saint Bernard.
In Summary
Heart disease is a common condition in both humans and pets. If we do all the right things for our pets we may reduce the impact of heart disease and give them the best possible chance of living free of diseases. Hopefully, this article has helped show you how to keep your pet's heart healthy. Read more Tips to keep your dog healthy and happy
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
References:
Prevalence-of-oral-diseases-in-dogs-in-tirana-urban-area
Canine gum disease linked to heart problems
Relationship Between my Dog's Dental & Heart Diseases
