7 Ways to Keep Your Pet's Heart Healthy

Posted By Ayda Hornak on September 2025

Quick Take: Just like humans, dogs and cats need strong hearts to live long, happy, energetic lives. In this blog, we’ll walk you through 7 ways to keep your pet’s heart healthy, from vet check-ups and exercise to nutrition and breed awareness, plus the natural foods and PetWell supplements that give their heart extra support.

Why Heart Health Matters for Pets

When we think of our fur baby’s heart, we picture unconditional love and loyalty, and we’d be right! But their heart is also a powerful muscle that needs daily care. Keeping your pet’s heart healthy reduces the risk of heart disease and helps them stay active, playful, and full of life for years to come.

The good news: you can make a big difference with simple lifestyle choices, good nutrition, and preventative care.

Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

Because heart disease can progress quickly, it’s important to recognise the warning signs early. Watch for:

Persistent coughing (especially after exercise or at night)
Sudden weight loss
Shortness of breath or laboured breathing
Fatigue or fainting
Pale gums
Swollen belly from fluid build-up
Restless or disrupted sleep

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. Book Regular Vet Wellness Exams

Annual (or twice-yearly for older pets) vet visits help detect changes in heart function before symptoms appear. Early detection makes treatment far more effective.

2. Prioritise Dental Health

Poor oral hygiene is linked directly to heart problems. By age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats already show signs of dental disease.
✔️ Brush their teeth regularly
✔️ Schedule annual dental checks
✔️ Consider professional cleans

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra kilos increase heart strain and raise blood pressure. Keeping your pet at their ideal weight protects the heart, joints, and overall wellbeing.

Read: Dog Weight Made Simple: Keep Your Pup in Top Shape

A fat dachshund for, side on showing the dangers of being overweight

4. Feed Heart-Healthy Nutrition

A heart-friendly diet is one of the most powerful ways to protect cardiovascular health. Focus on:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Reduce inflammation, support blood vessels, and regulate heart rhythm.
Found in sardines, salmon, green-lipped mussels, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seed oil.
Try PetWell:
RELIEF - Skin + Coat + Immunity (with green-lipped mussel, oyster extract - omega-rich)
MOBILITY – Hip + Joint Support
Freeze-dried Sardines, Salmon, NZ Green-Lipped Mussels

Goat’s milk (taurine-rich)

Taurine supports heart muscle function, reduces cholesterol build-up, and regulates blood pressure.
Try PetWell:
DIGEST – Gut Health (with goat’s milk)
RELIEF – Skin + Coat + Immunity

Organ hearts

Packed with CoQ10, amino acids, iron, and B vitamins for heart strength. Try PetWell freeze-dried Chicken Hearts and Lamb Hearts.

Eggs

Rich in amino acids, omega-3s, and choline, essential for cardiovascular and liver health.

Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory foods

Spirulina, medicinal mushrooms, leafy greens, bone broth, and berries help fight free radicals that weaken the heart.
Try PetWell:
CALM – Stress Support
DIGEST – Gut Health
MOBILITY – Hip + Joint Support
RELIEF – Allergies + Skin + Coat + Immunity

Pet Supplements for dogs and Cats by PetWell

All supplements contain anti-inflammatory ingredients.

5. Keep Them Moving

Daily exercise keeps the heart strong.

Dogs: walks, hiking, fetch, swimming, agility games.
Cats: climbing towers, wand toys, chase games.

Movement means circulation and a healthier, happier heart.

6. Stay on Top of Parasite Prevention

Parasites like heart-worm can cause severe heart disease. Follow your vet’s advice on year-round preventatives.

7. Know Your Pet’s Breed Risks

Some breeds are more prone to heart conditions, including:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Dobermans
Dachshunds
Boxers
Great Danes
Saint Bernards
Cocker Spaniels
Miniature Schnauzers
Pomeranians
Miniature Poodles

If your pet is on this list, consistent monitoring is even more important.

Final Thoughts

Your pet’s heart does more than pump blood, it fuels every adventure, cuddle, and wag.

By combining regular vet care, a balanced diet, exercise, and natural support from PetWell’s supplements and freeze-dried treats, you’ll give your fur family the best chance at a long, heart-healthy life.

Next Read: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

FAQs About Pet Heart Health

What foods are best for my dog’s heart?

Omega-3 rich proteins (salmon, sardines, mussels), taurine-rich foods (goat’s milk, chicken hearts, eggs), and antioxidant-packed greens and berries. View PetWell’s heart friendly range.

Can cats get heart disease too?

Yes. Cats are also prone to heart disease, especially if their diet lacks taurine. Taurine is essential for feline cardiovascular health.

How do I know if my pet’s heart is healthy?

Regular vet check-ups are the best way. At home, monitor their energy, breathing, and weight.

Which PetWell product supports heart health?

Our RELIEF –Skin + Coat + Immunity supplement contains omega-3s, antioxidants, and green-lipped mussel to naturally support cardiovascular wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails 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 health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.

Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care

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