Free report on Canine Heart Disease
Heart Disease in Dogs
By: Tippy
Heart disease or disorders can be present when the dog is
born, or may be acquired more often during middle age. There
are two different common types of heart disease that can
affect your dog.
One type affects the valves of the heart, making them unable
to close properly and so causing an abnormal flow of blood.
The other type of heart disease in dogs causes the muscles
of the heart to thin and weaken. Both of these conditions
are serious and usually cause eventual heart failure.
Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer operate
well enough to pump blood to vital centers, which causes the
heart to work harder trying to do so and so causing further
heart damage.
There really are no early signs of heart disease. The best
way to catch heart disease in your dog is to have regular
checkups with your veterinarian. That most often will catch
abnormalities.
Dogs that have a mild case of heart disease will exhibit
symptoms such as:
- coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart enlargement
- Lethargy
A severe case of heart disease has symptoms like the above
plus fainting, profound intolerance to exercise, loss of
weight and loss of appetite.
Heart disease is often treatable if caught early enough.
Follow any recommendations that your veterinarian makes
after a diagnosis of heart disease in your dog. This way
your dog has a better chance of living a longer fuller life.
One of the primary factors that contribute to heart disease
in canines is obesity. To prevent heart disease in your dog
be sure to feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet and give
it moderate amounts of exercise every day.
In The Canine Zone!
With: Dr. Jane Bicks
Obesity among dogs and cats is one of the leading nutritional diseases. Many
veterinarians believe it is the greatest health issue facing American’s
pets.
The following health concerns may occur as a result of obesity:
*
Joint or locomotion difficulties ... Extra pounds put
added stress on joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Conditions such as
arthritis,
hip dysplasia, disk disease and ligament ruptures may be caused
or aggravated by obesity.
*
Heart and Respiratory Disease ... Heart and lungs have
to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation. Also, extra fat
in the chest cavity and around the heart muscle can decrease the
efficiency of the heart and lungs.
*
Diabetes ... Just like people, diabetes is much more
common in obese dogs and cats.
*
Liver Disease ... Obese animals are prone to liver
disease.
*
Heat Intolerance ... Insulating properties of excessive
fat make obese animals uncomfortable and unable to tolerate heat.
*
Skin Problems ... Obese animals often have trouble
grooming themselves. The rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often
harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.
*
Gastrointestinal Disorder ... Pancreatitis is seen all
too often in obese dogs. This condition is painful and life threatening.
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our precious
pets!
It can cause unnecessary suffering & shortened lifespan!
Unfortunately, many diet or low fat foods on the market today are focused on
weight loss only and often compromise a pet’s vitality, skin and coat, and
overall health.
Here's an easy to read picture chart as a guide to finding out if your pet
may be overweight.
Tell Me If My Dog's Fat?
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See Also:
All Canine Care & Doggie Fun Stuff
How to Keep Your Dog & Cat Healthy
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