February is American Heart Month. So, we thought why not address how we can help keep our pet’s hearts healthy. Just like us humans, pets can succumb to diseases of the heart, either congenital (from birth) or acquired (acute onset). Naturally, your pet’s heart health is essential for their overall well-being.
Here are five key ways to promote heart health for your furry friend:
1. Provide a Balanced Diet
- High-quality food: Ensure your pet’s diet is rich in the right nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Look for pet foods that list meat as the first ingredient and are free from excessive fillers. Better yet, look for one that has the AAFCO seal. That stands for The Association of American Feed Control Officials and is an independent organization that has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 110 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals.
- Control portion sizes: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Be mindful of portion control and avoid overfeeding your pet. Read more on this topic in this previously published blog.
2. Regular Exercise
- Physical activity: Just like humans, pets need regular exercise to keep their hearts strong. Activities like walking, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive play help improve cardiovascular health. This is particularly important to lower the risk of diabetes, painful osteoarthritis, cancer, and other conditions.
- Age-appropriate exercise: Make sure the intensity of the exercise matches your pet’s age and fitness level. Older pets or those with health issues may need gentler activities. Puppies under 1-year should only go on short walks – nothing too strenuous or long to avoid injury when their body’s are not yet ready.
3. Regular Vet Check-ups
- Routine check-ups: Regular vet visits allow for early detection of heart issues, like murmurs or arrhythmias, and can help in monitoring blood pressure, weight, and overall health. To learn more about murmurs, visit this blog.
- Heart screenings: Some breeds are predisposed to heart disease, so having heart screenings or echocardiograms done can be proactive in detecting potential issues.
4. Control Stress
- Minimize stressors: Pets, especially dogs, can suffer from anxiety, which can negatively affect their heart. Create a calm environment and try to limit exposure to stressful situations, like loud noises or frequent changes in routine. Believe it or not, a well-trained dog also experiences less stress. Consider early training and be consistent using positive reinforcement.
- Provide comfort: Offer cozy spaces and enrichment activities to keep your pet relaxed and mentally stimulated. Some pets need medication to help with anxiety. Ask your veterinarian if pharmaceuticals may be a good option.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Avoid obesity: Extra weight puts a strain on your pet’s heart and can lead to various health issues. Keep track of their weight and consult your vet if you notice them gaining excess weight. If your pet is a bit pudgy, our rehabilitation service, available in Ormond Beach and DeLand, can be a huge boost, providing exercise, attention, and fun!
- Healthy treats: Instead of high-calorie treats, opt for healthier options like fruits or veggies (like carrots for dogs) that won’t contribute to weight gain.
By being aware of the need to manage your pet’s heart health, these tips should go a long way towards keeping them in tip-top shape.
