3 Essential Tips for Pet Heart Health 

Heart problems affect countless cats and dogs—even if we can’t see the outward symptoms. With treatment, adult and senior pets with heart conditions can live happy and pain-free lives. 

The key is in recognizing the signs of heart problems in pets. The sooner you spot them, the sooner you can get your furry family member to the vet for a thorough checkup—and treatment. 

Here’s what the Family Pet Hospital of Stone Oak wants you to know about pet heart health.

1. Know the Common Early Signs of Heart Disease 

Many dogs and cats develop heart disease as they age. They experience valve problems—especially in smaller breeds—while in larger breeds, muscle-weakening diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are more common. 

For cats, heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a stiffening and thickening of the walls of the heart—are the more frequently diagnosed cardiac problems. 

As pets often do, however, cats and dogs with heart issues often hide their pain or show no outward signs of distress. Especially early on in the disease. 

But there are signs—some subtle, some not-so-much. 

They can include: 

• Unusual tiredness or lethargy
• Lack of energy to play, jump, or run like usual
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced appetite and/or weight loss
• Swollen belly

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, reach out to your veterinarian right away to schedule an appointment. The earlier your pet starts treatment, the better their outcomes. 

2. Help Your Pet Maintain Heart-Healthy Habits

Diet, exercise, and proper nutrition go a long way toward reducing your pet’s risk of developing heart health issues. Whether your dog or cat is one year old or 10 years old, it’s never too late to improve one—or all—of these areas:

• Diet: A healthy body weight lessens the strain on your pet’s heart and reduces the risk of complications. Overweight pets, on the other hand, often struggle with breathing and circulation. 
• Exercise: Regular, moderate physical activity can help your pet’s heart and circulatory system stay healthy and strong. Start small with a twice-weekly walk or play session, and scale up from there.
• Nutrition: Pets with heart issues—or a genetic predisposition to develop heart issues—can often benefit from a balanced, heart-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and taurine, and low in sodium.  

Make sure you check with your veterinarian before starting a specific diet, exercise routine, or nutrition plan to make sure it’s appropriate for your pet’s specific breed, size, and health history. 

3. Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups and Screenings

To maintain your pet’s heart health—and their overall health—they should see the veterinarian at least once a year. Senior pets and those diagnosed with heart conditions should visit the veterinarian at least twice a year. 

These crucial visits allow your vet to listen for murmurs, check your pet’s heart rate and rhythm, assess their breathing, and monitor their overall health. And if your pet belongs to a high-risk breed or you’ve noticed concerning symptoms of heart disease at home, your vet can recommend diagnostic tests. These may include echocardiograms, chest X-rays, or ECGs.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, your veterinary team can treat dog heart disease and offer

cat heart care and treatment to give your furry family member the best possible outcome. 

Why February Pet Health Awareness Matters

February is a month to celebrate love and hearts—both of which involve our beloved pawsome pals. Whether you have a tiny kitten or an elderly dog, now is the perfect time of year to check in on your pet’s cardiovascular wellbeing. 

The experienced team at Family Pet Hospital of Stone Oak offers diagnosis and treatment of pet heart health conditions. Call us at (210) 495-2722 to schedule your pet’s appointment today.