FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH
Heart disease is crucial for pets and can significantly impact their quality of life. Many conditions develop slowly and show few symptoms, but early detection and preventative care can make a big difference.
Some key factors to consider include:
Nutrition: Feed a well-balanced, high-quality diet with appropriate levels of protein, healthy fats, limited sodium. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil help to reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Exercise: Daily, consistent, moderate exercise, tailored to your pet’s age and condition, strengthens the heart and maintains a healthy weight, however, be mindful of outside weather. Short, frequent walks are often better than intense activity. Playtime including fetch or agility training can keep your dog’s cardiovascular system strong.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease so provide food based on your dog’s needs. Feed balanced, vet recommended food with adequate nutrients. Avoid high-sodium treats/table scraps. Opt for fresh fruits (blueberries, apple slices) instead of processed treats.
Regular Vet Checkups: Regular visits can detect early heart disease. Your vet can check for irregular heart sounds. Annual heart screenings especially for older dogs or breeds prone to heart issues is important.
Avoid Harmful Substances: Limit sodium intake, avoid toxic foods (grapes, chocolate, onions, caffeine, garlic, nuts, etc.).