O Red September Pet It has a very important significance in the health of pets. This is an awareness campaign about the heart health of dogs and cats.
The objective is to alert owners about the importance of preventing and treating heart disease in pets, as well as their consequences. Continue reading to learn everything about the most common heart diseases and how to avoid them.
Common heart diseases in pets
The heart condition in dogs and cats does not manifest itself as a single disease, but rather as a set of conditions that impact the cardiovascular system of pets. The most common include:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can affect dogs and cats. This disease is characterized by an increase in the volume of the heart chambers, which compromises blood flow in the pet’s heart and leads to a series of problems for the animal.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy results in an increase in the size of the heart. As a result, the heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired and the organ becomes overloaded.
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition that compromises the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It affects more dogs than cats and has consequences on the blood flow that reaches every cell in the animal’s body.
Aortic stenosis
This condition involves partial obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle of dogs and cats. Although it is considered a rare disease, it is responsible for triggering cardiac arrhythmia in pets.
Cardiovascular diseases in pets: symptoms
Symptoms of heart disease in pets may be subtle at first, but may worsen over time. It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breathe
- Dry cough
- Easy fatigue
- Difficulty breathing when exercising
- Edema in the legs
- Fainting
- Apathy
- Lack of appetite
- Fainting
- purplish or bluish tongue
Diagnosis and treatment
Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose heart disease based on your pet’s symptoms and tests, such as an electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound and x-rays.
The treatment of heart disease in pets depends on the type and severity of the illness. In some cases, treatment can be done with changes in habits, diet, medication, while in other cases surgery may be necessary.
Preventing heart disease in pets
Some diseases can be avoided with preventive actions. In cases of heart disease in pets, changes in habits and diet make all the difference. Check out the main tips!
- Take your pet to the veterinarian for routine checkups
- Keep your pet at a healthy weight
- Balanced diet
- Include physical activities
Breeds more prone to heart disease
Check out some breeds of dogs and cats that are predisposed to heart disease
Dogs:
Gatos:
In the case of cats, the Persian, Maine Coon and Ragdoll are the most prone to heart disease.
Now that you know everything about the Red September Petin this World Heart Daycelebrated on September 29th, remember that your pet’s heart care should take place throughout the year.