Six ways to keep your dog’s heart healthy for life

Learning that your dog has a heart defect or disorder can be very frightening for any dog owner, but heart problems in dogs don’t always mean the dog’s life will be cut short. Many dogs with heart conditions enjoy good quality of life and a normal lifespan with proper care.

Canine heart problems vary widely in type and severity. Some are congenital, present from birth, while others develop with age. Proactive steps can help protect your dog’s heart, delay onset of issues, or manage existing conditions effectively.

About 15-20% of dogs reaching old age experience some form of heart disease. Awareness and early intervention are key to preserving heart health and overall wellbeing.

Here are six important ways to help keep your dog’s heart healthy throughout life, based on the latest veterinary advice and breed-specific considerations.

1. Understand breed-specific heart risks

Certain heart conditions are more common in specific dog breeds. For example, patent ductus arteriosus is relatively frequent in the poodle, and ventricular septal defects are seen more in the springer spaniel.

Checking if your dog’s breed has a predisposition to particular heart issues is valuable. It helps you to monitor for early signs and to discuss targeted screening options with your vet.

DNA testing is increasingly available and can identify hereditary heart conditions before symptoms occur. If your dog’s breed or lineage is known for heart problems, consider speak to your vet about appropriate screening and management plans.

2. Maintain a balanced, heart-healthy diet

Feeding your dog a diet suited to their age, size, and activity level is fundamental to overall and cardiac health. Nutritionally balanced food rich in quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and antioxidants supports heart function and reduces inflammation.

Avoid excessive treats high in fat or sugar to prevent added strain on the heart. Use healthy, lean treats as occasional rewards to maintain good nutrition.

3. Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Overweight dogs have a higher risk of heart disease because excess fat accumulates around the heart’s valves and arteries. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Being proactive with weight management lowers the risk of heart strain and related conditions. Regular weight checks and careful portion control are essential. Your vet can offer personalised dietary advice and help monitor your dog’s weight progress.

4. Provide suitable exercise tailored to your dog

Exercise strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation. Different breeds and ages require differing activity levels, so tailor exercise to your dog’s needs.

A good mix of vigorous play, shorter cardio bursts, and longer, gentle walks can build endurance and keep the heart healthy. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, which supports cardiac wellbeing.

5. Protect against heartworm and parasites

Heartworm is a dangerous parasite that infects the heart and blood vessels, causing severe damage. While not common in the UK, it is prevalent in other countries like the USA.

Consult your vet about heartworm prevention, especially if travelling abroad or living in higher-risk areas. Regular parasite checks are key because parasites can lead to serious heart issues if left untreated.

6. Don’t skip regular veterinary check-ups

Annual vet visits allow early detection of heart problems through careful listening to the heart for murmurs or irregular rhythms. Early diagnosis enables timely intervention, potentially preventing progression of disease.

Even if your dog appears healthy, regular health checks with your vet are vital for monitoring heart health and overall condition throughout their life.

With advances in veterinary cardiology, including breed-targeted screening, nutritional approaches, and innovative surgeries at specialist centres, dogs diagnosed with heart problems now have better chances of a full and happy life than ever before.

Responsible ownership, regular vet care, and informed lifestyle management are your best tools for keeping your dog’s heart healthy for life.