Our pets are unable to communicate with us when something is wrong. As a result, we must be especially vigilant. Internal pain in your pet is common, and problems are frequently missed. Simple routine steps can maintain your pet’s heart health and overall well-being. Animals can have cardiac problems like humans. Age-related or genetic cardiac disorders can’t be avoided, but they can be recognized early and managed.
How to keep your pet’s heart healthy?
Unfortunately, heart disease cannot be prevented, but there are other steps you can take to keep your pet’s heart as healthy as possible.
Feed them with healthy food.
Your pet, like you, should avoid high-fat, salty foods that can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for heart disease and also might even lead to a trip to a veterinary oncologist which you don’t want.
Experts recommend complementing a premium brand of dry or canned food with high-quality protein and vegetables for your pet’s diet. Furthermore, experts recommend giving your pet vegetables rather than treats from a box or a bag. You can modify the antioxidants your pet receives by alternating vegetables of various hues.
High-quality protein and veggies should be added to your pet’s dry or canned food.
However, there are some foods to avoid. Avoid the onion family, which includes all varieties of onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic. Grapes and raisins are also prohibited since they might be hazardous to some pets. Fruit is generally safe unless your pet is obese. Even yet, organic berries are occasionally acceptable.
The amount of food you should feed varies substantially based on the calorie density of the food you serve. A low-calorie diet may be the best solution if your pet is overweight. You must also use a measuring cup to calculate the portions you feed.
Exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease in humans and pets. As a result, moderate daily exercise can significantly lower your risk of heart disease for both of you! However, before beginning any new fitness plan, it is usually advisable to see a doctor.
Your veterinarian from places like a veterinary clinic in Thousand Oaks can rule out any underlying health conditions that may be exacerbated by exercise during a normal exam. If your pet isn’t used to being active, gradually increase the quantity of exercise he gets. Begin by exercising for 10 minutes many times per week, gradually increasing your activity until you reach at least 30 minutes per day.
Walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, playing fetch, or agility training are all forms of exercise. Climbing to a high perch or batting a feather toy around is also exercise for cats!
Remember that the quantity of activity a pet requires varies tremendously based on age, breed, weight, and health status. If you are confused about how much exercise your pet need, please visit a veterinarian.
Maintaining weight.
Overweight dogs and cats are more likely to develop several health issues, including heart disease. Excess weight, just like in humans, makes the heart work harder. On the other hand, losing weight will aid in improving cardiovascular function.
Your veterinarian must treat or rule out any underlying medical concerns before your pet can lose weight. If there are no underlying issues, the secret to decreasing weight is simple: your pet must burn more calories than he consumes.
Have them checked on a regular basis.
Regular appointments with a board-certified veterinary cardiologist or veterinarian are required. Your veterinarian can detect potential concerns, such as a heart murmur, early on by screening your pet annually (or semiannually for elderly pets). This is especially significant because animals tend to conceal disease symptoms until the condition is severe.
Conclusion
Staying informed and proactive when promoting heart health in pets is the first step pet owners should take. You can maintain your pet’s heart healthy for years to come by following these instructions and taking other precautions.
