While it may be true that old age is not a disease, it also brings inevitable changes for all of us, even our beloved pets. Like humans, changes in cardiac function are common as pets age, and it’s important to be aware of the signs and take proactive steps to keep our frosty-faced friends as healthy as possible for as long as we can. Read on for some essential information about heart health and senior pets and how to ensure your furry friend’s golden years are the best yet.
Advancing Age, Increasing Risk
Multiple factors contribute to the increased risk of heart disease in senior pets:
- The heart muscle naturally becomes less efficient with age, and the valves can become leaky or less supple.
- Conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, kidney disease, and thyroid or other metabolic imbalances can put extra strain on the heart.
- Other factors, such as breed, genetics, and diet, can contribute to the development of heart disease.
But no matter what the cause, regular veterinary exams are key to the early detection and treatment of heart disease in our pets!
Common Conditions
Several heart conditions commonly affect senior pets. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Degenerative valve disease is one of the most common and is often seen in dogs. This condition causes the valves between the heart’s chambers to become leaky, leading to heart murmurs and heart failure.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac condition in cats. This condition causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood normally.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscles to weaken, causing less blood to be pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat. Over time, this can cause the walls of the heart to stretch. Certain breeds, such as boxers, are more prone to developing dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Cardiac arrhythmias may also develop in older pets but are less common.
What You Can Do
The good news is that you can do plenty of things to promote optimal cardiac health in your senior pets! Here are a few places to start:
Diet and Exercise
Sounds familiar, right? A healthy, balanced diet is essential to a healthy heart in pets and people. Your vet can help you determine the proper diet for your senior friend. Regular, low-impact exercise is good for a senior pet’s heart health and overall muscle tone, but avoid overexertion.
Environment is Everything
Maintaining an environment that’s comfortable and as stress-free as possible is essential. Make sure that it’s easy for your pet to get around your home and have easy access to food, water, and places to rest quietly. Regular grooming and gentle massage are great for lowering stress and promoting blood circulation.
Manage Those Meds
Herat medications prescribed to pets include blood pressure medications, diuretics to decrease fluid accumulation, and meds to support and improve heart function. If your pet is on heart medications, it’s crucial to administer these as directed, watch for any side effects, and do follow-up care as needed.
Be Vigilant for Changes
Sometimes, change happens quickly, but sometimes, it can occur so slowly as to go unnoticed until things have become severe. Watch for these signs of progressing or worsening heart disease:
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting or collapse
- Abdominal swelling
- Reduced appetite
- Exercise intolerance
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these or any other concerning changes. Early detection and proactive management are the keys to a good quality of life for your senior friend!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation for your pet, call us at (949) 432-3221 today!
