Written in consultation with Dr Claire Stevens, Registered Veterinarian.

Preventative care for your pet's heart health

Heart health is just as important for our pets as it is for us paw-rents. Proactive care plays a major role in reducing the risk of heart concerns which can develop at any stage of life in cats and dogs and can often go unnoticed until they become severe.

Genetics can play a role in some cat and dog's heart health. In all pets, regular exercise a balanced diet and routine veterinary check-ups are essential in keeping their heart strong and healthy. Understanding how to support your pet’s heart health with proper nutrition and care can help them live a longer, healthier life.

We caught up with Dr. Claire to get her take on how pet owners can better understand their cat or dog's heart health and how to help prevent cardiovascular issues.

"Supporting your pet's heart health begins with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, all of which play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular issues and promoting overall well-being."

Regular exercise for cat and dog heart health

Regular, physical activity helps to maintain cardiovascular strength and prevent obesity in cats and dogs. The type and amount of exercise should be appropriate for your pet’s age, breed, and overall health.

For dogs, daily walks, games of fetch, swimming, and agility training can help to improve cardio fitness. Dogs with pre-existing heart conditions may require gentler exercise routines, so consulting a veterinarian for a tailored plan is recommended.

For cats, short bouts of daily exercise can be encouraged through interactive toys, climbing towers, and puzzle feeders. While they may not go for walks like dogs, short bursts of zoomies and play, multiple times a day can help keep their heart and body in good condition.

How a balanced diet supports pet heart health

Nutrition and diet plays a crucial role in dog or cat's heart health. A well-balanced diet provides the essential nutrients they need to keep them active and strong it also supports weight management, and reduces the risk of heart-related conditions. High-quality pet food should contain:

• • • Lean proteins to maintain strong muscles, including the heart.
    • Omega fatty acids to support cardiovascular function.
    • Essential vitamins and minerals such as taurine, which is especially important for cats, L-carnitine, and CoQ10, which contribute to heart muscle function.

Keep your pet's feeding portion appropriate for their age, size, breed, and activity level. Overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity, one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease in cats and dogs. Ensuring your pet is getting enough water is also key, as dehydration can put even more strain on the heart.

Routine Veterinary Check-Ups

Vets assess heart function by monitoring weight, listening for murmurs or irregular heartbeats, and checking for signs of fatigue or breathing difficulties.

Annual health check-ups are a must under any circumstance, but for senior pets or breeds prone to heart issues, more frequent vet visits are recommended. Early diagnosis allows for better management of heart disease and can improve your pet’s quality of life.

Spotting signs of heart disease in cats and dogs

Heart disease can develop gradually in cats and dogs and at any stage of life which makes subtle behavioural changes an important early warning sign. Pet parents should be attentive to any changes in their pet's:

• • • Energy levels: sudden lethargy or avoidance of physical activity for long period of time.
    • Appetite: decreased interest in food or weight loss without explanation and for long periods.
    • Breathing patterns: rapid or heavy breathing when at rest.

Dr. Claire reminds pet owners: 

"Just as we care for our own heart health, we must prioritise our pets’ heart health by maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring they stay active, and being vigilant about any changes in their behaviour or health. If you notice any ongoing signs in lack of energy, appetite or trouble breathing, don't hesitate to speak with your vet"

Symptoms of heart disease in dogs

Recognising the early symptoms of heart disease in dogs can potentially make a big difference in treatment outcomes. Some of the most common signs of heart disease in dogs include:

• • • Breathing difficulties, including excessive panting or shortness of breath.
    • Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise.
    • Fatigue or reluctance to exercise, as the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.
    • Fainting or collapsing, which may indicate irregular heart rhythms.
    • Decreased appetite and unexplained weight loss, which can signal declining heart function.

Symptoms of heart disease in cats

Cats are experts at hiding signs of illness, making heart disease in cats more difficult to detect. Pet owners should watch for:

• • • Lethargy and reduced activity levels, even in normally playful cats.
    • Rapid or laboured breathing, which may indicate fluid build-up in the lungs.
    • Sudden collapse or weakness, often due to decreased blood circulation.
    • Open mouth breathing or wheezing, which can be a sign of severe heart distress.

If any of these symptoms are observed, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Feline heart disease is often diagnosed too late, so early detection and routine monitoring are key.

How your vet can check for heart disease in your pet

Your vet will want you to communicate all the symptoms and signs you've observed in your pet. They will do a physical examination of your pet to assess and rule out any immediately obvious other injuries. 

If your vet is then concerned that your pet may have symptoms aligned to heart disease they may recommend:

• • • X-rays and ultrasounds to assess your cat or dog's heart size and function.
    • Electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect irregular heart rhythms in your cat or dog.
    • Blood tests to evaluate overall health and organ function.

Early intervention can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life, so it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice at the first sign of heart concerns in your pet.

A proactive approach to your pet's heart health, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. By monitoring weight, encouraging daily activity, and staying vigilant about symptoms, pet owners can help their furry friends live longer, healthier lives.