6 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 4th, 2023

If you thought that keeping your dog “heart healthy” was simply down to controlling his weight and getting in some exercise, you’d only be partially right.

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There are a number of issues that can impact your pet’s overall health and his heart in particular. Below, we share some steps to keep your furry little sidekick happy, healthy, and by your side for the long haul.

Let’s start with the one that even humans can relate to…

1. Keep Your Dog’s Weight in Check

Obesity can not only sneak up on an older dog but certain breeds as well. Pugs, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles (to name just a few) are seriously prone to packing on the pounds and regardless of your pet’s general health, extra weight is going to cause joint and back issues over time. It also puts undue stress on this heart and will ultimately compromise your ability to add exercise to his daily routine. If it’s too warm out, too cold out, you’re walking on hard surfaces that stress his joints… you get the picture. Trying to re-establish a healthy weight can be tough when exercise can only be done in short sessions. Best to identify the ideal weight for your dog’s age, breed and gender, then use that as your baseline (or goal). And weigh him periodically to stay on top of those sneaky pounds. Not sure how much he should weigh? Your vet can help you establish the right weight for your particular pooch.

2. Feed Him Quality Foods

Read the side panel of some kibble brands and you’ll notice that carbs or fillers typically form the basis of lesser-quality dog foods. And just as it is for humans, carbs can be a quick fix when hunger hits but they won’t keep you satisfied for long. That’s why your dog continuously raids the cat’s dish and mooches from the dinner table. It’s also how his weight creeps up. Choose a top-quality, high-protein food and live by the 10% rule cited by the American Kennel Club AKC) - “Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.” And when we say 10%, we’re talking total calories (check your dog’s food bag for details) not volume. So, to keep him lean, satisfied and heart-healthy, you may need to start rationing out those tasty little dog treats and consider other low-cal options such as carrot or celery sticks.

3. Provide the Right Level of Exercise

The average resting heart rate for a small breed is 100 to 140 beats per minute and for larger dogs over 30 pounds, between 60 and 100 beats per minute. That’s a lot of work for an organ that can quickly fall out of shape when not maintained properly. Getting your pet up and moving is both physically important and mentally stimulating for him - whether it be a leash-free dog park or just a quick jaunt around the block. The amount of exercise will vary by breed, age and fitness level, but establishing even a moderate routine that slowly helps strengthen the heart muscle over time, will help keep him trim and healthy. And for breeds prone to obesity, that are older, or are ailing, a regimen tailored to meet their specific needs can be relatively simple to devise.

4. Keep His Pearly Whites, Pearly White

Aside from the exorbitant costs associated with doggy dental work, keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in good condition is critical for both overall and heart health. And it starts with inspecting his mouth. I just forked over $2800 to have six of my pooch’s teeth removed. There was no tell-tale smell involved, no indication of any type of sensitivity, and she happily crunched away on kibble without missing a beat. But when I opened her mouth for a quick inspection, it was clear she was in need of extensive work. Mouth infections can spread rapidly throughout your pet’s body and lead to serious heart issues. Never assume enzyme waters (which I use), treats that claim to clean teeth, or hard kibble will take the place of a serious, in-depth cleaning by your vet.

5. Prevent Parasites Early On

With today’s active dogs busy socializing in dog parks, running off-leash through wooded areas, and drinking from stagnant puddles of water, protecting your pooch from parasites and viruses requires diligence. While every dog should be vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies, these won’t safeguard him from worms – including the deadly heartworm. That coverage can be gained through monthly oral and topical treatments prescribed by your vet and designed to protect from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that can release heartworm microfilariae into your dog’s bloodstream. Although treatable once diagnosed, heartworm disease is serious and results in lung damage and heart failure.

6. Know Your Breed.

While keeping your dog’s weight in check, his vaccines up-to-date and his muscles toned goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy heart, there are some genetic conditions that certain breeds may be pre-disposed to. Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) impacts the heart muscle’s ability to move blood through the vascular system and is more typical in larger breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Boxers as well as Cocker Spaniels. Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD) is essentially a leaky mitral valve that causes blood to go back into the heart versus out into the body and it impacts smaller breeds such as Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds. While Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) throws your pet’s natural pacemaker out of whack, causing them to feel lethargic or even pass out. It’s typically associated with females and impacts Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White Terriers and again, Cocker Spaniels.

The Bottom Line

Were you surprised to learn that most heart-related health issues can be prevented? And even those of a genetic nature can be monitored or treated when caught early. Keeping your pet’s heart in tip-top working order isn’t that dissimilar to how we as humans keep ourselves healthy and fit. So, get out and walk, eliminate the carb-heavy snacks, and see your vet (or doctor) on an annual basis. Easy-peasy, right?

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Can Dogs Get Melanoma?

Melanocytes are special pigment cells that are responsible for a dog’s coat color. Without these cells, canines simply wouldn’t be as diverse and beautiful as we know them. But even though melanocytes can be viewed as a source of a dog’s uniqueness and lovely appearance, they can potentially be harmful as well. Just like humans, dogs can also be affected by melanoma, a type of cancer that originates in the melanocytes. In dogs, however, melanoma can develop in various locations, including the skin, mouth, eyes, and nail beds. While it can be benign in many cases, melanoma can also be malignant and can metastasize to other parts of the body. While all breeds of dogs can get melanoma, it is important to know that certain breeds are more predisposed to melanoma, including Scottish Terriers, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds. What is more, the sex of the dog is not a factor, as both males and females are equally susceptible to this illness. However, age is a very important factor that owners need to keep in mind. Research shows that most dogs who develop melanoma are 9 years or older, which means that seniors are those predominantly affected by this type of cancer. Still, it’s important to note that dogs of any age can have melanoma, even if it’s less frequent in younger canines.Types of Dog MelanomaIt is also important to know that there are several types of melanoma, and each one affects a different part of the dog’s body and is presented with different symptoms. Skin (Cutaneous) Melanoma: This type of melanoma is found on the skin, often appearing as a dark, raised growth. Look for lumps or masses that might be pigmented or non-pigmented. Oral Melanoma: This type occurs in the mouth and can be particularly aggressive and fast-spreading. Initial symptoms include bad breath, excessive drooling, bleeding, and difficulty eating.Ocular Melanoma: As the name suggests, ocular melanoma affects the eyes and may impair your pet’s vision. Changes in eye color, visible masses, or vision problems are possible symptoms.Subungual Melanoma: A rarer type of cancer, subungual melanoma develops in the nail bed and can be very painful for the dog and prohibit walking. As it progresses, it may cause swollen, deformed, or discolored nails.Can You Prevent Melanoma in Dogs?While there are no guarantees, there are certain steps you can take to minimize your pet’s chances of being affected by melanoma in their lifetime. In addition to regular vet visits and thorough checkups for any changes in skin or fur, the most important thing you can do is minimize sun exposure. This is especially true for dogs with light-colored or thin coats, as they are more susceptible to UV radiation. 

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A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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