Like humans, dogs can also suffer from heart diseases. Since 95% of heart-related illness in dogs are acquired or develop over time and are preventable, a healthy lifestyle is important for long-term heart health.
Because dogs are entirely dependent on their pet-parents, it is up to you to take care of your dog’s diet and lifestyle. Since it’s the heart health month, we’re sharing some reminders and tips to help maintain and improve your dog’s heart-health.
1. Exercise
Having a healthy weight doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog is in good shape. Doing regular exercise can help keep your fur-baby fit and his heart, strong.
Walking, running, swimming and hiking are great cardiac exercises. Ask your veterinarian about the ideal amount and type of exercise for your buddy’s breed, age, and current health condition.
2. Regular Check-Ups
Despite your busy schedules of modern living, take time to bring your dog to the veterinarian for checkups at least once year – or more, if you are living with an older dog.
Checkup visits can be an opportunity for your vet to detect even subtle changes in your dog’s health and give advice on how you can prevent illnesses or improve his condition. Therefore, you should take him to the vet regularly, even if your fur-baby seems healthy.
3. Dental Care
Dental issues are directly related to heart problems, since bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause congestive heart failure.
If you notice that your dog’s breath stinks, or if he has sore gums, bleeding gums, or excessive drooling, bring him to your vet immediately to check your dog for problems like tartar, plaque or infections.
Also, ask your vet about dry dog food with a nice, crunchy texture that can help gently scratch off some food residue sticking on your dog’s teeth. Dog food with a pleasant aroma, like how Wishbone is infused with 6 kinds of fresh herbs, can help contribute to a fresher breath.
4. Prevent Heartworm Disease
Also known as dirofilariasis, heartworm disease is caused by blood-borne parasites carried by mosquitoes. It is a potentially fatal disease that clogs the heart and the blood vessels, causing permanent damages in your pet’s heart.
Signs of a heartworm disease include:
- Soft, dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Nervousness
- Lethargy or loss of stamina
Ask your veterinarian for tips on how to prevent heartworm disease. He might give your fur-baby some preventive medication or topical creams as well.
5. Proper, Healthy Diet
Diet plays a key role in keeping your pet’s health.
Obesity, for instance, can make the heart work harder and can cause problems. If you think your dog is fat, ask your veterinarian about a healthy diet plan for your furry buddy.
Monitoring the amount of food you give to your dog can help prevent obesity. Likewise, the quality of food you give affects his health too. You need to make sure that your dog isn’t eating empty calories.
His pet food needs to be well-balanced, must be made of premium, all-natural ingredients with high-quality nutrients, and must be free from unnecessary fillers, flavors and colors, like Wishbone Pet Foods.
All Wishbone products are also enriched with taurine, an amino acid that aids in protecting his heart tissues and helps prevent obesity. If your dog is taurine deficient, he may suffer from myriad of health problems, specifically ones related to the heart.
As a pet parent, it is important to stay mindful of your beloved dog’s dietary health. Look for taurine in your chosen pet food’s ingredient list to make sure that your dog’s heart is protected all the way.
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