Get a healthy heart test for your pet today
Pets, like humans, can have heart problems just like you, it is therefore important for all pet owners to be aware of any early signs.
Heart disease can develop in different ways for different pets. In some cases heart disease can affect one side of the heart or sometimes both sides. It can progress slowly and may take years to hold, or there may be a rapid onset.
Congestive heart failure occurs when your dog’s heart has trouble pumping blood to the rest of its body.
If early signs are ignored, treatable mild cases can progress to congestive heart failure.
Just like with humans, the sooner you act the better the outcome for your pet. If you can recognise the symptoms you can get your companion the help they need.
Thankfully your vet can diagnose many issues at an early stage and although cures are not always possible we do have a range of medications and treatment options to help give your pet the best quality of life possible.
One simple way vets keep track of how a heart is performing is by measuring a pet’s breathing rate. If the heart is struggling to pump properly, fluid can start to build up in the lungs which causes the breathing rate to increase.
With this in mind, Baw Baw Paws have put together a quick check list that you can follow to keep an eye out for possible early signs of heart disease. Pet Heart Health check: Is your pet’s breathing rapid or laboured? Is your pet coughing? Does your pet become tired more quickly than usual? Are they not eating or gaining weight? Does your pet have a bloated abdomen or any swelling? Have they had any fainting or loss of consciousness? Do they have any muscle weakness? Has your pet been distancing him or herself from you or other pets and not wanting to play as usual? In a lot of cases heart disease can be treated. If you have ticked any of the above boxes, please call Baw Baw Paws on 5623 4849 to book a comprehensive evaluation of your pet today.