Systemic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is less common in dogs than in cats, but it can still have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Dogs with hypertension often have an underlying medical condition contributing to elevated blood pressure, and when heart disease is also...
When a pet needs an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), many owners understandably feel nervous. Fortunately, the procedure itself is painless, non-invasive, and usually very well tolerated. In many cases, the biggest challenge is simply helping pets stay calm, allowing clear images to be obtained. That's why...
Summer is a great time to get outside with our dogs, but warmer temperatures can create additional challenges for dogs with heart disease. Every year, we see patients who are doing very well from a cardiac standpoint until a period of extreme heat leads to...
Hearing that your pet has heart disease is stressful, especially when imaging or a procedure is recommended. One of the most common questions we get is whether it is safe to move forward with testing or sedation in a patient with a heart condition. Pet...
If your pet has been referred for a cardiac evaluation, it’s normal to wonder what that really means and whether anything has changed in recent years. The short answer is yes, quite a bit. Advancements in veterinary cardiology over the past decade have led to...
Heart disease in pets is commonly misunderstood. These misconceptions can delay diagnosis or prevent pets from receiving appropriate care. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths. Myth #1: If my pet has heart disease, they’ll show obvious symptoms. Truth: Many pets with heart disease feel completely...
Heart disease in dogs and cats is most often progressive; however, early heart disease detection and appropriate monitoring can significantly improve both quality and length of life. Involving a veterinary cardiologist early, even before clinical signs develop, allows for proactive management rather than reacting to...
Many dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) are given heart supplements for dogs, and I understand why owners are drawn to them. When a dog has a heart diagnosis, it is natural to want to do everything possible to help. However, I do not...
A diagnosis of heart disease in your dog or cat can feel overwhelming, but there is good news: in many cases, pet heart disease medication can help manage the condition successfully. While there is no cure for most forms of canine or feline heart disease,...
Thanksgiving is a special time of year. The air is crisp, kitchens are filled with the scent of roasting turkey, and families gather to celebrate. But if you have a pet, you know the holiday doesn’t just involve friends and family—it also involves a curious...