When we think of our dogs, high blood pressure isn't generally the first thing we think of, but it can be a real concern. Today, our Veterinary Medical Center vets will explain high blood pressure and the signs/symptoms you should recognize.
High Blood Pressure In Dogs:
High blood pressure is not a common condition in dogs; it only occurs in a small percentage of them. For a dog to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, its blood pressure must be consistently higher than normal dog blood pressure, which is above 150mmHg.
The normal range for a dog's blood pressure is relatively wide and goes higher than the healthy range for humans. A healthy dog will have a blood pressure that ranges from 110/60 to 160/90.
There are two different types of high blood pressure in dogs:
There are two types of high blood pressure in dogs. The first type is caused by hereditary factors and only accounts for about 20% of cases.
The second type, known as secondary hypertension, is caused by an underlying disease and is the most common type.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure In Dogs
Many times, hypertension is not something that you can see. Noticing and treating high blood pressure in dogs is made even more difficult because they cannot tell us if they are feeling sick. That is why it is important to know and recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure so you can plan with your vet to combat it.
Some of the things to look out for are:
- Weakness
- Loss of sight
- Disorientation
- Nosebleeds
- Seizures
- Heart murmurs
- Enlarged kidneys
- Rapid breathing
Any combination of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that your dog has high blood pressure, but it does mean that you should see your vet right away. Early detection could help diagnose other problems or diseases if it is secondary hypertension.
How to take a dog's blood pressure?
Measuring your dog's blood pressure using a human blood pressure cuff may seem easy. However, this approach is not recommended as it is unlikely to provide accurate results.
Veterinarians take a reading using an inflatable cuff placed around the dog's leg or tail. If your veterinarian suspects your dog's blood pressure is a concern, they may recommend additional testing.
Treatment For High Blood Pressure
The treatment for high blood pressure in dogs depends on the type. If your dog has hereditary high blood pressure, you can try changing their diet and giving them more exercise. If that doesn't work, your vet may prescribe medication.
On the other hand, if your dog has secondary hypertension, your vet will treat the underlying cause and may prescribe medication to help lower the blood pressure.
It's important to note that high blood pressure in dogs may not show any symptoms at first, so it's essential to take your dog to the vet for regular check-ups if you suspect they have high blood pressure.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.