The dog cardiovascular system includes the heart and the blood vessels, i.e. the veins and the arteries. The function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Without a heart there is no life, it is as simple as that.
“the animal with the largest heart-to-body-mass ratio is somewhat surprising: the dog. Compare a dog’s heart to its body mass and it’s a .8 percent ratio. Almost all other animals (including elephants, mice and humans) have a .6 percent ratio. Another animal with a ratio larger than most mammals is the dog’s ancestor, the wolf”
It is perfectly normal for healthy dogs to have irregular heart rate. The heart rate increases when the dog breaths in and decreases when he breaths out. This heart rhythm is called respiratory sinus arrhythmia and is a sign of a good canine heart health.
Normal heart rate in dogs depends on the size of the dog. Larger dogs have slower heart rate than smaller dogs. It is normal for small dogs and puppies to have heart rate of 120 – 160 beats per minute while normal heart rate for larger dogs (over 14 kg / 30 pounds) is between 60 – 120 heart beats per minute.
If your dog’s heart rate is outside of the normal range, then you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Some dog breeds are unfortunately more prone to heart problems than other dog breeds. These includes popular dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Miniature and Toy Poodles.
It is important for the owners of those dog breeds to be aware of the risk so they can keep an eye on any symptoms of potential heart problems. They may also want to take some preventive measures to keep their dog’s heart as healthy as possible.
Dogs can be born with heart disease, i.e. genetic heart disease. However, canine heart disease is much more likely to be acquired over the years of wear and tear, or to be the result of illness or injury.
There are things that dog owners can do to keep their dog’s heart as healthy as possible.
Good Dental Care
This may come as a surprise but there is a strong correlation between gum health and heart disease so good dental care is more important than most dog owners realise.
Weight Management
Frequent cardiac exercise and good nutritious diet will help to keep your dog’s weight within the healthy range and minimize the strain on his heart.
Supplementation
There are natural supplements available that support and nurture good heart health. The most important thing is to chose one with the best ingredients for your dog’s cardiovascular health.
Exercise
Regular cardiac exercise, like walking, running, playing, swimming and hiking, will not only keep your dog’s heart healthier, it will also keep your dog happy and content.
Balanced Diet
We are what we eat and the same applies to our dogs. Healthy nutritious diet will help to keep your dog’s heart healthy for longer.
Parasites Prevention
Heartworms are thought to cause around 12-15% of all heart disease cases in dogs so heartworm preventives are very important. Parasites, like fleas and ticks, can also cause stress on the heart.
Annual Vet Exams
Checking your dogs heart health should be part of your dog’s annual Vet exam. Because like with all health problems, early detection of any heart problems can make all the difference for your dog.
