Making sure you take your pet to the vet for an annual health check is an important step in keeping your pet’s heart healthy. And as your pet ages a check-up every 6 months is highly recommended. Your pet’s heart is responsible for pumping blood to different parts of the body, (same as with our hearts) helping organs and muscles function properly and stay healthy. To do its job effectively your pet’s heart needs to be in tip-top-shape!
Heart disease and your cat
Heart disease is one of the leading cause of sudden death in cats from young to middle-aged. Cats are most commonly affected by a type of heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the walls of the heart thicken and do not pump blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure. This type of heart disease can be found in cats of any age and because it is more common among some cat breeds than others, there may be a genetic predisposition.
Cat Breeds Commonly Affected by Heart Disease
- American Shorthair
- Maine Coon
- Persian
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Sphynx
Heart disease and your dog
Heart disease is almost as common in dogs as in people. Most forms of heart disease cannot be prevented however heart disease caused by heartworm can easily be avoided with year-round preventatives. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, which primarily affects small breed dogs over 5 years. Diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, primarily affects large breed dogs. Dogs are often at risk for certain types of heart disease depending on genetics, breed, age, and size.
Dog Breeds Commonly Affected by Heart Disease
- Doberman Pinschers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Great Danes
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Boxers
- Poodles
- Pekingese
- Boston Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels