Pet Pals recognizing canine heart health month

Diet – A healthy diet is good for your dog’s heart just as it is good for our own hearts. Your dog’s diet needs to be well-balanced and made up of high-quality ingredients. Talk to your vet about your dog’s diet. They can help you choose the right pet food and recommend how much and how often you should feed your dog.

Exercise – Regular exercise will keep you and your dog in great shape. Your dog’s exercise requirements will differ according to size, breed, age, and health. Talk to your vet about your dog’s exercise requirements.

Routine Checkups – Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an annual checkup. (Remember, once yearly for your dog is about once every 5–7 in “people years.”) While you’re there, take the opportunity to ask plenty of questions and get some advice on how to keep your dog and your dog’s heart healthy.

Following are 7 tips for protecting your dog's heart:

•     Keep an eye on your dogs as they age.
•     Maintain proper body weight for your dog. Being overweight makes the heart work harder.
•     Exercise your dog regularly.
•     Watch for the  signs of heart disease.
•     Know your  breed. Some are more prone to heart disease.
•     If your veterinarian hears a  murmur, ask about heart disease.
•     Take your dog in for a checkup at least annually.

Talk to your veterinarian about more ways to keep your dog’s heart healthy.