Introduction
Heart failure is one of the most serious ailments that a dog – or anyone - can have. Cardiac disease usually dramatically reduces life expectancy. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of reliable measures that can be taken to prevent, or even reduce the risk of, heart failure in our companion animals.
Preventing Heart Failure in Dogs
Heart disease in dogs is somewhat similar to heart disease in people in that it tends to show up more frequently in patients who are obese. Dogs who eat an appropriately nutritious diet and who exercise regularly have a better chance of keeping their hearts healthy as well.
Dog owners can take steps to combat other conditions that may contribute to or exacerbate heart failure. For example, heartworm infection can contribute to congestive heart failure. In areas where heartworm is prevalent, keeping dogs on a regular course of heartworm medication can help reduce the impact of such infections on future heart disease.
Many bacterial, viral or other infections can also damage the lining of the heart (which is known as the “pericardium”), contributing to heart failure.