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Show Canine heart disease is very preventable Losing your dog can cause great heartache. Fortunately, many deaths caused by canine heart disease can be prevented. The first step is to take your dog to your veterinarian for an annual checkup. At that time, your veterinarian veter-inarian can check your dog's heart for any abnormalities. The following signs may alert dog owners to the possibility of heart problems: Persistent coughing, difficult rapid breathing, intolerance to exercise, abnormal bluish color of tongue and gums, or apparent weight loss. These signs can be the result of a number of conditions, so it's important impor-tant to consult your veterinarian for a specific diagnosis. Early detection of heart disease is only half the battle: regular exercise, exer-cise, proper diet and preventive care are essential for optimal pet health. Here are some tips for dog owners to take to heart: Exercise: Regular exercise is key to safeguarding your dog's heart. Walking or jogging with your pet can be beneficial for both owner and dog; however, owners should be aware that older dogs or dogs with weak hearts may not make good exercise partners. You should first check with your veterinarian who can make exercise recommendations based on the weight, age and health of your dog. Obesity: Dogs, like humans, need proper nutrition to keep their hearts in good shape. Most veterinarians recommend that adult dogs be fed once a day and puppies more frequently. fre-quently. In either case, feed your dog at the same time each day-dogs day-dogs like routine. Also, you should monitor your dog's weight. If you can't feel his ribs, he's probably overweight. Heartworm Disease: The heart-worm, heart-worm, or dirofilaria immitis, is a common cause of heart disease in dogs and can be fatal if left untreated. un-treated. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes which transmit the disease from infected dogs to healthy ones. Signs such as fatigue, chronic cough and loss of appetite usually do not appear until the disease is well advanced. Treatment of heartworm disease is risky and expensive. Prevention is the key to combating com-bating heartworm disease. Take your dog to your veterinarian for a simple blood test and ask about how convenient prevention can be. Veterinary Examinations: It is important to have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian. Certain tests, such as a simple blood exam, X-rays or an electrocardiogram, can be used to evaluate the status of your dog's heart If your dog already suffers from heart disease, he should be monitored regularly. Have a heart do your part to safeguard man's best friend against heart disease. |