Just like us, dogs can experience systemic hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. And, as with humans, if left untreated, it can cause damage to vital organs.
Understanding and managing hypertension is essential for your dog’s well-being and longevity. Early detection and proper treatment can significantly improve their quality of life.
This article will provide an overview of what constitutes normal canine blood pressure, how hypertension is diagnosed, the potential causes, and the available treatment options.
Understanding Blood Pressure in Dogs
Like humans, dogs can have high or low blood pressure, and it’s important to understand what’s considered normal and what’s not.
What’s Considered Normal?
For dogs, a normal blood pressure range is roughly 110/60 to 160/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If a dog consistently has a systolic pressure above 165 or a diastolic pressure above 100, that may point to hypertension.
It’s also worth noting that stress and anxiety can temporarily raise a dog’s blood pressure, so a vet may want to take multiple readings to get a more accurate assessment. This phenomenon is sometimes called the “white coat effect,” because the dog’s blood pressure is only elevated when they’re at the vet’s office.
Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure
When you see a blood pressure reading, it’s written as two numbers. The top number is the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
How Vets Diagnose Hypertension in Dogs
Getting an accurate blood pressure reading is key. Vets must use the right equipment and techniques to avoid mistakes.
Vets typically use one of two methods: Doppler or oscillometric. During the exam, they’ll probably take multiple readings to get a good baseline. They’ll also likely do blood work and a urinalysis to look for any underlying health problems.
A diagnosis of hypertension depends on getting consistently high blood pressure readings over time.
What causes high blood pressure in dogs?
Just like in people, high blood pressure in dogs can be caused by a number of things.
Primary vs. secondary hypertension
Veterinarians recognize two types of hypertension in dogs: primary and secondary.
Primary hypertension, sometimes called essential hypertension, isn’t caused by an underlying disease or condition. It’s pretty rare in dogs.
Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is linked to another health problem. Secondary hypertension is much more common in dogs than primary hypertension.
Common underlying conditions
Some of the conditions that may cause high blood pressure in dogs include:
- Endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and acromegaly
- Kidney disease, especially chronic kidney disease
- Adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytoma)
- Polycythemia
How do vets treat high blood pressure in dogs?
The first step in treating canine hypertension is figuring out what’s causing it. If your dog has another health condition that’s contributing to the problem, your vet will want to address that first.
Your vet may also prescribe medications to lower your dog’s blood pressure. You can also work with your vet to make changes to your dog’s diet and exercise plan. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
In Summary
Recognizing and managing hypertension in dogs is essential for their health and well-being. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.
As a pet owner, you play a vital role in maintaining your dog’s health by scheduling regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for any signs of high blood pressure. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s blood pressure and recommend appropriate interventions if needed.
Managing any underlying conditions that may contribute to hypertension can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and life expectancy. With proactive care and management, you can help your canine companion live a longer, healthier, and happier life.