{"id":42970,"date":"2021-10-11T09:30:05","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T13:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=42970"},"modified":"2021-10-08T11:27:42","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T15:27:42","slug":"high-blood-pressure-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/high-blood-pressure-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to manage high blood pressure in dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that dogs, like humans, can suffer from hypertension? Also known as high blood pressure, it\u2019s a common ailment in dogs. Having high blood pressure means that as blood circulates in the body, the force in which it comes against the artery walls is too high. Like with humans, if left untreated, high blood pressure in dogs can cause health complications, so it\u2019s important to know what to look out for and how to keep your furry friend healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes high blood pressure in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dogs can have one of two types of high blood pressure: primary or secondary, says <\/span>Georgina Ushi Phillips<\/span><\/a>, DVM, a veterinarian based in West Chapel, Fla., and contributor to Not a Bully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Primary hypertension doesn\u2019t have a known cause, although genetics likely play a role in some breeds. Secondary hypertension is elevated blood pressure as the result of another health condition, like tumors, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances. Secondary hypertension is much more common in dogs than primary, said Dr. Phillips, so if a dog has elevated blood pressure, typically there\u2019s an underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diet and high-sodium foods can make hypertension in dogs worse, but one of the biggest contributors for today\u2019s dogs is obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s normal blood pressure for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Healthy blood pressure for most dogs ranges from about 110\/60 mmHg to 160\/90 mmHg, although the ranges can vary slightly by breed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most veterinary clinics will only measure systolic blood pressure, or the first number, which indicates how much pressure the dog\u2019s blood is exerting against its artery walls while the heart beats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because dogs at the vet are often frightened or stressed, this is taken into account when interpreting blood pressure measurements, says Megan Conrad, BVMS, a veterinarian living in Oregon and a member of<\/span> Hello Ralphie<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What are normal blood pressure levels?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How do I know if my dog has high blood pressure?<\/span><\/h2>\n

High blood pressure in dogs isn\u2019t uncommon, but often goes undiagnosed, says Dr. Conrad. The signs are subtle and can be easily missed by dog owners. Hypertension tends to get picked up during a routine wellness exam or when a patient brings in their pet to investigate something unrelated. If you have a senior dog, your vet may be checking blood pressure regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside of a vet visit, the symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs to keep an eye out for are:<\/span><\/p>\n