Like humans, animals tend to suffer from cardiovascular diseases caused by high blood pressure. In general, these surges are generated from diseases which, if not treated in time, can affect the health of your pet.

It is important to know when an animal suffers high blood pressure, what is the cause and what treatment to follow; Therefore, we have prepared the following article of interest.

Why does blood pressure increase in pets?

Hypertension in domestic animals is a secondary symptom generated by a much stronger disease that the animal suffers, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or any associated with thyroid problems.

It is unlikely that a dog suffers high blood pressure without being caused by another pathology.

Although at present there are no registered studies in which it is found that older animals and in conditions of obesity tend to suffer from hypertension, according to some specialists, pets that meet these conditions are more exposed to high blood pressure .

The importance of controlling the blood pressure of the pet

We must make sure that the pet’s blood pressure stays within the established ranges according to their race, so that the vital organs can fulfill their function properly.

If something in your body does not work well, you can cause great problems in the health of your pet, this is where the importance of measuring the blood pressure of the animal from time to time.

High blood pressure can affect the eyes, heart, kidneys and even the nervous system of the pet; It is advisable to do a review at least once a year.

Fortunately, discovering in time that the animal suffers from hypertension helps us to minimize the risk since, with good treatment, it will be possible to stabilize it.

Remember that hypertension is not a primary pathology so it is most likely that this condition is due to other more serious diseases, which is why it is necessary to control its pressure to detect early what is causing the alteration.

How to measure the blood pressure of pets?

There are two ways to measure blood pressure in animals. The most common is the non-invasive, which uses a specialized device to take the voltage called Doppler.

This procedure is performed by the veterinarian who will take the pressure reading at least three times.

The second form is what we know as invasive, although it is not a usual procedure in veterinary clinics because it is not practical. In this procedure, a blood sample is taken directly through a blood vessel.

How to detect high blood pressure in the pet?

It is not very difficult to realize when the animal has high blood pressure. You may notice that your pet is suffering from hypertension when it presents symptoms of blindness or retinal detachment.

Another symptom that animals usually present is excessive restlessness or seizures. The mood of the animal is key to realize that something is wrong.

It is very important to observe frequently the behavior of the pet to detect any sign of hypertension in time, remember that this can cause the death of the animal.

What are the risk factors for hypertension in pets?

It is usual for animals to suffer hypertension after 8 years of age. The advisable thing is that from the first year until the 8 are over you check your pressure at least once a year.

After 8 years, it is best to take the strain at least twice a year to avoid any problem, although this will determine the veterinarian since it depends a lot on each case in particular.

Another important factor that influences is the race of the animal, since some tend to be more susceptible and delicate than others. Regardless of this, each one has a reference value that serves as a guide.

Treatment and prevention of high blood pressure in animals

There is no way to prevent high blood pressure in domestic animals, because, as we mentioned before, this is a problem that is generated by a much more serious disease, so its prevention depends on the early detection of the primary pathology Therefore, it is convenient to attack the cause that causes hypertension.

Sometimes, the animal can be given doses of medicines that are responsible for relaxing it. However, this is not as simple as it seems as it has been shown that some animals have a bad reaction to vasodilator drugs, causing a greater increase in pressure.

It is essential to understand that high blood pressure in humans is not at all the same as in animals, so if your pet suffers from an increase in pressure, you should not medicate without first consulting with the veterinarian since you can cause the death of the animal .

Therefore, in such a situation, you should go as quickly as possible to the veterinary clinic so that specialists can take the necessary measures.

The increase in blood pressure in pets is a much deeper issue than we imagine. Such is its importance that it is necessary to have all the necessary information, especially when you have pets at home.

Remember to keep them under observation and make pressure at least once a year. In case of noticing something abnormal, do not hesitate a second to take it to the veterinarian so that it is the specialist who detects the cause that causes the hypertension and can medicate it correctly.