a brown and tan dog and a ginger cat with red lush hearts

Heart Health

Heart Health


Sometimes, your pet can do something so sweet or cute that you feel like your heart is going to explode out of your chest. It's like that scene in a bugs bunny cartoon where you can see their heart thump out of their chest. If you've experienced this before, you know what we mean. Sometimes it feels like the only thing keeping you alive is those heart vitamins you take sometimes (when you remember to!). 

Our human hearts can handle a lot more than an adorable pet (even though sometimes it doesn't feel like it), but that adorable dog or cat of yours may need some assistance to keep their own hearts pumping that happy tune. 


                                       

Is your pet at risk?

Heart disease is more prevalent in some pet breeds than others, but it also depends on a bunch of other lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and environment. It's important to be informed about how to spot, prevent and protect your pet from heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.  

Inherited heart diseases are one major concern for specific pet breeds, including the two most common diseases: degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).  DMVD is found most commonly in smaller breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Mini/ Toy poodles. Dilated cardiomyopathy is seen in cats and dogs, but much more in larger breeds like Dobermans, Great Dane, or the Irish Wolfhound. Boxers, Retrievers and Schnauzers have a high chance of developing different heart diseases, too. 

The most common heart disease in cats is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Maine Coons, American and British Shorthairs and Persian cats are all predisposed for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The Siamese, Ragdoll and Sphinx are also predisposed to different heart diseases. If you are concerned or curious about your pet's possible genetic diseases, speak to your vet and learn more about its breed. 

Other kinds of lifestyle components including diet, amount of exercise, and environment can impact your pets heart health. A common risk to pet heart health is obesity, overfeeding and/or nutrient deficiency. 

Keep an eye on your pet for any of the signs and symptoms of possible heart conditions: 

- Persistent coughing

 - Difficult breathing 

- Fainting

 - Weight loss

 - Reduced ability to exercise

- Difficult eating 

- Fatigue 

If you are noticing any of these things, it's best to speak with a vet. However, to avoid a vet visit, you can try doing these few things to protect your pets heart health. 

Feed your pet a suitable amount of food per day, encourage them to exercise by engaging them in physical play and giving them room to move on their own, watching their weight, protecting their gut health, and ensuring they're eating a balanced diet. You can find lots of good information online about how to keep your pets heart healthy, including here at Bella and Boots!

Our food packs are vet-formulated and packed full of heart-happy foods, including organ meats like hearts, fatty fish packed full of Omegas and green leafy veggies. We've made sure to include a balance of ingredients and naturally added nutrients to boost your pets heart, gut, skin, coat and brain health. Don't worry, your pets diet is taken care off with our raw food packs.  


You can read more about the benefits of our food packs in our product description or by reaching out online or in-store at Belmondos Organic Market.  We’d love to hear more about your furry friend: anything funny, clever or unique they do. You can tag us on social media @bella_nboots or fill out our Pet of the Fortnight form here to win a 700g food pack.




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