Keep your dog’s heart strong for a longer, healthier life.
Heart Health
Canine Heart Health: The Foundation of Longevity
When we think about what helps dogs live long, healthy lives, we often focus on nutrition, joint care, and regular check-ups. But one of the most critical — and sometimes overlooked — factors is cardiovascular health. Your dog’s heart is the engine that powers everything from brain function and mobility to digestion and immune response. Supporting cardiovascular health is one of the most effective ways to extend vitality, prevent decline, and add healthy years to your dog’s life.
Why Heart Health Matters for Longevity
Pumps oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body
Supports stamina, mobility, and energy metabolism
Regulates breathing and circulation for daily function
Delays age-related decline when well cared for
Protects against one of the most common senior dog diseases: heart disease
Early Signs of Heart Trouble
Heart disease often develops gradually and may go unnoticed in its early stages. Watch closely for:
Persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise
Labored or rapid breathing
Reduced energy or reluctance to exercise
Fainting or collapse episodes
Unexplained weight loss or muscle wasting
NOTE: If you see these signs, veterinary evaluation is critical.
Early intervention can slow progression and dramatically improve quality of life.
Lifestyle & Nutrition for Heart Health
Cardio-Friendly Movement
Daily, consistent exercise matched to age & breed
Low-impact activities for seniors (short walks, underwater treadmill)
Vigorous activity for active breeds (hikes, swimming)
Balanced schedules: activity + recovery
Heart-Healthy Nutrition
Lean proteins for muscle support
Healthy fats (omega-3s from fish oil or algae) to reduce inflammation
Taurine and L-carnitine to support cardiac energy metabolism
Coenzyme Q10 to strengthen heart muscle function
Fiber and low-glycemic carbs to maintain a healthy weight
Preventive Veterinary Care
Regular heart screenings (auscultation, x-rays, echocardiogram)
Blood pressure monitoring
Parasite prevention (especially heartworm)
Early breed-specific screening for at-risk dogs
Key Lab Tests for Monitoring Cardiovascular Health
Basic Blood Work
CBC: Detects anemia, infection, inflammation
Serum Chemistry: Monitors organ stress, protein status, electrolytes
Electrolytes: Essential for heart rhythm stability
Thyroid Panel: Identifies hypothyroidism, which can impact heart function
Cardiac Biomarkers
NT-proBNP: Detects heart strain and early heart failure
Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI): Measures heart muscle injury
Heartworm Testing
Antigen test: Detects potentially life-threatening infections
Diagnostic Imaging & Tools
Chest X-rays: Check heart size & fluid in lungs
Echocardiogram: Gold standard for valve and chamber function
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects arrhythmias
Blood Pressure: Identifies hypertension contributing to decline
Cholesterol in Dogs: What’s Different from Humans
Unlike people, dogs rarely develop artery-clogging plaque. Instead, their heart disease usually affects valves and muscle tissue. Still, monitoring cholesterol and triglycerides can reveal metabolic issues like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or pancreatitis.
When to consider lipid testing:
Dogs with thyroid or metabolic disease
Breeds predisposed (Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles and Collies)
Obese or pancreatitis-prone dogs
Abnormal lab findings or neurological changes
Breed-Specific Risks
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Mitral valve disease
Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer: Dilated cardiomyopathy
Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles, and Collies: Hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis risk
Knowing your dog’s breed risks allows for early screening, proactive nutrition, and preventive care.
The Longevity Connection
A strong heart means a strong life. Cardiovascular health influences mobility, cognition, digestion, and overall resilience. By supporting the heart with proper nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and monitoring, you extend not only your dog’s lifespan — but also their healthspan.
At Canine Longevity, we treat heart health as the core of your dog’s vitality. Through personalized care plans, nutrition strategies, and preventive monitoring, we help your dog’s heart beat strong for years to come.