Heart disease is a common condition in dogs that includes several different types of heart-related issues. Understanding these can help you provide the best care for your pup.
Common Heart Conditions
Mitral Valve Disease: When a heart valve doesn't close tightly. This makes the heart work harder and often leads to coughing or tiredness. It is frequently seen in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): This is when the heart muscle becomes weak and stretched, making it difficult to pump blood effectively. Read our in-depth look at DCM here.
Arrhythmias: An irregular heartbeat (too fast, too slow, or uneven) that affects heart efficiency.
Congenital Heart Disease: These are heart problems a dog is born with. While serious, these cases are thankfully quite rare.
Why Does Heart Disease Happen?
Several factors can contribute to the development of heart issues:
Age & Genetics: Some dogs are simply predisposed to heart issues as they get older.
Acquired vs. Congenital: Some conditions develop over time (acquired), while others are present from birth (congenital).
Lifestyle: Diet and activity levels can play a role.
How Diet Supports Heart Health
For dogs managing heart disease, nutrition is a vital part of their care plan. Vets generally recommend two main things:
High-Quality Protein: To maintain muscle mass and strength.
Controlled Sodium: Lower salt levels help manage blood pressure and fluid buildup.
At Butternut, we only use human quality fresh ingredients. That means our protein comes from real, high-quality meat. Our meals also contain, on average, just 0.13% salt per 100g, making them a naturally lower-sodium option.
It’s always best to check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
Every dog is different, so your vet will be the best person to guide you on what’s right for your pup. Our Vet Nurse team is always on hand to answer any questions that you or your vet may have.