High Blood Pressure in Dogs

As we know, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a very common medical condition in humans these days. But did you know that our canine friends can experience the same?

High blood pressure is a serious condition for dogs and if untreated, may lead to organ damage. Here’s what dog parents should know about managing high blood pressure in dogs.

Meaning of Blood Pressure in Dogs

Blood pressure means the force with which the blood flows through the vascular system to carry oxygen and nutrients for every cell in the body. Sometimes, factors like hormonal imbalance, physical fitness, genetics, diet, etc. alter the normal pressure and result in high blood pressure or low blood pressure. Just like humans, dogs are also at a greater risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health problems.

Normal Blood Pressure Range for Dogs

Blood pressure has two components: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the maximum pressure during a heartbeat, whereas, the latter means the minimum pressure during a heartbeat.

The normal range for a dog’s blood pressure is a systolic reading between 90 -140 mmHg and a diastolic reading between 50-80 mmHg. Any reading above 150mmHg is considered high blood pressure or hypertension and it must be addressed immediately.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Dogs

It can be a little tricky to detect high blood pressure in dogs, as it may manifest in a wide range of symptoms. Always be watchful of the following signs of hypertension in dogs and consult your veterinarian immediately if you find any.

  • Dilated pupils
  • Acute blindness
  • Abnormal movements of the eyes
  • Bleeding in the eyes
  • Heart murmurs
  • Blood in urine
  • Nose bleeds
  • Frequent head tilts
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Depression
  • Abnormal movements while walking
  • Weakness
  • Enlarged thyroid gland
  • Paralysis

Types & Causes of High Blood Pressure in Dogs

There are two types of hypertension in dogs: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension in dogs is one with no known cause or one that is hereditary. On the other hand, secondary hypertension occurs due to an underlying condition.

Here are some of the causes of hypertension:

  • Heredity
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal issues
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cushing’s disease

Treatment of High Blood pressure in Dogs

Treatment of hypertension is based on its underlying cause. A vet will measure your dog’s blood pressure using a Doppler probe. Once the high blood pressure is detected, your veterinarian may suggest tests like blood work, urine analysis, cardiac test, etc. determine its cause and suggest a relevant treatment which includes medications like diuretics, angiotensin-converting inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, etc.

Managing High Blood Pressure in Dogs

In most cases, high blood pressure can be managed by making small lifestyle changes. Here, the goal is to treat or control the underlying condition. Generally, for dogs with high blood pressure due to heart conditions, a low-sodium diet is recommended. If your dog is obese, the veterinarian may suggest a weight-loss diet to shed those extra kilos.

For other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal issues, relevant treatments are recommended to treat triggering hypertension.