Hypertension Treatment From Our Winston-Salem Vet

At Forsyth Veterinary Hospital, our Winston-Salem vet offers hypertension treatment for pets experiencing elevated blood pressure. Specifically, hypertension refers to a condition where a pet's normal blood pressure becomes elevated. This means that there is higher resistance in a pet's blood vessels, which can lead to kidney damage, heart disease, and even an increased risk of stroke.

What is the Normal Blood Pressure for a Dog?

Most dogs should have blood pressure in the range of 110/60 to 160/90. The same range applies to most house cats. When measuring blood pressure in a pet, it's important to collect the information when the pet is under as little stress as possible. This will provide the most accurate reading. The measurement is taken using either a Doppler method, which relies on ultrasonic waves to detect blood pressure levels or with a pressure cuff (similar to what a doctor would place around your wrist to take your blood pressure).

Generally, hypertension is diagnosed any time a pet's arterial blood pressure is greater than 170-180.

How Do Dogs Get High Blood Pressure?

There are many potential causes of hypertension or high blood pressure in pets, such as dogs. In some cases, there may be a genetic component involved, so a pet whose parent(s) suffered from hypertension may be more likely to develop the condition themselves at some point in life. In other cases, hormonal imbalances or even hyperthyroidism may be at least partially to blame.

Hypertension is also more common in pets who have been diagnosed with diabetes, so if your pet has recently received this diagnosis, there is a chance your vet will want to keep a closer eye on your pet's blood pressure.

How is Hypertension Treated in Pets?

The specific treatment for hypertension in a pet will be dependent on its cause. Often times, treating the cause of the elevated blood pressure will help to lower it. However, there are situations where the specific cause of the high blood pressure may not be known with 100% certainty, such as cases where it is suspected to be hereditary.

In these situations, our veterinary team will typically recommend a medication, such as a calcium channel blocker or a beta blocker, to reduce your pet's blood pressure. Changes in diet are almost always recommended as part of a pet's treatment for hypertension, so it may be necessary to place your pet on a special diet. In some cases, it may just be a matter of keeping a closer eye on how much you're feeding your pet on a daily basis.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Winston-Salem Vet

Pets with hypertension are at an increased risk of a number of health problems, but our Winston-Salem vet can help. If your pet has been diagnosed with high blood pressure or if it's been awhile since your pet's blood pressure was last checked, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with Forsyth Veterinary Hospital by calling (336) 765-1225.