Did you know dogs can develop high blood pressure? While you may not be aware of it, canine hypertension — when your dog’s blood pressure rises above the normal range — is a real issue and can be dangerous if left untreated.  

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to learn how to take care of them moving forward.

In the article below, you’ll find several tips for helping your dog combat high blood pressure, so they can feel better faster. If your dog is showing emergency symptoms, VEG ER for Pets animal hospital is open 247 to help.

Symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs

Listed below are the main symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs:

High blood pressure in dogs can cause nosebleeds

One of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs that tends to get the most attention from pet owners is frequent nosebleeds. If your pet has nosebleeds often and without an obvious reason (such as a scratch on or inside the nose), high blood pressure could be the cause.

Dogs with high blood pressure may show confusion

Dogs with high blood pressure often become confused and disoriented. They may not recognize their surroundings and could become aggressive or defensive toward humans that they may no longer recognize, too.

High blood pressure can cause seizures in dogs

Seizures are typical in dogs with very high blood pressure, or with high blood pressure that lasts for a long while. If your dog suffers from seizures, your vet will probably check their blood pressure to rule out or diagnose this problem. However, other problems can cause seizures in dogs too, including epilepsy.

Vision loss in dogs may be due to high blood pressure

The longer high blood pressure continues, the more likely it is to cause vision loss in dogs. Dogs who have unexplained vision loss, especially if old age is not a contributing factor, may be at risk of a high blood pressure diagnosis.

An older age places dogs at risk of high blood pressure. If your dog is in distress, remember VEG animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day to treat dogs and all pets.

What causes high blood pressure in dogs?

High blood pressure in dogs isn’t usually just “in the genes.” In fact, only about 20% of cases are hereditary. The other 80% usually point to an underlying health condition that needs attention.

Secondary causes of high blood pressure in dogs include:

• Aging

• Certain medications

• Cushing's disease

• Kidney disease

• Obesity

What is a good or normal blood pressure in dogs?

The average blood pressure for most dogs ranges from 110/60 mmHg to 160/90 mmHg. If your dog’s blood pressure is consistently higher than 150mmHg, it may be considered as high, requiring veterinarian intervention, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.

Breeds prone to high blood pressure

While any dog can develop high blood pressure, some breeds are more prone than others. This may also be because they’re at a higher risk for underlying conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. These include:

• Beagles

• Boxers

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Dachshunds

• Miniature Schnauzers

• Shih Tzus

Ways to treat high blood pressure in dogs

If your pup has been diagnosed with hypertension aka high blood pressure, consistent care is key. Always stick to your primary care vet’s prescribed medications and follow-up visits. With a little extra attention and some changes to your dog’s lifestyle at home, you can help support your dog’s health and help keep their blood pressure in check.

How to treat high blood pressure in dogs at home

Simple steps you can take at home to help manage your dog’s blood pressure:

Lower your dog’s high blood pressure with food and diet

One of the best ways to manage high blood pressure and most other heart-related conditions in your dog is to help them eat a healthy diet. If your pup has been eating poor quality food or food that isn’t quite right for their size, breed, or activity level, then they should be put on a more appropriate food blend and fed the proper amount every day, too.

Appropriate exercise can help reduce high blood pressure in dogs

Exercise is vital for your dog. If you have a large dog, long walks may be the appropriate amount of exercise in a day. On the other hand, if you have a very small dog, a few laps around the backyard may be more than enough. Ask your vet for guidance if you’re unsure how much exercise your pet needs.

Weight loss can benefit dogs with high blood pressure

If your pet is already at a healthy weight, you don’t have to worry about weight loss. However, since high blood pressure is often associated with obesity in pets, it can be beneficial to help your dog lose a healthy amount of weight if they are overweight already.

High blood pressure symptoms in your dog? Your pet will receive fast attention and knowledgable, compassionate care at VEG ER for Pets.

When it comes to high BP in your dog, know what to expect from your vet

High blood pressure in dogs is nothing to play around with. If you notice any signs or symptoms to lead you to think your dog has high blood pressure, call VEG and speak directly with an emergency veterinarian.

Ways our emergency veterinarian will help your dog with high blood pressure:

Blood pressure medication for dogs

Most dogs with high blood pressure will need to go on some type of medication to combat the problem. If your dog was experiencing emergency symptoms and you had your dog diagnosed at one of VEG's emergency rooms, our experienced vet will choose the right type of medication for your dog’s high blood pressure. This medication is based on your dog's size, breed, activity level, age, and more.

Frequently monitor high blood pressure in your dog

Once your dog is diagnosed with high blood pressure, your primary care vet may recommend you bring your dog in for frequent monitoring of blood pressure. It may also be pertinent for you to purchase equipment that will allow you to check your dog’s blood pressure at home in between vet visits, so you can know if they're having a high BP crisis.

Treatment of underlying problems in your dog

A VEG vet will work with you, asking you questions about your dog, and offer a diagnosis and treatment options. If a VEG ER vet finds your dog has underlying health problems as well as high blood pressure, our vet is skilled in delivering a plan to manage the ailment. With other issues under control, your dog’s high blood pressure may become less of a problem on its own.

VEG pet hospital is open 24/7 for your dog's high blood pressure symptoms

Remember that while high blood pressure in dogs is sometimes its own problem, it may be related to other underlying health issues too. For more information or if you would like to speak to an emergency vet, contact VEG.

The emergency vets at all of our VEG locations are available 24 hours every day, including holidays, to help if your dog has high blood pressure. We’ll find out the reason for this and develop the best course of action to take in solving the problem.