Have a hail and hearty heart

Watson here. During a recent checkup, the veterinarian listened to my heart. It’s one test I didn’t mind because there are no needles involved, no thermometer up your bum, or pills that gag me. I guess for an older dog my heart is sounding good.

The leading cause of death in humans is heart disease. While it affects both sexes, more than half of the people who die are men. Thinking about hearts, I wondered if heart disease affected dogs, too. Therefore, I did some research and will share what I found out.

Heart disease in dogs can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital conditions are present from birth and are likely hereditary. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart has trouble pumping the proper amount of blood throughout the body and it may take years to become noticeable.

Another genetic condition is cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects the cardiac muscles and reduces the heart’s ability to produce enough pressure to pump blood. Breeds like Boxers can be predisposed to this malady.

Pulmonic Stenosis is another genetic heart defect that obstructs blood flow within the heart and affects breeds like Boston Terriers and Labrador Retrievers. Yikes!

Acquired conditions develop over time as the result of the normal wear and tear most often seen in middle-aged or older dogs. Some of the common types are canine valvular disease, arrhythmias, and pericardial disease.

The most important thing you can do for your BFF is to know the seven signs of canine heart disease: a dry cough following physical activity, shortness of breath, restlessness when sleeping, rapid weight loss, fainting, a potbelly (caused by fluid buildup), and fatigue. If you notice any of these, a trip to the veterinarian is a good idea.

According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Walking with your BFF provides exercise and social support. It is a real heart-to-heart benefit.

XOXO

Watson

 

IN NEED OF
Friskies wet cat food and any dry cat food except Meow Mix.
Folks to donate to the Rotarians fundraiser. You can contribute by contacting Withers at proudpony@cccomm.net or Young at junethebookie@gmail.com.
Aluminum cans. If you have cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500) and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS.
Folks who need help affording spaying/neutering for dogs or cats. The SNAPS program details are below.
 
SHOUT OUT TO
NAS Fallon personnel, Rotary Club volunteers, and volunteers from CAPS for their work on building shade covers for our kennels. Paws applause to you!
The American Car Wash for their generous donation. A Four Paw Salute to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is now open. We suggest appointments for adoptions, SNAPS, and food pantry. We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500.

 

DON’T FORGET
May Holiday: National Rescue Dog Week May 22-28
SNAPS is a program offered to Churchill County residents through CAPS that provides low-cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs. To qualify for SNAPS, you need to have one of the following: Medicaid, a child enrolled in NV Check Up Program, food stamps, 2021 tax return stating income is less than $30,000 or Veterans disability card including a photo ID. Also required are a Churchill County ID and a co-pay. For information, call CAPS at 423-7500.
CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423 7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.