As a first-time dog owner, I did not know that dogs, just like humans, can suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. Left untreated, this serious medical condition can lead to a variety of health problems and complications.
Two years ago, I adopted Zoe, an Australian Terrier, and we became family. A few months later, I took her to the vet because she was having trouble breathing. The vet did some tests and discovered that Zoe had hypertension. If you are a first-time dog owner, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypertension so that you can get your dog treated if necessary.
How do you know if your dog has high blood pressure?
The signs and symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In general, however, dogs with hypertension may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, excess thirst, weight loss, and changes in behavior, such as irritability or lethargy.
If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to take him or her to the veterinarian for a check-up. The vet will be able to do some tests to determine if your dog has hypertension and if so, will prescribe a course of treatment.
How do you treat a dog with high blood pressure?
The vet immediately put Zoe on medication to treat her hypertension and she is doing much better now. He prescribed her Amlodipine Compounded Oral Liquid. After some research, I learned that Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure in dogs and cats. In cats, it is used mainly to treat systemic hypertension and lessen the risk of heart failure. In dogs, it is used mainly to treat hypertension caused by kidney disease.
Amlodipine allows the blood vessels to relax, providing overall better blood flow, by slowing down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and blood vessel walls. This medication makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body, therefore lowering your pet's blood pressure.
How to administer Amlodipine Compounded Oral Liquid?
Administering Amlodipine is easy. You just put the medication in your dog's mouth using the syringe provided to ensure the proper required dosage and he or she will swallow it. The vet will give you specific instructions on how much to give your dog and when to give it.
If your pet vomits after dosing it on an empty stomach, try giving future doses with food. The effects should be noticeable within 1 to 2 hours. I personally had no trouble with Zoe taking her medication. She seemed to not even notice that she was taking it.
What are Amlodipine's side effects?
Just like any medication, there may be side effects associated with Amlodipine. The most common side effects are drowsiness, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. In dogs, overgrowth of gums can occur. Allergic reactions can include swelling of the face, itching, vomiting, pale gums, diarrhea, or signs of a shock.
If your dog experiences any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Where can you get Amlodipine Compounded Oral Liquid?
The Vet suggested getting Amlodipine Compounded Oral Liquid through Express Vet, an online pharmacy that offers custom compounds for your pet as well as generic medicines. Honestly, I couldn't be more relieved and happier with the fast and professional service I received from Express Vet. They were able to get Zoe's prescription filled and shipped to me in just a few days.
What is the prognosis for a dog with high blood pressure?
The prognosis for a dog with hypertension generally depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If the hypertension is caused by an underlying disease such as kidney disease, then once the disease is treated, hypertension may go away. If, however, the hypertension is due to something like congestive heart failure, then the prognosis is not as good. Thankfully, Zoe's hypertension is due to underlying disease and her prognosis is good.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article on high blood pressure in dogs. I hope it was informative and helpful, especially for first-time dog owners like me. I hope that Amlodipine Compounded Oral Liquid and Express Vet will help your dog the same way they did with Zoe if not better!
