VET APPROVED
REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
MRCVS (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
It’s quite common for dogs to occasionally show elevated blood pressure readings, especially when they are stressed, which can be influenced by a visit to the vet. Once your dog has calmed down, the vet will reevaluate, and the readings should ideally be within the range of 90/60 to 160/100. However, persistent high readings may indicate that your dog has hypertension, which could be either standalone or due to an underlying health issue.
If your vet is concerned about your dog’s blood pressure, they might suggest monitoring it at home. While there are various methods to do this, it’s crucial to do it accurately as it will help your vet in diagnosing and treating your dog effectively.
It is essential to highlight that measuring a dog’s blood pressure requires specific equipment and techniques designed for dogs to ensure accurate results. This specialized equipment may involve a significant financial investment, so you may consider renting or borrowing the equipment.
Outlined below are two simple methods to measure your dog’s blood pressure at home:
Before You Begin
Prior to attempting to measure your dog’s blood pressure, observe how it is done. You can observe your vet taking your dog’s blood pressure and ask questions during the process. Achieving precise and meaningful readings necessitates using the correct cuff size, positioning, and ensuring your dog is in the right position. Reviewing the machine’s instructions beforehand can be beneficial. It’s crucial to be relaxed and confident while measuring your dog’s blood pressure to maintain your dog’s calmness.
If your dog gets anxious, allow some time before taking the readings. You can acclimatize them to the cuff by placing it on them and then petting or cuddling them. Treats may also help distract them from the cuff. Once your dog is relaxed, you can proceed with measuring their blood pressure.
The 2 Methods to Measure a Dog’s Blood Pressure
1. Utilize an Automatic Device
You can buy a blood pressure monitor online or from your veterinary clinic, resembling the one used in a doctor’s office. You can opt to place the cuff at the base of your dog’s tail or on one of its limbs. For dogs with short limbs, the tail usually offers the most accurate readings.
Ensure that the cuff fits your dog properly. An incorrectly sized cuff can lead to inaccurate readings, so the width should ideally be around 40% of your dog’s limb diameter. Attach the cuff, inflate it, and record the readings. Your vet may advise you to repeat this a few times to establish an average reading.
The blood pressure cuff gauges your dog’s blood pressure by temporarily blocking the artery and blood flow with air. As it deflates, it provides the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
2. Employ a Doppler Tool
Another method to assess your dog’s blood pressure is through the Doppler technique, which is also non-invasive but may require some familiarity. Once again, it is crucial to keep your dog calm or help them relax before taking the blood pressure, as stress can lead to inaccurate readings. When they start to unwind, proceed with the measurements, ensuring to take multiple readings to determine the average.
For the Doppler technique, your dog should lie down on their side, the cuff should align with their artery, and be connected to the sphygmomanometer. Then, shave the area on your dog’s limb where the pulse is located, apply ultrasound gel and the probe. You should hear a specific sound as you proceed.
Inflate the cuff until the sound diminishes, then slowly deflate it until you hear the sound again. Record the corresponding level from the pressure gauge.
Can I Use a Human Blood Pressure Monitor on My Dog?
While the cuff used by a doctor to measure human blood pressure may resemble the one used for dogs, they are not interchangeable. If you have a human blood pressure monitor at home, you could check with your vet if it can be used on your dog, but it’s generally not recommended as it might yield inaccurate results.
The readings obtained from the monitor can aid your vet in treating your dog; however, incorrect readings could impede the process. It is advisable to opt for a blood pressure monitor specifically designed for dogs to ensure accuracy.
Indicators of High Blood Pressure
Symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs generally become noticeable after a prolonged duration of the condition. Often, signs of the underlying disease like diabetes are more apparent first. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to organ damage in dogs and if left untreated, may progress to congestive heart failure.
Common signs of high blood pressure in dogs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils causing blindness
- Kidney issues
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Weakness, fainting, or seizures
- Nosebleeds
Implications of High Blood Pressure
Various factors can contribute to high blood pressure in dogs, and sometimes the exact cause remains unknown. Occasionally, a dog may show temporarily elevated blood pressure at the vet due to nervousness, but it normalizes outside the vet environment. However, persistent high blood pressure typically indicates an underlying health issue that demands attention and treatment.
High blood pressure might signify:
- Kidney disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Diabetes
- Pheochromocytoma
- Unhealthy diet and lifestyle
- Polycythemia
- Side effects of certain medications
- Central nervous system ailments
Conclusion
If your vet is concerned about your dog’s blood pressure, they might recommend measuring it at home where your dog feels comfortable. There are two straightforward methods to conduct these measurements at home, utilizing an automatic blood pressure monitor and Doppler technique. Both approaches require you to calm your dog beforehand, use dog-specific equipment, and ensure the cuff is of the correct size.
To obtain accurate readings, repeat the measurements several times. The more precise the readings, the quicker and more effectively your vet can manage your dog’s treatment. If you encounter challenges in obtaining accurate readings, inform your vet for further guidance.
Sources
- bristol.ac.uk
- singlecare.com
- wikihow.com
- lovetoknowpets.com
- petmd.com
- petcube.com
Featured Image Credit: Tereshchenko Dmitry, Shutterstock
