Blog
Can Cats Get Heartworm Too?
Heartworm Awareness Month is the perfect time to alert pet owners to the dangers of mosquitoes. Known for getting outdoors, this season also marks the beginning of heartworm transmission, which is a silent threat that every pet owner needs to be aware of. But are dogs the only pets that are susceptible to this disease?…
How to Recognize Signs of Heart Problems in Your Pet
Our pets bring so much joy to our lives, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their health and well-being. However, since our furry friends can’t talk (unfortunately), it could be hard for us to notice a growing heart issue. Heart disease is a serious concern for both dogs and cats, and early detection is crucial…
The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Your Pet’s Heart Health
We all know that oral hygiene is important for maintaining a healthy smile, but did you know that dental care also plays a crucial role in our pets’ heart health? In fact, neglecting your pet’s dental care can have serious consequences, impacting not only their mouth but also their heart. This February, during American Heart…
Clearing the Air: Secondhand Smoke’s Impact on Your Pet’s Heart
We all know the dangers of secondhand smoke for humans, but did you know it poses significant risks to our furry companions as well? Dogs and cats exposed to secondhand smoke are more susceptible to various health problems, including serious cardiovascular issues. Through this article, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology want to educate our…
How Kidney Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Heart Health
We often think of the kidneys and heart as separate entities, but at Coast to Coast Cardiology, we know how intricately connected they are. Kidney disease especially can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system of our furry loved ones. Since 1 in 10 dogs and 1 in 3 cats will develop kidney disease…
Taking a Breath: Palpitations and Anxiety in Your Pet
Just like humans, our furry companions can experience heart palpitations or those moments when your pet’s heart seems to skip a beat or race unexpectedly. While these episodes can be alarming, it’s important to understand their potential causes and implications for your pet’s heart health. In today’s article, delve into all things flutters, poundings, and…
Understanding Your Pet’s Heart Murmur
Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart and surrounding blood vessels. And while some heart murmurs may be harmless, others can be indicative of underlying cardiovascular problems, which is something we at Coast to Coast Cardiology are always ready to detect and treat. In this blog post, we…
Understanding the Stages of Heart Disease in Cats
Heart disease is a serious health condition that can affect cats of all ages and breeds. Recognizing the different stages of heart disease in cats is essential for early detection and timely treatment. At Coast to Coast Cardiology, we are going to break down each one for you. Let’s jump in. Stage 1: Subclinical Heart…
Cor Triatriatum: A Congenital Heart Condition in Pets
There are many types of congenital heart conditions in dogs and cats, but today, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology will discuss one that affects both pets. Cor Triatriatum (or “heart with three atria” in Latin) is a rare heart defect pets are diagnosed with early in life, and it can present with varying degrees…
What is Pulmonic Stenosis in Dogs?
Some heart conditions that our beloved dogs struggle with directly impact their respiratory systems. Pulmonic stenosis is one of these conditions, as it is a congenital heart defect that occurs when the pulmonary valve, located between the heart’s right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, narrows, thus restricting blood flow to the lungs. We at Coast…
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) In Pets?
Today, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology are discussing a type of arrhythmia called Atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects both humans and animals. In dogs and cats, It can be especially debilitating and impact their quality of life. Understanding this condition is important for pet owners to recognize…
Senior Pet Heart Care: A Guide for Owners
As our beloved pets age, they become more susceptible to various health issues, and heart disease is unfortunately one of them. Just like humans, the heart of a senior pet undergoes changes that can impact its function. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. With that in…
Should You Be Worried About Your Pet’s Lack of Energy?
It’s ordinary to see your dog or cat sleep after playing with them. But what if your pet is constantly tired for seemingly no reason? Although most times lethargy can be chalked up to physical exertion, hot weather, old age, illness, or even anesthesia after a procedure, it can also be a potentially dangerous warning…
Heart Valve Disease in Dogs and Cats
No pet owner wants their pet to have a heart condition, but unfortunately, Heart Valve Disease is a serious disease that impacts many dogs and cats around the world. As Heart Valve Disease affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for both veterinarians and pet…
Yes, Your Pet’s Illness Can Lead to Heart Complications
Has your pet been sick recently? Infectious endocarditis, a serious heart condition in pets, often stems from infections originating in other parts of the body. While any infection can potentially lead to this condition, some types are more commonly implicated. We at Coast to Coast Cardiology can help you prevent bacteria from spreading to your pet’s…
Canine Congestive Heart Failure: Management Strategies for a Stronger Heartbeat
Congestive Heart Failure is a debilitating condition that arises from the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Since we at Coast to Coast Cardiology know that CHF affects a significant portion of the canine population, let’s explore every aspect of the disease from causes to treatments. Causes of CHF Clinical Signs of…
Sweet Dreams for a Healthy Heart: Why Sleep Matters for Your Dog
We all love watching our dogs sprawl out for a nap in a sunbeam, but did you know that their snooze sessions play a vital role in their heart health? Leave it to us at Coast to Coast Cardiology to give you the scoop on your pet’s sleep, from why it’s important to how you,…
3 Heart Problem Warning Signs to Observe When Your Pet Is Sleeping
Just like for humans, quality sleep is crucial for your dog or cat’s well-being, especially when it comes to their cardiovascular system. And while occasional sleep issues are common, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology know that consistently irregular sleep could be a sign of a heart problem. That’s why, in this article, we’ll discuss…
How Your Pet’s Dental Health Affects Their Heart
Keeping your pet’s pearly whites clean might seem like a minor task, but research suggests that bad dental hygiene puts them at risk for a host of cardiovascular issues. We at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to explain the tight link between your pet’s oral and heart health, including tips on how to keep…
Heart-Healthy Diet Tips for Dogs and Cats
Our pets deserve to live long and healthy lives, and just like us, a nutritious diet plays a vital role in their well-being. Since this is especially true for heart health, we at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to explain what a well-balanced diet looks like for all dogs and cats. In this article,…
Heart to Heart: The Cardiac Comparisons Between Cats and Humans
Did you know that your cat’s heart shares surprising similarities with yours? We at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to educate you on the cardiological intricacies of your feline’s most vital organ, which provides valuable insights into keeping them healthy. Functional Similarities Both human and feline hearts share a four-chamber structure. Two upper chambers,…
Walking Your Pet: The Paw-Printed Path to a Healthy Heart
We all know the benefits of walking for our own cardiovascular health, but did you know they’re just as important for your beloved dog or cat? We at Coast to Coast Cardiology know that walks aren’t all about potty breaks and bonding, which is why we’re here to teach you the true positives they hold…
7 Signs of Heart Disease in Your Dog
Heart disease is a common concern for dog owners, affecting roughly 10% of canine companions throughout their lives. While there are various types of heart conditions, many share warning signs that can help you identify a potential issue. We at Coast to Coast Cardiology understand that early detection is crucial for successful management and care…
Decoding Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Home Monitoring
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle chambers in dogs. This weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to a variety of concerning symptoms. Coast to Coast Cardiology knows how valuable early detection and monitoring can be, both for improving a dog’s long-term prognosis and helping owners…
Living Long and Strong: Caring for Your Pet with Heart Disease
At Coast to Coast Cardiology, our team has the experience and skill required to understand the challenges you face if a pet is diagnosed with heart disease. We’re here to support you every step of the way, not just at the moment critical intervention is required. That’s why this blog post is all about what…
Keep an Eye on Your Pet’s Heart Health With AliveCor at Home Monitoring
During your appointment, we may have discussed the use of AliveCor at-home monitoring to keep a closer eye on your pet’s heart health, particularly if they’re experiencing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or other concerning symptoms. For this blog post, the team at Coast to Coast Cardiology wants to break down how this practical DIY assessment is…
Systolic Anterior Motion (SAM) in Cats: What You Should Know
Just like a human heart, a cat’s heart has specific mechanisms by which it controls the flow of blood throughout the body. And just like a human heart, when something goes wrong with the circulatory system, further complications are quick to follow. One example of this fact is known as systolic anterior motion, or SAM….
ARVC in Dogs and Cats: What to Know and How to Help
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart disease affecting some dog and cat breeds. It’s caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the heart’s electrical system, and at Coast-to-Coast Cardiology, our dedicated team has significant experience in managing it. Like many serious conditions affecting the heart health of pets, ARVC requires a combination…
Acting Early to Help Dogs With Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a congenital heart defect affecting dogs, meaning they’re born with it. It narrows the aortic valve, the gateway through which blood leaves the heart for the rest of the body. A more common form, subaortic stenosis (SAS), involves narrowing just below the valve. For simplicity, we’ll refer to both as AS…
Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition affecting dogs. Characterized by high blood pressure within the arteries leading to the lungs, it’s the kind of complex problem that makes teams like Coast to Coast Cardiology so necessary. While the causes of pulmonary hypertension can vary, early detection and treatment are always critical to managing the…
Heartworm Harms Dogs, But We Can Help
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that frequently afflicts dogs, and unfortunately, it can be fatal in a worst-case scenario. Coast to Coast Cardiology has included some strategies for management, prevention, and treatment in the blog below, and we hope it helps your dog stay happy and heart healthy for years to come. Causes and…
Veterinary Cardiology 101
While regular vet visits are crucial for any pet’s health, your companion might occasionally require specialized care. In particular, any issues involving complex cardiovascular concerns fall into that category. But who exactly do you go to see when matters of the heart or circulatory complications arise in your furry friend? There’s more to the answer…
Listen Up! Why Your Dog’s Sleeping Breaths Matter (and How to Count Them)
A veterinary cardiologist knows that advanced diagnostics are vital, but sometimes, simple steps that pet parents can take at home are just as crucial. One particular at-home check-up can make a big difference for canine companions: The monitoring of a dog’s Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). Don’t underestimate the power of this quiet countdown! Coast to…
HCM in Cats and What You Can Do About It
If you’ve got a cat that’s close to your heart, you might want to start paying more attention to theirs. Although our feline friends sometimes project a cool, disinterested attitude, there are certain conditions affecting them that any pet lover should know about. One example? Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a heart disease featuring the abnormal and progressive…
