Treating High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in Dogs
Key takeaways:
Dogs can have high blood pressure, and it’s often caused by underlying health conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease.
Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop health conditions that increase their risk of getting high blood pressure.
High blood pressure in dogs can cause serious complications, but there are ways to control your dog’s blood pressure.
When it comes to human health, high blood pressure is a well-known concern. But did you know that your dog can experience the same issue?
Diagnosing high blood pressure in dogs is tricky, especially since we can’t ask dogs how they’re feeling. As a result, veterinarians evaluate dogs based on their blood pressure readings and symptoms.
High blood pressure is a serious condition for dogs, and dogs diagnosed with this issue will need treatment and close monitoring. Here’s what dog owners should know.
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What is high blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs?
High blood pressure, also called systemic hypertension, is when a dog’s blood pressure gets too high. When the pressure is too high, it can cause complications for dogs. The condition is serious and needs to be evaluated, monitored, and treated by a veterinarian.
Systemic hypertension refers to high blood pressure that affects a dog’s entire body, said Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, the director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
What causes hypertension in dogs?
Underlying health conditions are usually the cause of hypertension in dogs. The underlying diseases most commonly associated with dog hypertension include:
Diabetes
A tumor on the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma)
Obesity
Chronic kidney failure
Are certain dog breeds more prone to hypertension?
Some dog breeds may be more likely to have high blood pressure. This is often because they are more likely to get conditions that cause high blood pressure.
Dog breeds with a higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease are also at an increased risk of developing hypertension. These breeds include:
Dachshunds
Poodles
Terriers
Dog kidney disease: Many dogs with high blood pressure also have kidney disease. If that’s your dog, this guide will help you understand your pup’s condition.
Treating heart disease: Getting a heart disease diagnosis for your dog can be overwhelming. Learn about the best treatment options and what to expect.
Reducing anxiety: Looking for ways to lower your pup’s stress levels? Here are several tested ways to calm a dog’s anxiety.
Other dog breeds have an increased risk of diabetes. Dog breeds more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure include:
Schnauzers
Spitzes
Bichon frises
Terriers
Symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs [Symptoms]
Hypertension might not cause any obvious symptoms in your dog, especially in the early stages. When it does cause issues, common symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs include:
Nosebleeds
Blood in the urine
Persistent dilated pupils
Sudden blindness
A head tilt
Appearing disoriented
Retinal detachment in the eye
Changes in balance
How do veterinarians diagnose canine hypertension?
The best way to diagnose hypertension in dogs is through blood pressure measurements at the veterinary clinic. A dog’s blood pressure measurement identifies how hard blood presses against the arteries when the heart contracts and relaxes.
Vets measure blood pressure in dogs similar to how healthcare providers measure blood pressure in humans. First, a veterinarian will fit an inflatable cuff over your dog’s ankle and inflate the cuff. Next, the vet will deflate the cuff and most commonly use the Doppler method to measure the sound of your dog’s blood pulsing. The Doppler is a tool that helps amplify the sound of your dog’s blood pulsing. The veterinarian may use a stethoscope to listen as well.
Checking blood pressure in dogs can be tricky since many dogs get anxious and stressed in a vet’s office. A vet will often check a dog’s blood pressure multiple times. Taking an average of all the tests can help give a more accurate reading.
Once a dog’s blood pressure is under control, it needs to be rechecked every 2 to 4 months. These rechecks help ensure that the dog’s blood pressure stays within a healthy range.
What’s a normal blood pressure for dogs?
A normal blood pressure for dogs is 140 mmHg (systolic blood pressure) or lower. A blood pressure reading of 141 mmHg to 159 mmHg is considered elevated. Any blood pressure over 160 mmHg is considered hypertension in dogs.
How to take your dog’s blood pressure at home
There isn’t an accurate way to measure a dog’s blood pressure at home. Even though the method is similar to the one for humans, an at-home blood pressure reading isn’t possible for dogs.
Treatment for high blood pressure in dogs
How a vet treats hypertension in dogs often means treating the condition that’s causing it.
“Many cases of hypertension will resolve completely once the dog’s primary disease is controlled,” Whittenburg said. “For dogs with persistent hypertension, medications may be indicated.”
Hypertension medications
Vets commonly prescribe medications to treat high blood pressure. These can include:
Benazepril
Amlodipine
Prazosin
Phenoxybenzamine
Hydralazine
Spironolactone
Propranolol
Atenolol
Hydrochlorothiazide
A veterinarian will determine whether your pup needs medication. Your dog may also be prescribed medications to manage their other health conditions.
Diet changes
Some vets may recommend restricting the amount of salt in a dog’s diet to help manage hypertension. There’s limited data available on this practice, and it likely won’t be enough to manage high blood pressure on its own. But if a dog’s kidney disease is causing hypertension, a prescription diet specifically for kidney disease may be helpful.
How long can dogs live with hypertension?
How long dogs live with hypertension depends on the cause as well as ongoing treatment.
“Most diseases that result in hypertension in dogs are chronic diseases that must be treated and managed lifelong,” Whittenburg said. “The goal is to alleviate clinical signs and to allow the dog to live a normal and comfortable life.”
Unfortunately, high blood pressure in dogs can lead to several serious issues. Hypertension can cause problems like:
Congestive heart failure
Bleeding in the eyes
Chronic kidney disease
Blindness due to retina damage in the eye
“There is no way to guesstimate how long a dog affected with hypertension will live,” Whittenburg said. “Just like humans with hypertension, dogs with well-controlled blood pressure will live longer and feel better than those with uncontrolled hypertension.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes, anxiety can cause high blood pressure in dogs. For example, anxiety and stress can lead to a high blood pressure reading at a veterinarian’s office.
To help lower your dog’s blood pressure at home, first follow all of your veterinarian’s treatment instructions. This is the best way to ensure your dog’s blood pressure stays low.
You can also help keep your dog’s pressure as low as possible by reducing their anxiety. Tips to calm a dog’s anxiety include:
Regular exercise and playtime
Creating a safe space your dog can retreat to when they’re anxious
Calming supplements
Soothing music
There’s not much evidence to suggest that certain foods cause high blood pressure in dogs. But some experts suggest a lower-salt diet may be helpful for dogs with hypertension.
The bottom line
High blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs can be dangerous, and it can lead to additional health issues. Keep in mind that there are many causes of hypertension, and you may be able to improve your dog’s health by addressing the underlying cause.
If you suspect your dog might have high blood pressure, make an appointment with a veterinarian right away. A vet can help diagnose your dog and will be a key partner in treating your pet, whether your dog is diagnosed with high blood pressure or another condition.
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References
Acierno, M. J., et al. (2018). ACVIM consensus statement: Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Boatright, K. (2022). Management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. DVM360.
Brooks, W. (2024). High blood pressure in our pets. Veterinary Partner.
Brown, S. (2006). Diagnosis and treatment of systemic hypertension. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Buishand, F. (2024). Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Collins, B. (n.d.). Cushing’s syndrome. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.
Dixon-Jimenez, A., et al. (2011). Systemic hypertension in dogs & cats. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Kingsgate Animal Hospital. (n.d.). Jamie Whittenburg, DVM.
Kittleson, M. D. (2024). Systemic and pulmonary hypertension in dogs and cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
