The human heart is the most sophisticated muscle in the body, responsible for circulating blood and fresh oxygen. The continuously pumping heart makes it possible for us to eat, drink, think and move. In short, a strong heart is essential for overall health and vitality.

Cardiovascular health is equally important for your dog or cat. Fortunately for most dogs and cats, arterial thickening, or atherosclerosis, common among people, is relatively rare, thanks to diet and the efficiency with which dogs and cats metabolize fats. Arterial obstructions, therefore, are uncommon and you can probably count on the fact that your pet will never require cholesterol-lowering statins.

Like humans, however, pets can suffer from acquired heart disease, which can affect both heart valves and the heart muscle. Valvular disease is common among small dogs, while large dogs and cats experience disease of the heart muscle.

Difficulty breathing or a wet, rattling cough, weakness, fluid retention and a decreased tolerance for exercise can all be signs of compromised heart function in dogs. The signs are less obvious in cats, but watch for laboured or open-mouth breathing and rapid respiration. If you’re concerned that your pet is developing heart disease, book an examination with your veterinarian immediately. For both cats and dogs, many new cardiac drugs exist to decrease blood pressure and help the heart pump more efficiently. Like all meds, however, there are side effects.

If you want to follow a holistic approach to stay in front of your pet’s cardio health, there are many oral supplements that offer preventive benefits:

• Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger that has been shown to help the heart muscle function more effectively.

• Omega-3 oils are useful in the treatment of heart disease. These essential fatty acids treat arrhythmia and are found in high levels in certain types of fish, such as mackerel and herring.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an energy-boosting antioxidant that has been shown to be effective in protecting the heart muscle.

• Taurine, L-carnitine and Vitamin B have also been shown to offer a benefit in patients with cardiac disease.

Always consult your veterinarian to ensure proper dosage for the size and breed of your pet and in order to monitor potential interactions with other medications.