PetFirst Offers Tips for Recognizing Heart Disease in Your Pet

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - Feb. 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Heart disease can affect dogs and cats, just as it does in humans, causing long-term problems and alter the way we take care of our bets.  There are warning signs and facts that every pet parent should know.

Heart disease can either be congenital, meaning they were born with it and is typically diagnosed when they are young; or it is acquired, developing over time because of other health conditions.  Detecting the heart condition can be difficult, that is why it is important to take your pet to the vet for regular exams.

Heart disease in pets can range from a murmur, to valve or muscle damage, or even cardiac arrest.  Since our pets can’t verbalize not feeling well, here are signs to watch for in your pet:

Cough

Tiredness or increased sleeping

Rapid breathing

Poor appetite

Enlarged tummy

Pale or bluish gums

Rapid, weak pulse

Possible fainting spells

If you take your pet in for any of these symptoms, your vet may perform an x-ray to see if the heart is enlarged.  The x-ray is typically the first step in diagnosing the condition and setting the stage for the best treatment plan.

Annual vet visits to monitor changes in your pet’s heart are important and can be the first line of defense in detecting and treating a heart condition.  Learn more about this condition and other pet related conditions at www.petfirst.com (http://blog.petfirst.com/PetfirstBlog/index.php/2014/02/0...).

About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand life-long coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst’s comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per diagnosis limits.  PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners.  PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+.  Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd’s.  For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit www.petfirst.com (http://blog.petfirst.com/PetfirstBlog/index.php/2014/02/04/heart-disease-pet/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_campaign=PR_PetsandHeartDisease) or call 877-894-7387.