By Corey Szumski on Saturday, 25 August 2018
Category: Vet BP

Today is National Dog Day

To celebrate National Dog Day and to promote canine health, we took a look at some of the most common causes of hypertension in dogs

You may be familiar with the causes and effects of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in humans, but hypertension in dogs presents itself differently than human hypertension. The most common type of hypertension in humans is primary hypertension, where the cause of the hypertension cannot be determined. On the other hand, secondary hypertension, where the hypertension is caused by another disease, is only found in about 10% of hypertension cases in humans1. This trend is almost completely reversed in canine populations. In dogs, the more common form of hypertension, accounting for about 80% of cases2, is secondary hypertension.

Most Common Causes of Hypertension in Dogs

Although there are a few differences between hypertension in humans and dogs, one thing remains the same despite the species: regular blood pressure screenings are essential to catching hypertension as early as possible and before too much damage is caused.

References:

  1. Causes of Secondary Hypertension. www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/secondary-hypertension-causes#1
  2. High Blood Pressure in Dogs. www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_multi_systemic_hypertension
  3. Clements, Celeste. Chronic Kidney Disease: What Does Kidney Failure in Dogs Really Mean? www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/chronic-kidney-disease-what-does-kidney-failure-dogs-really
  4. Paul, Mike. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism in Dogs. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism-dogs.
  5. Puotinen, CJ, and Mary Straus. “Managing Diabetes in Dogs.” Whole Dog Journal, 1 May 2012, www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_5/features/Canine-Diabetes-Diagnosis-and-Treatment_20521-1.html.
  6. Foster and Smith. “Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Dogs.” PetCoach, Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, https://www.petcoach.co/article/cushing-s-disease-hyperadrenocorticism-in-dogs/.
  7. Vogelsang, Jessica. Liver Disease in Dogs. www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/liver-disease-dogs.