The world’s tallest dog, a Great Dane named Gibson, is 42 inches at the shoulder. Looking at such an enormous, happy, healthy dog, most of us don’t think of illness, but being big and strong doesn’t prevent any breed from becoming ill from infectious, degenerative, or genetic disease, including heart disease. In fact, one Great Dane in ten suffers from heart disease. Numbers are similar for many other large breeds, including the Newfoundland, Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Pointer, and Afghan Hound. Smaller dogs are also effected with heart disease: Poodles, English Bull Dogs, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cats can also have a breed disposition to cardiac disease, and Maine Coon Cats and Persians seem to be most frequently affected.
What can we do to help our dogs and cats—whether they’re big and strong, or little—to have healthy hearts? The latest research suggests Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for the heart. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown beneficial for brain and behavior, skin and coat, immune system, allergies, inflammation, and the joints. The best way to give fatty acids depend upon your pet. If your pet likes fish, use the purest fish oil possible. If your pet doesn’t like fish, use a flax seed product. Choose a product you know your pet will enjoy to help it experience full health.
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