High cholesterol in dogs - Causes, symptoms and treatment

Cholesterols are essential fats that All animals need to properly develop their body and maintain a balanced metabolism.While cholesterol has gained a certain "bad reputation" thanks to the consequences of its high levels in the bloodstream, it is one of the lipids that the body produces naturally and it is present in practically all cells, participating in digestion, the synthesis of vitamin D and the production of hormones.

The problem arises when blood cholesterol levels are constantly excessive, characterizing a clinical picture called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia .Although it usually affects humans much more frequently, dogs can also be diagnosed with high cholesterol.

In this Ex article pertoAnimal, we will tell you more about the symptoms, causes and prevention for high cholesterol in dogs .Of course, we highlight that hyperlidemia, as well as any other disease or health problem, can only be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.Therefore, do not offer natural remedies or homemade solutions, or self-medicate your best friend without the prior guidance of a trained professional.

What does it mean for our dog to have high cholesterol?

The term "high cholesterol" is used to refer popularly to the clinical picture called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia, which is characterized by the constant presence of excessive cholesterol levels in the bloodstream .

In this sense, it is essential to differentiate a eventual or temporary elevation from a hyperlipidemia picture.When feeding or experiencing complicated situations (stressful, scary, etc.) , it is normal for dogs to show an increase in blood cholesterol.However, these levels should normalize after a few hours of feeding or the negative context.

But if we talk about a case of triglycerides and cholesterol high in dogs, we observe that fat levels in the bloodstream remain high after having performed blood tests in a fasting context from 8 to 12 h.

Causes of high cholesterol in dogs

As with people, high cholesterol in dogs can have different causes, so it is essential to have the experience and knowledge of a veterinarian who, with the help of technology, can evaluate the specific cause of hypercholesterolemia in each patient.

In general, high cholesterol conditions in dogs are usually associated with congenital abnormalities, metabolic problems or an inappropriate diet and a sedentary lifestyle.We summarize the causes and risk factors that may be associated with a picture of hyperlipidemia in dogs:

Pregnancy : Pregnant bitches may be especially vulnerable to developing a picture of hyperlipidemia, so we must pay special attention to the nutrition of a pregnant dog and the appropriate exercises for the period of pregnancy and lactation;
Nephrotic syndrome : it is a degenerative disease qu It affects the kidneys and is characterized by a complex symptomatology that includes hyperlipidemia, proteinuria and interstitial edema.It usually develops from a complication of glomerular kidney disease in dogs (ERG).
Unbalanced food , with an excess of foods high in fat, meat, dairy or industrialized products.
Sedentary or poor physical activity , that is , when the dog does not perform the exercises it demands to maintain optimal health and a balanced behavior.
Problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland (especially canine hypothyroidism).
Diabetes .
Anomalous and excessive activity of the adrenal glands.
Pancreatitis .
Cholestasis : It consists of the total or partial obstruction of the bile ducts that is usually related to liver or liver problems pancreas.
Old age : older dogs tend to show a greater predisposition to accumulate fat in their body and need special care with their diet and physical activity.They can also be more vulnerable to many diseases and certain behavioral problems.Therefore, it is essential to provide adequate care for elderly dogs, as well as effective preventive medicine.

Symptoms of high cholesterol in dogs

High cholesterol in dogs is usually a silent disease, whose first signs are not very specific and difficult to recognize in our best friends.For this reason, many dogs are only diagnosed when their symptoms are already more advanced.It is also essential to make preventive consultations to the veterinarian to make the necessary blood checks and ensure the optimal state of health of our hairy.

Next, we list the symptoms that are usually associated with high cholesterol in dogs:

Bruises or patches on the skin.
Abdominal pain.
Formation of orange or yellowish bumps on your skin, which are filled with fat (known as dermal xanthomas).
Seizures.
Nervous system disorders (which can lead to changes in your behavior usual).

Treatment for high cholesterol in dogs

When observing one of these symptoms in your best friend or any alteration in their appearance or behavior, do not hesitate to go quickly to the veterinary clinic.A trained professional can perform the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia , as well as establishing an appropriate treatment according to the needs of your hairy.

Most likely, the veterinarian will recommend a change in the diet and exercise routine of your hairy, with the goal of controlling cholesterol levels and improving their quality of life.In general, adult patients with hyperlipidemia adopt a feed for dogs with high specific cholesterol or a high-fiber diet (which helps metabolize cholesterol molecules), low in fat (maximum 10%), and with high quality protein.

Depending on your dog's health status and cholesterol levels, the veterinarian will assess the need for administr ar specific drugs or natural supplements that help reduce blood fat levels and prevent the development of diseases and complications related to high cholesterol in dogs.

Can Danacol be given? To a dog?

Due to the benefits of this product in humans to lower high cholesterol levels, many people wonder if they can give it to their hairy ones too.The truth is that dogs can eat natural yogurt thanks to the fact that it is an excellent source of probiotics, but when we talk about its liquid version and, in addition, made especially for humans, we do not recommend offering it .So, as we said, it is advisable to go to veterinarian to be the specialist who determines how to lower high cholesterol in the dog.

How to avoid high cholesterol in dogs?

Preventing high cholesterol in dogs is not only possible, but it is essential to offer an excellent quality of life to our best friends.The best preventive measure is to provide a complete and balanced nutrition to our furry, having taking into account their age, size, health status and the specific needs of their body.

For this, the ideal is always to have the guidance of a veterinarian when deciding on the best diet for our dogs.In addition, we should never offer forbidden dog food, as well as greasy, fried or industrialized human meals.

It will also be essential to offer an active life to our dogs, giving them the possibility to exercise regularly with at least 2 or 3 daily walks of 30 to 40 minutes.On the other hand, preventive consultations to the veterinarian every 6 months they will allow us to monitor the health status of our faithful companions, as well as to diagnose any imbalance in their organism early.

This article is purely informative, at ExpertAnimal.com we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the case If you have any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to High cholesterol in dogs-Causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our section of Other health problems.

Comments

Rabbits with obesity - Detection and Diet

Rabbits or Oryctolagus cuniculus are, within the small mammals, of which they have more tendency to gain weight.That is why it is not so strange that a domestic rabbit ends up being obese. In fact, many people with pets tend to show carinos aestas with excesses that many Sometimes they manifest themselves in the form of food, but we must bear in mind that excess food is never healthy and less if it is a different type of food than the basic one. If you have a rabbit or you plan to adopt To one, find out about rabbits with obesity, detection and diet that we must offer to improve their health. What is obesity? Obesity is excess weight in the form of fat in the body.It occurs in animals that are prone to it genetically and/or by their lifestyle. In addition to being a problem in itself, it aggravates or accelerates other possible diseases over time.Other more direct effects of obesity are loss of agility, joint wear, exhaustion and increased sleep among many others. Obesity ...

How much an anaconda can measure

Many people have a snake as a pet.If you like snakes, and Above all, if you like big snakes, the anaconda is an animal that interests you.This type of snake is considered the largest in the world, but be careful, not heavy, not long. If you It has stung curiosity, do not forget to read this new article of Animals and Pets Online, and we will reveal you until how much an anaconda can measure . Do not forget to comment and share your photographs so other users can see them too! Anaconda types Four types of anaconda are known : Green or common anaconda Yellow anaconda Anaconda Beni or Barbour Anaconda de Deschauensee The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) Of the four is the most common .It can be found in different countries of South America: Guyana Trinidad Island Venezuela Colombia Brazil Ecuador Peru Bolivia Northeast of Paraguay Its color is a dark green with black spots rounded along its entire body, also on the flanks The belly is lighter,...

DIET for CATS with RENAL CALCULATIONS

Like humans, cats can also suffer from the formation of calculations in your urinary system.As we will see in this article of Animals and Pets Online, food will play a fundamental role both in the dissolution of the calculations and in its consolidation.That is why, as a basic aspect of the treatment, we will talk about the cat diet with kidney stones . In addition to food, keeping the cat always well hydrated will be essential to control this unpleasant problem, so pay close attention to his behavior. Types of kidney stones in cats Calculations, popularly known as "stones", are formed by the deposit of different substances in the urinary system.Those that form in the kidneys must reach the bladder to be expelled.As the calculations can be of very different sizes, this will determine whether or not its exit with the urine is feasible, or if they will be large enough to cause a total or partial obstruction in some point of the urinary system. In its formation the p...

How to know what size a mongrel dog will be?

When we talk about a mixed breed dog or mixed breed dog , generally we refer to a dog whose ancestry is unknown and that has typical characteristics of two or more breeds.This is usually the result of a non-selective breeding, but generally fortunate, since a mongrel dog can be exactly as good companion as a dog of a certain breed. Due to numerous factors, although here it is worth highlighting the great genetic variability, there are many advantages of having a mongrel dog and it is important to emphasize this point since unfortunately it is usually grant a lower value to a dog of these characteristics.If you are thinking of adopting a mixed breed dog, you are surely gathering all the necessary information, if you are wondering how to know what size a mongrel dog will be I didn't leave It is to read this article of Animals and Pets Online. Is it possible to know the size of a mongrel dog? Of course, estimating the exact size of a mongrel dog is not an easy task, although ...

10 long-haired cats

1.Maine coon The cat maine coon is a cat of large size of North American origin.Its weight in adult males can reach 11 Kg., regardless of cases of obesity that have reached 20 kg.Females are smaller.The Maine coon cat has a dense and soft long hair with a great variety of colors . It is one of the most affectionate, friendly and intelligent breeds.He likes the family atmosphere and children.A particularity of the Maine coon is that he loves water and bathing.He is a good swimmer and usually lives well with other pets.He is quite lazy and eat like a lime.For that reason you have to control your weight.Find out more about the care of the Maine Coon. 2.Angora The Angora cats are a very old breed from Turkey .It has long, silky hair.It can have different colors, but the most appreciated (because they are considered the purest and most prototypical), they are white and with heterochromic eyes (one eye of each color). They are very cats intelligent who can learn variou...

What is the name of the Egyptian cat god?

In fact, the Egyptian cat god is actually a cat and it is the Egyptian goddess Bastet or Bast, protector of the human and home, and goddess of happiness and harmony.This Egyptian divinity had its temple of worship in the city of Bubastis, in the eastern region of the Nile Delta, and that is where a multitude of mummified felines were found in tombs to suit them because they were considered as reincarnations of Bastet on Earth, so they could live in the temples, they were sacred cats and at to die, they were mummified as if it were a pharaoh or an Egyptian noble. If you want to know what is the name of the god cat Egyptian really, as the Egyptian goddess lioness became the Egyptian goddess cat and how cats were considered in Ancient Egypt, keep reading this article d and Animals and Pets Online and solve all your doubts. The myth of Sekhmet, the lioness goddess As in all religions, there are a number of myths that serve to explain things that a priori are difficult to und...

Tips to make a cat stop meowing

Hello my cat is two years old, I changed a few months ago from home, the truth that before I did not meow much but since 15 days after the move, very strong mesh and at any time, and had a time to my nephew and Le a scared, and now he is not afraid to be with us, but if he entered some rooms, the sandpit had to change his place because he did not enter and before yes, if I locked him in my room, he used to sleep with me and the bathroom had its stones, needs in the room and if I let him loose in the hall, I don't know what to do to help him with the meow, and that I stop doing his things outside I'm desperate, I want him to be the happy cat again , in addition the other house went out to the window window because there was no danger thinking that now I live in a 4 and I would not let him out I thought it could be that I would miss him, I have placed a net so he can leave but he continues with those fluffy fluids, thanks

How many cats can I have at home?

Cat lovers welcome thousands of these animals: they are clean, beautiful, affectionate, funny, have a great personality...However, it is usual to stop to think, How many cats can I have at home? Will they be too many? Especially if we have more than two, it is essential to stop to reflect, simply, to assess whether it is correct or not and that it can lead to having many cats in the same home.For example, does it affect their well-being? Are they happy living in large communities ? Then, in Animals and Pets Online we will solve some of your doubts: How many people live in the home? It is very important to understand that all cats, however independent they may be, need the affection and attention that, on occasion, we can only provide (especially in very introverted cats or who do not know how to relate to other cats), so it is estimated that we can have as many cats as hands , as explained by the Gats Educator. That is, a couple could have up to four cats, while a single per...

Why does my cat have a lot of gases?

Did you know that flatulence or intestinal gas are very common in all mammals? Therefore, we can also observe this phenomenon in our cat, which does not always indicate that there is a problem in the digestive system, since in many cases it is a normal process. Many times the owners They notice this situation when the gases are smelly, and if they occur frequently if it is important to pay special attention to our cat to be able to improve the functioning of its organism.If you have lived this situation with your pet surely you have asked, Why does your cat have a lot of gases? This is the question we solve in the following article of Animals and Pets Online. Gas symptoms in cats In cats, approximately 99% of intestinal gases are odorless, this means that it is not easy to notice when our pet is having digestive problems, however, with enough attention we can see that Excess gas usually accompanies other symptoms , mainly the following: Lack of appetite Swollen abdomen ...

Why does my dog vomit and have diarrhea?

Vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common processes in dogs and Sometimes they may worry their caregivers, especially if they do not remit , bleeding in vomit or stool appears or the clinical picture worsens with other symptoms such as anorexia, apathy or fever. In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain why a dog vomits and has diarrhea .We will see the most probable causes, since they are very numerous, and can range from a simple indigestion without major complications to a serious illness viric, such as parvovirosis, going through diseases of other systems, such as renal disease, which can affect the digestive system. Vomiting and diarrhea To explain why a dog vomits and has diarrhea, it is usual to focus on his digestive system , since the most common causes of this disorder have their origin in a gastrointestinal dysfunction that , therefore, it will be able to affect the stomach, small intestine or large intestine, which will produce some variations i...

Animals and Pets Online

Search This Blog