Hypertension in Dogs
By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Follow-up

Diagnosis of hypertension requires measurement of blood pressure. This is generally done using a cuff, manometer, and a Doppler blood pressure device.

Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical. Administer prescribed medication as directed, and be certain to alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your dog.

Rechecking your dog's arterial blood pressure value is important. Failure to follow-up with repeated blood pressure checks is one of the most common causes of treatment failure. Medication dosage often must be adjusted over time.

Most dogs are obviously improved once their blood pressure is brought into the normal range. You should see increased activity and often an improvement in appetite and general "quality of life."

Alert your veterinarian to any new or changing symptoms.