High Blood Pressure in Dogs: What Owners Need to Know

High blood pressure (hypertension) quietly damages a dog’s organs long before you notice anything. Left untreated it can cause sudden blindness, kidney problems, heart strain, and seizures. Older dogs and pets with kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease face higher risk. Watch for sudden vision loss, red or cloudy eyes, nosebleeds, confusion, weakness, or new seizures — these are red flags that need a vet visit right away.

Your vet will measure blood pressure with a cuff and monitor the reading. In dogs a systolic pressure under 140 mmHg is normal, 140–159 is borderline, 160–179 often needs treatment, and 180+ is an emergency. Don’t try to diagnose or treat high blood pressure at home without veterinary guidance. If the vet finds hypertension they will search for an underlying cause and may run blood, urine, and eye exams.

Treatment aims at both the number and the cause. Common medicines include ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers; dosing varies by size and health. If kidney disease or endocrine problems are present, treating those conditions can lower pressure. Medication often means regular follow ups and possibly home monitoring. Write down readings, keep a medication log, and tell your vet about side effects like weakness, vomiting, or fainting.

You can support your dog’s heart and circulation in practical ways. Keep your dog at a healthy weight, follow your vet’s diet plan, and avoid sudden stress during vet visits. Omega‑3 fats can help circulation and inflammation — ask your vet for dog-safe supplements and correct doses. Gentle massage and calm routines may reduce stress during exams, making blood pressure readings more accurate and your dog more relaxed.

At home, note gradual changes: exercise tolerance, appetite drops, or increased drinking and urination. These small signs help your vet decide if more testing is needed. If your dog must take medication, give it at the same times each day, and never stop suddenly without veterinary advice. Bring your dog’s records to every visit so the team can spot trends and adjust care.

If cost is a concern, talk to your clinic about monitoring options, lower‑cost labs, or staggered testing. Early detection keeps treatment simpler and outcomes better. High blood pressure in dogs can be managed — with regular vet care, clear home notes, and steady treatment, you can protect your pet’s eyes, kidneys, and heart.

Ask about specific meds like amlodipine or enalapril. Your vet may recommend blood tests every few weeks at first, then every few months. Keep a photo log of any eye changes and note how far your dog can walk before slowing. If your dog has high blood pressure secondary to kidney or endocrine disease, managing the primary illness often improves pressure. Never give human blood pressure pills to a pet. If you travel, bring an extra week of medications and a copy of prescriptions. Regular, calm checkups and clear notes give you the best chance to keep your dog active and comfortable in life.