What is Normal Dog Blood Pressure VS High and Low?

Dogs and humans have been the best of friends for a very long time. Maybe that’s why we have so much in common. This includes loving to socialise and have fun – most of us anyway! – but we also have some health conditions in common. Normal dog blood pressure isn’t always a given and just like in humans, it can be too high (hypertension) or low (hypotension).

Thankfully our friendship is built to last the test of time and we hoomans can help our fur friends by keeping an eye out for such medical issues. That’s why PD Insurance has outlined tips on symptoms and causes of dog hypertension and hypotension.

Find out more here:

What is dog hypertension and hypotension?

Blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries and blood vessels when the heart pumps blood and when it rests.

As we’ve mentioned above dog hypertension is when a dog’s blood pressure is much higher than normal. On the other hand hypotension refers to a dog having below normal blood pressure.

Both these conditions can be dangerous and lead to a range of knock-on effects, some of which can be lasting. Any movement from normal dog blood pressure could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

You might think most dogs would have normal blood pressure given they're so active. But in reality, as many as 10% of dogs suffer from high blood pressure, with low blood pressure being less common. 

What is normal blood pressure for a dog?

Wondering whether your dog has normal blood pressure? Well, know this… there are two types of blood pressure readings.

1. Systolic blood pressure. This is the first reading and is the pressure in the arteries that results from the heart pumping blood through the body
2. Diastolic blood pressure. This is the second reading and is the pressure in the arteries between beats, when the heart is resting

Depending on the symptoms your dog exhibits and the severity of their hypertension a vet may take systolic and diastolic readings.

But the most common reading taken by a vet is the systolic blood pressure. This is done in pretty much the same way as it’s taken for you or me. A cuff is strapped to your dog’s ankle and inflated to measure the pressure. The only difference is your dog’s vet may need to shave off a bit of its fur to get a snug fit and accurate reading.

According to the systolic reading, normal dog blood pressure should be in the range of 110 and 160 mm.

What causes high and low blood pressure in a dog?

There are a range of health conditions that can affect normal dog blood pressure, causing it to become too high or low. We looked at them in a bit more detail here:

Dog hypertension (high)

Some examples include kidney disease in dogs, obesity and diabetes in dogs. Stress and old age can be factors too.

Pet obesity is sadly becoming far more common now than ever before and this can play a part. Read about preventing your dog from becoming fat and obese to safeguard against this. Also read our National Pet Obesity Day article and find out how much exercise a dog daily.

Dog hypertension that’s linked to an underlying condition is called secondary hypertension. In other words, high blood pressure comes second after the primary cause.

Sometimes though, a dog can have higher than the optimum normal blood pressure with no underlying cause. This is then called primary hypertension but isn’t as common as secondary hypertension in dogs.

Dog hypotension (low)

Blood loss is a common cause of low blood pressure that can happen to dogs and humans. If your dog gets bitten by another dog or knocked by a car they could suffer blood loss that results in low blood pressure.

Shock can also cause low blood pressure so even a very healthy and fit dog can experience hypotension.

Heart conditions can also be the culprit of low blood pressure and may require surgery to get your pup on the path to recovery. Did you know that some toothy conditions can cause heart problems? Read our article on pet dental health and its link to heart disease in dogs.

Dog hypotension can make your dog feel weak and faint. In extreme situations low blood pressure can stop your dog’s organs from getting enough oxygen and this should be taken seriously with a visit to the vet.

What are the signs of high blood pressure in a dog?

What are the signs of high blood pressure in a dog? In people, high blood pressure may exhibit as reddening of the skin but since dog skin is covered in fur how can we tell?

Your dog may appear to have normal blood pressure when in fact they’re in the early stages of having hypertension.

16 common symptoms

As time goes by some symptoms may start to show and if nothing is done these can lead to worsening and new symptoms. Here’s a list of symptoms that dog hypertension can cause:

1. tilting the head
2. moving in an uncoordinated way
3. heart murmur
4. abnormal heart rhythm
5. nosebleeds
6. constantly dilated pupils
7. hematuria (blood in the urine)
8. spontaneous blindness
9. depression 
10. disorientation
11. seizures 
12. loss of balance
13. detached retina
14. bleeding in the eye
15. increased intake of fluids
16. increased urinating

How to help prevent it

Dogs that are prone to health conditions that can cause secondary hypertension should never forgo their annual vet check. This also applies to older dogs that are more likely to experience hypertension as they age.

Provided dog hypertension is managed well according to vet instructions your dog can live a happy and healthy life.

That’s why the best time to get them dog insurance is when they’re young and before they develop chronic health issues. If you already have a pet policy before a condition arises your plan will help cover the health care costs (provided it’s a listed condition). Read more on why insurance for dogs and cats is worth it, and even more so when they’re puppies and kittens.

Nurture your dog with good nutrition, exercise, stimulation, health care and love while looking out for the above-mentioned symptoms – that will go a long way to prevention.

Dog breeds prone to high blood pressure 

Many purebred dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions and high blood pressure is one of them. This is because a lot of health issues are genetic or hereditary and may be passed to new generations.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of dog breeds that are likelier to have high blood pressure.

• Australian Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Dachshund
• Poodle
• Schnauzer

Dogs can bring down high blood pressure in humans

Humans often have high blood pressure too. Did you know owning a dog can reduce stress levels and help lower blood pressure? Not only that but dogs can also help reduce cholesterol and heart attack!

Read more about the physical benefits of having a dog.

Also read about the many benefits that children growing up with pets can experience.

Award winning dog insurance for a softer landing

While your dog is taking care of you, why not get a dog insurance plan to give them the protection they deserve. PD offers three dog insurance plans that cover a wide range of medical bills. These include treatments from surgery to prescription medication, overnight stays at the vet hospital and far more.

Get one or more months of award winning pet insurance with PD when you buy online. Click below for more.