We all want our pooches to live long, healthy lives, so it's important to keep their hearts healthy. According to iheartdogs.com, heart disease in humans differs from that in dogs. They usually do not get coronary heart disease like us, but most frequently suffer from conditions involving weakening of the heart muscles such as congestive heart failure, particularly in aging canines. Experts say there are things we can do to keep our faithful friends' hearts healthy, but remember that your veterinarian is always the one to consult before adjusting Fido's routine.

• Feed them a healthy diet. The Food and Drug Administration issued an alert warning pet owners that popular grain-free foods containing peas, lentils, legumes, or potatoes as the main ingredients can cause a potentially fatal heart condition in dogs called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dr. Lesley Hack, D.V.M., of Boca Raton, Florida, tells Newsmax: "I would avoid feeding a diet that has a high percentage of potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. You may also want to consider appropriate supplementation to support heart function, depending on your dog's risk factors for heart disease. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet."
• Keep your dog's weight in check. Obesity causes undue strain on the heart. There are many low-fat and low-calorie options to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• Provide exercise. Your pet may be just the right weight, but he or she may not be fit. Fitness involves regular exercise, so include daily cardiovascular activity for your pet such as walking, running, or swimming.
• Practice good dental hygiene. Dental disease has a strong link to heart disease. Schedule regular cleaning so that plaque and tartar don't build up in the dog's mouth and travel into the bloodstream.
• Prevent heartworm disease. A simple monthly pill can prevent heartworm disease that's transmitted by mosquitos and causes inflammation of the blood vessels, restricted blood flow, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure.
• Add coenzyme Q10. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, the famous integrative cardiologist, is also a dog lover and gives his pets CoQ10 drops. "My last three dogs lived to the max on CoQ10, as it just made sense to give them the nutrient," he tells Newsmax. Sinatra has created healthy treats that include CoQ10 derived from salmon, bison, and other sources. You can find more products and information on Dr. Sinatra's website, Ageless Paws.
• Schedule regular veterinary exams. As your pet ages, it's important to see your vet every six months to ensure good heart health. There are symptoms of heart disease that your veterinarian can investigate, such as dry cough after exercise, shortness of breath, rapid weight loss, pale gums, or fatigue, as well as blood tests to determine how efficiently the heart is functioning.