High Blood Pressure in Dogs (Systemic Arterial Hypertension)

  • Synonyms: High blood pressure, arterial hypertension, aHT
  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of disease: General/Whole body
Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 15.10.2026
Open table of contents

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

?

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Download/Print

Definition

Arterial Hypertension in dogs, also known as systemic hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. This condition can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

The most important facts at a glance

Arterial hypertension in dogs results from disturbances in the regulation of cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. Primary hypertension is rare and occurs without an identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension is more common and is caused by underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or diabetes mellitus. Symptoms can range from Restlessness and Panting to severe signs such as retinal detachment or blindness. diagnosis is made by measuring blood pressure in a stress-free environment, as well as blood and urine tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment targets the underlying disease but may also include antihypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blockers. A low-salt diet and weight reduction can also help. The prognosis depends on the cause and timely diagnosis; untreated hypertension can lead to complications. prevention measures focus on avoiding underlying diseases through regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a healthy body weight. Research into arterial hypertension in dogs is investigating risk factors, genetic predisposition, and optimizing treatment methods to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

Causes

Arterial blood pressure is regulated by the interplay of cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. In dogs, as in humans, a certain blood pressure is necessary to supply the body with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher value and occurs when the heart pumps blood into the arteries; diastolic pressure is the lower value, indicating the pressure between heartbeats.

Normally, blood pressure is kept in balance by various mechanisms in the body. These include the nervous system, hormonal controls, and kidney function. If one of these control mechanisms is disturbed, it can lead to a permanent increase in blood pressure.

The causes of arterial hypertension in dogs can be primary or secondary. Primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension, occurs without an identifiable cause and is rare in dogs. More common is secondary hypertension, which is the result of an underlying disease.

Common causes of secondary hypertension in dogs include chronic kidney diseases, endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Certain medications and a diet too high in salt can also increase blood pressure. In some cases, Overweight can also contribute to high blood pressure.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of arterial hypertension in dogs are often nonspecific and can easily be overlooked. Owners often only notice symptoms once complications have already occurred. Possible symptoms include increased Lethargy, Respiratory distress, nosebleeds, and Behavioral changes such as sudden Aggressiveness or confusion.

Further symptoms may include reduced vision or even Blindness, as the increased pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina of the eyes. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as seizures can occur if the elevated blood pressure affects the brain vessels.

The combination of thirst and increased urination (polyuria and polydipsia), nosebleeds, or sudden vision problems is suspicious.

Therapy

The treatment of arterial hypertension in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If an underlying disease, such as kidney disease or a hormonal imbalance, is responsible, it is treated primary. In many cases, this can lead to a normalization of blood pressure.

If a specific cause cannot be identified or hypertension persists despite treatment of the underlying disease, antihypertensive medications are used. These include ACE inhibitor, which dilate the blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure, as well as calcium channel blockers, which reduce muscle tension in the vessel walls.

In addition to medication, adjusting the diet can be helpful. A low-salt diet can have a positive effect on blood pressure. In some cases, weight loss in overweight dogs can also have a positive effect on blood pressure.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with arterial hypertension depends heavily on the underlying cause and timely diagnosis. If an underlying disease can be successfully treated, the prognosis is often good. For chronic conditions that are not fully curable, long-term therapy may be necessary to control blood pressure and prevent complications.

If left untreated, arterial hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart, kidney, and eye damage. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the quality of life of the affected dog.

Prevention

Since primary hypertension is rare in dogs, prevention measures primarily focus on avoiding and controlling underlying diseases that can cause secondary hypertension. Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to detect and treat conditions such as kidney problems or endocrine disorders early.

A balanced diet and a healthy body weight can also help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. A low-salt diet and regular exercise are important factors in keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.

For dogs who already suffer from diseases that increase the risk of high blood pressure, regular monitoring of blood pressure by the veterinarian is advisable in order to intervene early.

Outlook on current research

Research into arterial hypertension in dogs has gained importance in recent years, as this condition often goes undetected and can have serious health consequences. Current studies focus on identifying risk factors and genetic predisposition that make dogs more susceptible to high blood pressure. Scientists are also investigating the effects of high blood pressure on various organ systems, particularly the kidneys, heart, and eyes, to improve understanding of disease progression.

A number of studies are currently testing the effectiveness of various drug treatments, including the use of ACE inhibitor, calcium channel blockers, and other antihypertensive medications commonly used in human medicine. Researchers are trying to determine which medications are most effective and how best to integrate them into treatment protocols. Optimizing dosage and minimizing side effect are also key topics of ongoing research.

Another promising area of research is the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods. Currently, blood pressure in dogs is often measured with inflatable cuffs, which can be stressful and distort the measurement results. New technologies and methods could enable more accurate measurements in the future that are less burdensome for the animal. In addition, research is examining how regular blood pressure measurements can be integrated into routine check-ups to promote early detection of the disease.

Genetic research also offers interesting opportunities to understand the susceptibility of certain breeds to high blood pressure. By identifying genetic markers and changes, targeted breeding programs could be developed in the future that reduce the risk of inheritance of this disease. Some studies also deal with epigenetic factors that influence gene expression and may contribute to the development of high blood pressure.

In summary, research into arterial hypertension in dogs aims to improve both diagnosis and treatment. With a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new technologies, significant progress could be made in the coming years that improves the quality of life of affected dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is arterial hypertension in dogs?
Arterial hypertension in dogs, also called systemic high blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the dog's arteries is chronically elevated. This can lead to damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes. -
2. What symptoms does a dog with high blood pressure show?
Symptoms can be nonspecific and often include increased drinking and urination, nosebleeds, behavioral changes, visual disturbances, or even seizures. However, high blood pressure often goes unnoticed for a long time, as the symptoms can be subtle. -
3. How is high blood pressure in dogs diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made through repeated blood pressure measurements. An inflatable cuff is used, similar to that used in humans. An accurate diagnosis often requires multiple measurements to account for stress and other factors. -
4. What causes arterial hypertension in dogs?
High blood pressure in dogs can occur as primary, without an underlying disease, or secondary as a result of another condition such as kidney disease, Cushing's syndrome, or diabetes mellitus. -
5. Can high blood pressure in dogs be treated?
Yes, high blood pressure can usually be treated with a combination of medication therapy and lifestyle changes. Treatment aims to lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of organ damage. -
6. Which medications are used to treat high blood pressure in dogs?
Commonly used medications include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers. The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause and the individual health condition of the dog. -
7. Are there specific breeds that are more susceptible to high blood pressure?
Some breeds may be genetically more susceptible to high blood pressure, although this is still the subject of research. It is believed that older dogs generally have a higher risk, as do those with a family history of high blood pressure or chronic diseases. -
8. How often should a dog's blood pressure be measured?
For dogs at increased risk or already diagnosed with high blood pressure, regular blood pressure checks should be part of routine veterinary care. The veterinarian can determine the frequency of measurements based on the dog's health condition. -
9. Can high blood pressure affect a dog's life expectancy?
Yes, untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems that can significantly shorten a dog's life expectancy. However, through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the risk of complications can be reduced. -
10. What can I do to reduce my dog's risk of high blood pressure?
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and controlling overweight are important measures to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, regular veterinary examinations should be maintained to detect and treat health problems early.

Literature

  • de Sousa, F. G., Queiroz, F. S. F., Muzzi, R. A. L., Veado, J. C. C., & Beier, S. L. (2025). Systemic arterial hypertension and factors associated with blood pressure dysregulation in companion animals. Veterinary Sciences, 12(5), Article 453. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050453
  • Acierno, M. J., Brown, S., Coleman, A. E., Jepson, R. E., Papich, M. G., Stepien, R. L., & Syme, H. M. (2018). ACVIM consensus statement: Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(6), 1803–1822. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15331
  • Beeston, D., Jepson, R., & Cortellini, S. (2022). Evaluation of presentation, treatment and outcome in hypertensive emergency in dogs and cats: 15 cases (2003–2019). Journal of Small Animal Practice, 63(10), 784–791. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13530
  • Cole, L. P., Jepson, R., Dawson, C., & Humm, K. (2020). Hypertension, retinopathy, and acute kidney injury in dogs: A prospective study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(5), 1940–1947. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15839
  • Wehner, A., Hartmann, K., & Hirschberger, J. (2008). Associations between proteinuria, systemic hypertension and glomerular filtration rate in dogs with renal and non-renal diseases. Veterinary Record, 162(5), 141–147. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.162.5.141
  • Brown, S., Atkins, C., Bagley, R., Carr, A., Cowgill, L., Davidson, M., Egner, B., Elliott, J., Henik, R., Labato, M., Littman, M., Polzin, D., Ross, L., Snyder, P., & Stepien, R. (2007). Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(3), 542–558. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03005.x
  • Cortadellas, O., Fernández del Palacio, M. J., Bayón, A., Albert, A., & Talavera, J. (2006). Systemic hypertension in dogs with leishmaniasis: Prevalence and clinical consequences. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(4), 941–947. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb01809.x
  • Finco, D. R. (2004). Association of systemic hypertension with renal injury in dogs with induced renal failure. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 18(3), 289–294. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2004.tb02547.x
  • de Sousa, F. G., Queiroz, F. S. F., Muzzi, R. A. L., Veado, J. C. C., & Beier, S. L. (2025). Systemic arterial hypertension and factors associated with blood pressure dysregulation in companion animals. Veterinary Sciences, 12(5), Article 453. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050453
  • Acierno, M. J., Brown, S., Coleman, A. E., Jepson, R. E., Papich, M. G., Stepien, R. L., & Syme, H. M. (2018). ACVIM consensus statement: Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(6), 1803–1822. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15331
  • Beeston, D., Jepson, R., & Cortellini, S. (2022). Evaluation of presentation, treatment and outcome in hypertensive emergency in dogs and cats: 15 cases (2003–2019). Journal of Small Animal Practice, 63(10), 784–791. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13530
  • Cole, L. P., Jepson, R., Dawson, C., & Humm, K. (2020). Hypertension, retinopathy, and acute kidney injury in dogs: A prospective study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(5), 1940–1947. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15839
  • Wehner, A., Hartmann, K., & Hirschberger, J. (2008). Associations between proteinuria, systemic hypertension and glomerular filtration rate in dogs with renal and non-renal diseases. Veterinary Record, 162(5), 141–147. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.162.5.141
  • Brown, S., Atkins, C., Bagley, R., Carr, A., Cowgill, L., Davidson, M., Egner, B., Elliott, J., Henik, R., Labato, M., Littman, M., Polzin, D., Ross, L., Snyder, P., & Stepien, R. (2007). Guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and management of systemic hypertension in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(3), 542–558. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03005.x
  • Cortadellas, O., Fernández del Palacio, M. J., Bayón, A., Albert, A., & Talavera, J. (2006). Systemic hypertension in dogs with leishmaniasis: Prevalence and clinical consequences. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(4), 941–947. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb01809.x
  • Finco, D. R. (2004). Association of systemic hypertension with renal injury in dogs with induced renal failure. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 18(3), 289–294. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2004.tb02547.x