11/10/2026
🩺🐾 The Importance of Blood Pressure Checks in Our Pets! 🐾🩺
Meet the lovely Lola! 💕 Lola came in for a blood pressure check, but she had other ideas about how she wanted it done… so our lovely VCA Grace became the perfect alternative table! 😂❤️
Who needs a proper examination table when you have a willing team member to stand on? 🤣 We always try to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible, even if that means thinking outside the box!
🩺 But why are blood pressure checks important in our pets?
Just like us, cats and dogs can suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always cause obvious signs in the early stages, which is why monitoring can be so important.
High blood pressure can damage vital organs, particularly:
👀 The eyes – potentially causing retinal damage or even blindness.
🫘 The kidneys – potentially worsening existing kidney disease.
🧠 The brain – increasing the risk of neurological problems.
❤️ The heart – making it work harder than it should.
Blood pressure checks are particularly important for older pets and those with certain medical conditions, including kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in cats.
The good news? 💗 Measuring blood pressure is usually quick and non-invasive, using a small cuff, similar to the one used for people. Keeping our patients calm and comfortable helps us get the most accurate reading possible.
Lola certainly reminded us that sometimes, all you need is a little patience, a bit of creativity and a very lovely VCA Grace! 😂🐾
📞 If your pet is getting older or has an ongoing medical condition, speak to our team about whether regular blood pressure monitoring could benefit them.
