What are the common causes of hypertension in dogs and cats?

In dogs and cats, high blood pressure is commonly linked to kidney disease, endocrine disorders or heart disease, and it may also be age-related. If you notice suspicious signs, ask your vet about further testing.

How can I help monitor blood pressure or symptoms at home?

You can regularly record energy level, appetite, water intake, urination and body weight changes. If home blood pressure monitoring is possible, discuss suitable equipment and technique with your vet.

How can hypertension affect a dog or cat's eyes or kidneys?

Long-term high blood pressure can cause bleeding at the back of the eye, vision damage and worsening kidney function. Early detection and monitoring can reduce long-term organ damage, so arrange tests as recommended by your vet.

How often does my pet need follow-up after treatment starts?

Follow-up frequency depends on the condition and response to treatment. Early on, blood pressure, blood and urine tests are often checked every few weeks; once stable, the interval may be extended. Follow your vet's recheck plan.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Hypertension in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Blood Pressure Checks & Organ Assessment [2025]

Systemic hypertension in dogs and cats is often secondary to kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and other conditions. It can damage the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. Cats are often diagnosed after sudden blindness, and long-term medication is usually needed for control.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AAHA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Immediate Emergency Care

•Sudden blindness or significant vision loss accompanied by behavioral changes
•Persistent vomiting in large amounts or inability to eat for several hours
•Confusion or unresponsiveness and not reacting when called

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably decreased energy and significantly reduced activity level
•Persistent loss of appetite for more than two days with beginning weight loss
•Frequent urination or significantly increased water intake

01What symptoms may indicate a problem?

Hypertension in dogs and cats often causes non-specific whole-body signs that may affect energy, appetite, urine output and the eyes, so it can be difficult to identify from behaviour alone.

Low energy and a clear drop in activity; keep a record of the trend
Ongoing vomiting or a marked loss of appetite that needs veterinary assessment
Gradual weight loss or reduced muscle mass; a clinic check is recommended
Changes in urination frequency or water intake, which may suggest kidney involvement
Seek veterinary care promptly if there is bleeding in the eye, blurred vision or abnormal findings at the back of the eye

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Sudden loss of vision or significant bleeding in the eye
⚠️ Repeated severe vomiting or being unable to eat for several hours
⚠️ Confusion, inability to wake, or no response when called

02How can you assess changes at home? Key observations and emergency warning signs

Systematic records at home help your vet understand the condition more quickly and monitor how well treatment is working.

Record daily changes in alertness and activity level
Track food intake at the same time each day and note whether your pet eats voluntarily
Record each vomiting episode, including frequency, timing and possible triggers
Weigh your pet regularly each week and write down any changes
Record daily urination frequency, urine colour and any difficulty passing urine
Bring these notes to the appointment to help speed up diagnosis and treatment planning

03How will the vet diagnose it? Common tests

At the clinic, blood pressure measurement is the starting point, combined with blood, urine and imaging tests to assess how much the organs have been affected.

Physical examination

blood pressure measurement, heart and lung auscultation, and overall health assessment

Blood tests

complete blood count and biochemistry to assess kidney, liver and other organ function

Urine tests

urine specific gravity and urine protein assessment to evaluate kidney strain

Fundic eye examination and cardiac ultrasound to assess damage to the eyes and heart

Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI, or referral to a specialist, may be recommended when needed

04How is it treated and managed after diagnosis? Medication, diet and care guide

Treatment mainly involves long-term medication and lifestyle management, with regular monitoring of blood pressure and organ function so the plan can be adjusted.

Start or adjust long-term blood pressure medication based on your vet's assessment
Follow dietary adjustments and a nutrition plan, tailored to your pet's organ function
Monitor blood pressure and symptoms regularly at home, and record changes for your vet
Attend regular rechecks to monitor blood pressure, blood test results and urine test results
Referral to a cardiology or kidney specialist may be recommended for further management
Follow the recheck schedule, as your vet will adjust the monitoring frequency based on test results

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key details that help identify the cause quickly

Write down when symptoms started, how often they occur and how they have changed

Prepare records of daily food intake, water intake and urination frequency

Bring a list of current medications and any supplements your pet is taking

Prepare videos of vomiting episodes or behaviour changes for the vet to review

Bring previous test reports or imaging results, if available

Call ahead to book an appointment and explain that blood pressure measurement and blood tests may be needed

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Anorexia

Loss of appetite

Anxiety

Nervousness

Arrhythmia

Irregular heart rhythm

Ataxia

Incoordination

Blindness

Vision loss

Pollakiuria

Frequent urination