Dog had very high blood pressure, but was struggling and fighting through the measurement. High blood pressure due to stressful situation or medical problem?

Thanks for reaching out — I completely understand why you're worried. It's definitely concerning when our pups show signs of stress, especially during something like getting their blood pressure checked.



In dogs, high blood pressure or hypertension can be due to two main reasons: a stressful situation or an underlying medical condition. Just like us, dogs can experience "white coat syndrome," where their blood pressure spikes because they're anxious at the vet's office.



However, persistent hypertension could point to health issues like kidney disease, heart problems, or an endocrine disorder. Since your dog was struggling during the measurement, it's possible the high blood pressure was stress-induced.



At home, try to keep things calm before your vet visits. You can practice mock exams, gently handling paws and ears, rewarding with treats, to make your dog feel more comfortable. Additionally, ensuring your dog gets regular exercise and has a balanced diet may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.



Watch out for signs like excessive panting, restlessness, or changes in behavior, appetite, or urination patterns — these could suggest a more serious problem.



I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to discuss your dog's symptoms and any underlying concerns more thoroughly and determine if further testing or monitoring is needed.