Veterinary Guide to High Cholesterol in Dogs 2025 ⚕️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🧬 What Is High Cholesterol in Dogs?

High cholesterol—also called hyperlipidemia—is when both cholesterol and triglyceride levels stay abnormally elevated in the bloodstream, even after a 12 hr fast. Normal cholesterol ranges between ~120–270 mg/dL; levels above this are considered high.

🚨 Causes: Why It Happens

• Transient: a high-fat meal—levels usually return to normal in 7–12 hrs.
• Secondary: endocrine disease (hypothyroidism, Cushing’s, diabetes), pancreatitis, obesity, kidney disease, and meds like steroids.
• Primary (idiopathic/genetic): common in Miniature Schnauzers, Beagles, Shelties, Poodles; often due to lipoprotein lipase deficiencies.

👀 Clinical Signs & Risks

Often asymptomatic—but watch for:

• Fatty eye changes (corneal/cloudy white spots).
• GI distress—vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Increased risk of pancreatitis and seizures with high triglycerides.
• Skin issues—itching, xanthomas, hair loss.
• Neurological signs when lipids are present.

🔬 Diagnosing High Cholesterol

1. Fasted blood lipid panel after 12 hours.
2. Repeat the test if elevated.
3. Full diagnostic work-up: CBC, chem, thyroid, endocrine tests, pancreatitis panel, urinalysis—rule out secondary disease.
4. Lipoprotein analysis or lipase activity testing for primary cases.

🥗 Treatment & Management

1. Dietary Therapy

• Prescribe low-fat diets (<20% fat ME; ultra-low <1–4 g/100 kcal).
• High-fiber soluble ingredients help lower cholesterol absorption.
• Avoid treats/table scraps; home-cooked diets are possible via vets/nutritionists.

2. Underlying Disease Management

Treating hypothyroidism, diabetes, Cushing’s, pancreatitis, etc., often lowers lipid levels spontaneously.

3. Supplements & Medications

• Omega‑3 fish oil: 200 mg/kg/day reduces triglycerides & cholesterol.
• Niacin or chitosan: B-vitamin or fiber supplement; limited evidence, potential side effects.
• Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate): normalize triglycerides in ~86–100%; fenofibrate is often most effective.
• Statins or bile acid sequestrants: reserved for severe hypercholesterolemia (>750 mg/dL); monitor liver/muscle enzymes.

📈 Monitoring & Prognosis

• Recheck fasted lipids at 4–8 weeks post-diet change.
• If medications are used, follow up every 1–3 months with panel, liver & muscle labs.
• Manage secondary disease for long-term control.
• With a dedicated diet, management, and meds, most dogs do well long-term. Primary cases require lifelong commitment.

📋 At‑Home Owner Tips

• Always feed a 12 hr fast before lipid tests; no treats allowed before test sampling.
• Consistency: same diet, portions, and feeding times daily.
• Exercise: regular low-impact activity to support metabolism.
• Track appetite, energy, GI health, seizures;
• Use non-slip surfaces and home calm areas if neurologic signs appear.
• Keep emergency medications (e.g., for a pancreatitis flare) ready.

📱 Ask A Vet Ecosystem Integration

• Telehealth follow-up: monitoring lipid results, adjusting diet/meds remotely.
• Assist with obtaining and learning to administer home blood/lipid tests.

📚 Real‑World Case: “Max” the Miniature Schnauzer

“Max,” an 8‑year‑old Schnauzer, was diagnosed with triglyceride = 900 mg/dL and cholesterol = 500 mg/dL. On a low-fat prescription diet, omega-3, and fenofibrate, lipids normalized (<300/200 mg/dL) over six weeks. Pancreatitis signs resolved. Six‑month follow-up shows continued stability on diet + fish oil, medication tapered. Owner reports, “Max is back to chasing leaves and feeling his old self!” 🐾

🔚 Final Takeaways

1. High cholesterol (>270 mg/dL) needs investigation—fasted repeat & full work-up.
2. Address secondary diseases—often resolves hyperlipidemia.
3. Low-fat/fiber-rich diets are cornerstone therapy; may need meds in severe cases.
4. Regular monitoring with diet or med changes is crucial.
5. With proper care, most dogs live happily, even long-term.

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet founder. Download the Ask A Vet app for continuous support in lipid management—your dog deserves healthy longevity! 🐶❤️.