The heart is one of the most important organs in your dog’s body, working tirelessly to keep them alive and full of energy. With every beat, the heart delivers oxygen-rich blood packed with nutrients to the muscles, organs, and tissues.
Once the blood arrives, it carries away waste products that would be expelled.
Because the heart is central to a dog’s overall health, its ability to pump blood is vital. This is where we’ll look into it, mostly when talking about spotting the signs of heart disease in dogs. But first, what is it?
Key Points
Dogs of any age or breed can develop heart disease.
Heart disease in dogs can be congenital or acquired.
Common signs include respiratory problems, lethargy, a swollen abdomen, pale gums, and fainting.
What Is Heart Disease in Dogs?
Heart disease in dogs is a condition that can affect any breed, age, or size. A healthy heart is essential for pumping blood and delivering oxygen throughout the body, so when it isn’t working as it should, a dog’s overall health can quickly suffer.
This isn’t just one single disease, but several conditions, all with multiple characteristics and severity. These can be abnormalities, structural deformities, functional issues, or acquired conditions.
Now, let’s move on to how we can spot the symptoms of heart failure in dogs.
10 Common Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs
Most heart diseases in dogs develop slowly over time, which is one of the reasons why they’re difficult to spot early on. Still, there will be some symptoms that could signal some heart problems in dogs. These include:
Persistent Coughing
A lingering cough can be one of the first signs of heart disease in dogs. This can happen because of an enlarged heart pressing on other organs, and fluid buildup in the lungs due to inefficient heart pumping. This symptom is often a common sign of congestive heart failure.
Difficulty Breathing
Dogs with heart problems may also struggle to breathe comfortably, even when they aren’t that active lately. When the heart can’t pump blood properly, the fluid may start to build up in the lungs, which then makes it difficult to breathe.
You might notice some deep breathing getting faster than usual. Your dog might also pant excessively to try to get enough oxygen.
Lethargy and Weakness
If your once active dog seems to slow down or become more tired than usual, then heart problems could be one of the many reasons. The body gets less oxygen when the heart doesn't pump blood efficiently. This makes dogs get tired more easily.
Exercise Intolerance
Along with fatigue, dogs can develop exercise intolerance, which is when they cannot handle the level of activity they normally do. Affected dogs can feel very exhausted after simple activities.
Loss of Appetite and Weight
Heart disease in dogs can also lead to reduced appetite, eventually resulting in weight loss. You might notice that they do not respond to their favorite foods and treats. Plus, their bodies will work harder to keep up with the heart’s demands. This means more muscle loss.
Swollen Abdomen
A bloated belly, also known as ascites in dogs, can be another warning sign of heart problems. This comes from poor circulation as the fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity.
Blue or Pale Gums
Healthy gums should be pink. If your dog’s gums look pale or bluish, it’s a red flag. This change in color means that your dog is not getting enough oxygen because of the heart’s poor pumping.
Fainting and Collapse
Some dogs may also faint because they are not receiving enough blood to the brain. This can happen when dogs with heart disease exercise, get excited, or stand up quickly.
Pacing and Restlessness
Dogs with heart disease may struggle to get comfortable, especially at night. They may pace around the house, shift positions often, or appear restless when trying to sleep. This is mainly because the condition can make it hard for them to relax.
Changes in Behavior
Because of the pain and discomfort, dogs can have noticeable shifts in their behavior. Some can be aggressive, irritable, or nervous, while others will try to hide, avoid interaction, and lose interest in the things they love.
Common Types of Heart Disease in Dogs
There are two categories of heart disease in dogs: congenital and acquired.
Congenital Heart Disease
These are heart problems in dogs that they are born with. Congenital heart disease consists of structural deformities that affect the heart's function.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart disease in dogs where the blood vessel ductus arteriosus does not close after birth. This vessel normally allows blood to bypass the lungs in a fetus.
However, it should close after birth so the blood can circulate through the lungs. If it remains open, blood will flow abnormally between the heart and lungs, putting strain on the heart muscle.
Dogs with PDA may exhibit common signs of heart disease, like coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and poor growth. In most cases, PDA will be diagnosed when a continuous heart murmur is observed during diagnostic tests at the clinic.
PDA can cause irreversible damage to a dog’s heart, meaning that urgent treatment is essential. In most cases, our veterinary surgeons will manage the condition, as surgery is typically required.
Pulmonic Stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis refers to a congenital heart disease in dogs, wherein the valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery is narrowed. Because of this narrowing, issues such as congestive heart failure and death become a greater risk.
Labrador Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Boxers are common victims of this disease.
Some common signs of pulmonic stenosis include difficulty breathing, fainting, exercise intolerance, and the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. In most cases, these symptoms can appear at any time during a dog’s life.
Balloon valvuloplasty is usually the preferred treatment for pulmonic stenosis as it is minimally invasive. The goal of this treatment option is to widen the valve and create proper blood flow.
Subaortic Stenosis
Subaortic stenosis occurs when there is a constriction below the aortic valve. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are some of the most commonly affected by this disease.
Dogs with heart disease can be observed to be weaker and more exhausted, having more difficulty breathing. The signs can range from mild symptoms, such as fainting, to dire ones, such as death.
The treatment procedure will depend on the situation of your dog’s SAS. Usually, no treatment is needed for mild cases. If the SAS condition worsens as your dog grows, beta-blockers may be necessary to help reduce the heart's workload and control abnormal heart rhythms.
Acquired Heart Diseases in Dogs
Acquired types of heart disease develop later in life, often due to age, infections, or other health problems. These conditions are more common in older dogs or certain breeds.
Mitral Valve Disease
Mitral valve disease is one of the most common forms of heart disease in dogs, especially in smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. In this disease, the mitral valve doesn’t function as it’s supposed to, which causes some blood to leak in the wrong direction.
The earliest signs of heart disease in dogs don’t usually appear until later in life. These symptoms include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and a decreased appetite.
MVD is managed with medications such as diuretics. These medicines help reduce fluid buildup and strain on the heart. Other medications improve heart muscle function and protect the kidneys.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and stretched, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Breeds such as Newfoundlands, Boxers, and Dobermans are at a higher risk.
Dogs with DCM may appear lethargic, have a reduced appetite, and develop an intolerance to exercise. As this heart problem worsens, dogs might faint during playtime.
DCM is usually managed rather than cured. ACE inhibitors help the heart pump blood more easily. Diuretics help remove fluid buildup in the lungs, reducing strain on the heart muscle and improving your dog’s ability to breathe.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is another common type of heart disease in dogs, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These heartworms are long and can live in a dog’s heart and pulmonary arteries for several years.
Some of the earliest signs of heart disease due to heartworms include coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, congestive heart failure, collapse, or even sudden death may occur.
Heartworm disease can be cured with injectable drugs that kill the heartworms. To help keep your dog free from these parasites, heartworm preventives will be administered. These medications prevent younger heartworms from developing.
Supplementary medications such as steroids help reduce the inflammation present.
“Early diagnosis gives us the best chance to manage the condition and improve your dog’s quality of life.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Heart disease in dogs can be concerning, which is why it’s essential to understand the signs so we can provide immediate vet care. Knowing each sign can put us one step closer to helping your dog through this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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