Symptoms your dog may have heart disease

By Scott Lackenby | Dated September 11, 2015

Heart Disease in dogs is quite a common condition. There are two different classes of heart disease in dogs. “Congenital”, where the heart disease is present at birth and may be inherited from the puppy’s parents. The other group is called “Acquired” Heart Disease, where the illness develops later in life, usually in middle aged or older dogs. Acquired Heart Disease is more common and the most common type is Chronic Valvular Disease. “Heart Disease” is the earlier stage of a heart condition and it often progresses to “Heart Failure”. Below are some symptoms to look out for in your dog.

What happens in heart disease?

Even though there are different types of heart disease, they all cause the same result – the heart cannot function properly. In the early stages of heart disease, dogs are able to compensate for their heart not working as well. It just has to work harder, but you may not notice any symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses your dog’s heart may no longer be able to make adjustments and you start to see symptoms. The symptoms usually develop gradually, but sometimes there can be a sudden episode. It is very important that you seek veterinary advice as soon as you suspect anything in your dog. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of heart disease can make a big difference to your dog’s health.

What are the symptoms of heart disease in dogs?

It is best to take your dog to the vet if he is showing any symptoms.

In older dogs, the signs of heart disease can be mistaken for ageing as some are similar. It is best to take your dog to the vet if he is showing any of the following symptoms:

• Tiring easily / lethargic
• Reluctance to exercise / not wanting to go for walks
• A change in behaviour / becoming withdrawn
• Coughing – A dry cough after exercise or a cough that worsens at night
• Restlessness, especially at night
• Changes in breathing – e.g. shortness of breath
• Fainting / collapsing
• Swollen abdomen (pot belly) – this is in severe disease

What will the vet notice on examination?

Your vet will do a thorough physical examination and ask you questions about how your dog has been at home. For example, if his behaviour has been different recently. The vet will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Heart disease in dogs is identified by a “heart murmur”. A heart murmur is turbulent blood flow around the heart that creates vibrations and it can be heard with a stethoscope. Your vet will also check for an arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat) and listen to the lungs to check if there is any fluid (congestion) caused by heart disease. The vet may recommend a series of tests for your dog that will determine the extent of the disease. This will include an x –ray, a blood test, an ultrasound (echocardiogram) and an electrocardiogram (ECG) if an arrhythmia is detected.

Can heart disease in dogs be treated?

Some congenital heart conditions (i.e. present at birth) can be fixed surgically, but the majority of heart disease in dogs is not curable.

Some congenital heart conditions (i.e. present at birth) can be fixed surgically, but the majority of heart disease in dogs is not curable. It can only be managed. Many dogs with heart murmurs caused by chronic valvular disease may not show symptoms for years. However heart disease is mostly progressive, so that dogs eventually deteriorate and show symptoms. The dog’s prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and their general health and age. Treatment is aimed at slowing down the disease and managing the symptoms. It should be started at the first sign of symptoms. I.e. the earlier you seek treatment, usually the longer your dog’s lifespan will be and their quality of life better. Medications are used to clear the congestion of fluid in the lungs and help the heart to beat / pump blood more effectively around the body. Your vet will advise you on the most appropriate medication for your dog.