Heart Disease In Dogs

Heart disease in dogs often goes unnoticed until a dog displays severe symptoms.  Early detection gives your dog a very good chance of living a long and happy life.

As with people, heart disease in dogs can either be congenital (from birth) or acquired during life.  Acquired heart disease, especially that which develops during middle age, is the most common.

There are two common types of heart disease in dogs.

In the first type, the dog’s heart valve can no longer close properly.  This causes abnormal blood flow.

In the second type, the muscular walls of the heart become thin and weak.

Each of these kinds of heart disease develop slowly over time.  They both result in heart failure which is an ongoing condition and a major threat to a dog’s health.  An estimated 3.2 million dogs in the United States have a form of acquired heart disease at any one time and may exhibit heart failure.  It’s important to know that when your dog has heart failure the heart is unable to pump blood sufficiently to meet the body’s needs.  The heart may work harder to pump the blood, but this can cause more heart damage.

The early signs of heart failure may produce no symptoms.  At this stage it has to be caught by a veterinarian.  As heart failure worsens the heart will enlarge, there may be coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing.  If your dog has severe heart failure he will have trouble breathing even at rest, he may faint, he will have a great intolerance to exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Heart failure can be detected during your dog’s regular check-up by his veterinarian. If your vet suspects heart disease he may need blood and urine tests, x-rays, an EKG or other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no cure for heart disease but there are treatments.  The earlier the problem is detected the better your dog’s chances to avoid severe problems.  Keeping your dog on a good diet and making sure that he has regular moderate exercise are important.  Obesity can lead to heart disease.  If your dog has heart disease you should begin helping him to slowly lose weight.

Many dogs with heart disease live into old age.

Dogs do not develop plaque in the blood vesicles so they don’t get heart attacks.

Your veterinarian may treat your dog with a medication like those used for humans with similar conditions, such as diuretics like Lasix, ACE inhibitors like Enacard, Inodilators like Vetmedin, anti-arryhthmics such as propranolol.  Your dog may also be put on a low-sodium diet. Coenzyme-Q may also be suggested since it’s been helpful in people with some heart problems.  Omega-3 fatty acids, L-Carnitine and Taurine may also be suggested.

You and your veterinarian will work together to find what helps your dog and alleviates his symptoms.  Your dog’s behavior will always be one of the most important guides for you, in addition to check-ups with your veterinarian.  You may not be able to cure your dog’s heart disease but you can help him live a very long and happy life.