By Kathleen Buffington
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease in dogs refers to any condition that affects the normal functioning of the heart, its valves, or the blood vessels connected to it. Heart disease can either be present from birth or acquired over the course of your dog’s life. The majority of dog heart disease is acquired, usually due to general wear and tear, but occasionally through injury or infection. Even puppies and younger dogs may have heart issues. Dogs don’t display signs of heart disease right away. Having your dog checked regularly by your veterinarian can help detect or prevent heart problems in your dog.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart fails to adequately pump blood to the body, leading to fluid accumulation in various body tissues and organs. When fluid accumulates in or around a dog’s lungs, it prohibits the lungs from expanding normally and prevents oxygen from moving into the bloodstream properly. This can cause a variety of signs and health issues. Common causes of CHF in dogs include underlying heart diseases such as myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Signs of Congestive Heart Failure
Depending on how severe a dog’s congestive heart failure is, signs may occur when a dog is resting, during mild exercise, or moderate or extreme exertion. If any of these signs are noted in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Symptoms can include:
- Coughing, especially during or after exercise or while resting
- Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
- Tiring easily during physical activity or exercise intolerance
- Lethargy or weakness
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Abdominal distension or bloating
- Restlessness, pacing, or discomfort
- Fainting–or collapse in severe cases
Major Types of Heart Disease That Can Lead to CHF
MMVD is the most common type of heart disease in dogs, particularly in small to medium-sized breeds. Dogs with this type of heart disease develop distorted heart valves, which no longer close properly. Veterinarians can hear the backward blood flow, referred to as a heart murmur, with a stethoscope.
Predisposed dog breeds:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Maltese
- Miniature Poodle
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
DCM is a condition most commonly seen in larger-breed dogs. The heart of dogs with DCM is stretched and thinned, resulting in the heart being unable to effectively pump blood.
Predisposed dog breeds:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Doberman Pinscher
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Irish Wolfhound
- Labrador Retriever
Screening and Management of Heart Diseases
Early Screening of Heart Diseases
A veterinarian diagnoses cardiovascular disease by reviewing a pet’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and interpreting the results of specific tests or imaging procedures.
Early detection of heart disease can be found through chest x-rays, also called radiographs, which are used to detect potential heart enlargement, and lung changes. Regular veterinary checkups are an important part of managing your dog's cardiovascular health.
Treating Heart Disease
The goal of treatment is improving heart muscle performance, improving blood flow, slowing disease progression, and ultimately improving quality of life. Typically, dogs will be prescribed several medications. If the cause of CHF is a congenital abnormality, surgical correction may help to reverse heart failure. The veterinarian wants to reduce fluid buildup and maximize the amount of blood being pumped to the lungs and the rest of the body. If left untreated, continued damage will occur, which can lead to worsening symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Dogs can be born with heart disease.
Heart disease can either be present from birth or acquired over the course of your dog’s life.
There are 2 common causes of CHF.
There are 2 types of CHF, myxomatous mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
The goal is to improve heart muscle performance.
The goal of CHF treatment is improving heart muscle performance, improving blood flow, slowing disease progression, and ultimately improving quality of life.
Every dog is different.
Not all dogs with heart disease will go into CHF.
CHF can be treated.
CHF can be managed through medication, diet, exercise, and/or surgery.
Work with your veterinarian.
Working with your veterinarian is important to implement the proper treatment plan, which could include management medications.
Author: Kathleen Buffington
Kathleen “Kat” Buffington graduated from the University of Georgia’s School of Agriculture with a degree in biology. She began an over decade-long career in the animal health industry where she’s pursued her passion: training & educating others in all aspects of animal health. Outside of her career, she enjoys spending time with her friends & family, including 2 cats & 2 dogs.