{"id":59621,"date":"2022-07-27T10:00:22","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T10:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/?p=59621"},"modified":"2022-07-28T09:42:57","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T09:42:57","slug":"heart-problems-in-dogs-what-are-the-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/heart-problems-in-dogs-what-are-the-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Problems in Dogs: What Are the Symptoms?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although heart attacks are incredibly rare in dogs, <\/span><b>heart disease is much more common<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, affecting up to 15% of dogs. Heart problems in dogs include <\/span><b>congestive heart failure, canine cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis, and canine valvular disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Failure to detect and treat any of these conditions<\/span><b> can lead to heart failure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, most heart problems in dogs can\u2019t be prevented. However, <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/blog\/vet-tech-how-digital-transformation-is-impacting-modern-veterinary-clinics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">early diagnosis and treatment<\/a> enable you to manage the condition and improve the quality of life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of a dog. This means that it is vital that you recognize the signs and symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s take a look at the most common symptoms so that you know what to look out for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160\" class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\"><span id=\"hs-cta-1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160\" class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160\"><!-- [if lte IE 8]>\n\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6092775\/1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"hs-cta-img-1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" style=\"border-width: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6092775\/1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160.png\" alt=\"Would you like to know what benefits Dinbeat UNO can offer to your veterinary clinic? Click anddownload the complete catalogue. \u00a0\" \/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6092775, '1dd69235-c66a-4f06-937f-d502ffcf5160', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Heart Problems in Dogs\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we look at common signs and symptoms of heart problems in dogs, let\u2019s break down the different types of canine heart conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term heart disease refers to <\/span><b>any condition that affects a dog\u2019s heart or blood vessels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Conditions can either be <\/span><b>present from birth <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(congenital) or <\/span><b>acquired over the course of a dog\u2019s life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The vast majority of heart problems in dogs (approximately 95%) usually present themselves as a <\/span><b>result of general wear and tear on the heart, or less often, as a result of injury or infection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congenital conditions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Congestive heart failure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: when a dog\u2019s heart has trouble pumping the proper amount of blood throughout the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Canine dilated cardiomyopathy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: a disease that affects the cardiac muscles and reduces the heart\u2019s ability to pump blood throughout the vascular system.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pulmonic stenosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: a heart defect that obstructs blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This form of heart disease is most commonly seen in breeds like Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Jack Russell Terriers, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, and Labrador Retrievers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acquired conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Canine valvular disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: when the heart valves weaken and begin to leak.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Arrhythmias<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: when an issue develops within the dog\u2019s electrical system and interferes with how it\u2019s telling the heart to beat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pericardial disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: when the sac that surrounds the heart fills with fluid and affects the dog\u2019s heartbeat.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although heart disease can\u2019t be cured, most conditions can usually<\/span><b> be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise and, if necessary, medication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This enables the animal to maintain a good quality of life and live for many years to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart Problems in Dogs: Common Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite there being a range of heart problems in dogs, <\/span><b>the majority share common signs and symptoms that can alert vets or pet owners to a potential heart condition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Let\u2019s take a look at the most common signs you need to be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a pet owner,<\/span><b> always contact your vet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if your dog displays one of the following potential signs of heart problems. <\/span><b>Contact them immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent Dry Cough<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clear indicator of heart problems in dogs is a <\/span><b>persistent dry cough<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In some dogs, fluid can accumulate in the lungs when the heart isn\u2019t pumping well. <\/span><b>This can result in a build-up of blood in the lung tissue which often presents itself as a cough<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other heart problems in dogs can lead to an enlarged heart which can press on airways and stimulate coughing. Heart valve disease also often causes a cough, although <\/span><b>this tends to be more common in older dogs and certain breeds <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any persistent cough that lasts <\/span><b>more than a few days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be checked by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty Breathing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Breathlessness, heavy breathing, or excessive panting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also be a sign of certain heart problems in dogs. <\/span><b>Fast breathing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (more than 30 breaths per minute) <\/span><b>whilst a dog is at rest or sleeping <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can also be an indicator of heart disease. A dog might sit or stand with its legs wide apart and neck stretched out if it is struggling to breathe. Or it might sit or stand for long periods of time if it is having difficulty breathing when lying down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any doubts about your dog\u2019s breathing or notice any changes or increased efforts to breathe, always contact your vet immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight Loss<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Weight and muscle loss in adult pets or stunted growth in puppies or kittens <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can sometimes indicate heart problems in dogs. Early signs will usually present themselves in the muscles over the back, over the shoulders, on the hindquarters, or on the top of the head. This muscle loss (cardiac cachexia) is<\/span><b> caused by hormone-like substances which are produced at high levels in heart failure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a\" class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\"><span id=\"hs-cta-64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a\" class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a\"><!-- [if lte IE 8]>\n\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6092775\/64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"hs-cta-img-64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" style=\"border-width: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6092775\/64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a.png\" alt=\"New call-to-action\" width=\"750\" height=\"119\" \/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6092775, '64120618-6963-4c43-87cf-7bff35a3cf6a', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of Appetite<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss can also occur as a result of loss of appetite. This loss of appetite is down to the same hormone-like substances that lead to muscle loss. If you notice your pet l<\/span><b>osing weight quickly, it could indicate that there is a problem with their heart<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that your dog <\/span><b>isn\u2019t eating as much or as often as usual<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially if they go more than a day without food, then you should alert your vet. <\/span><b>A good test is offering your dog their favorite treat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If they seem disinterested, then it could suggest they are not well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting or Collapse<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a dog\u2019s heart isn\u2019t functioning well, the <\/span><b>brain and other organs can become deprived of oxygen and other nutrients<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This can result in fainting (syncope) or collapse. This is usually triggered by exercise, although coughing can also trigger an episode.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>You should always consult a vet if they faint or collapse <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">so that they can investigate what the underlying cause might be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal Swelling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although abdominal swelling is often down to intestinal parasites, it can also be an<\/span><b> indicator of potential heart problems in dogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This swelling results from fluid build-up (when a heart contraction causes some blood to leak into the right atrium) and it can make a dog <\/span><b>appear pot-bellied<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Swelling usually occurs gradually and can sometimes <\/span><b>not be apparent until there is a significant build-up of fluid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Excess fluid might also build up in the limbs and cause swelling known as peripheral edema.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavioral Changes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, a clear indicator of heart problems in dogs is <\/span><b>any considerable behavioral change, including appetite changes (as we saw above), isolation or a reluctance to play or exercise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you notice any obvious changes to your dog&#8217;s energy levels, appetite, mood or ability to recover from exercise then you should always consult a veterinarian as it could be a <\/span><b>sign of an underlying heart condition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82\" class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\"><span id=\"hs-cta-2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82\" class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82\"><!-- [if lte IE 8]>\n\n\n<div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div>\n\n\n<![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6092775\/2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"hs-cta-img-2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" style=\"border-width: 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6092775\/2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82.png\" alt=\"Download Catalogue\" width=\"750\" height=\"393\" \/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6092775, '2a451431-72bb-40b5-8d27-05bb61252b82', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although heart attacks are incredibly rare in dogs, heart disease is much more common, affecting up to 15% of dogs. Heart problems in dogs include congestive heart failure, canine cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis, and canine valvular disease. Failure to detect and treat any of these conditions can lead to heart failure.\u00a0 Unfortunately, most heart problems in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":59622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[435],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dinbeat-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59621"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59625,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59621\/revisions\/59625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dinbeat.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}