There’s no single cause of heart disease in dogs. Aging, obesity, breed, and nutrition can all play a role. Heart valve problems are the most common issue and typically affect small breed dogs that are five years or older.

No matter what heart condition your dog has, it’s important to spot the signs early. Since 95% of heart conditions in dogs come on as they age, it’s easier to manage as soon as it develops.

Two Main Heart Conditions in Dogs

At CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, we see a lot of different heart conditions in dogs, but the following are the two most common.

Valve Disease

Mitral regurgitation, a valve disease, is a common cause of a heart murmur in dogs. Blood flow becomes turbulent and creates the murmur. Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1-6… the higher the number, the more obvious the murmur. Your dog can lead a normal life with a heart murmur. A board-certified dog cardiologist can diagnose and help treat the condition.

Heart Muscle Disease

DCM, or dilated cardiomyopathy, is the most common form of heart muscle disease. With DCM the muscles degenerate and begin to wear thin. That thinning decreases the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood, and leads to congestive heart failure. DCM in dogs is most commonly irreversible but can be managed through medications and potentially a change in diet with the guidance of your board-certified dog cardiologist.

Diagnosing Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

If you have concerns about your dog and heart disease, it’s best to reach out to a pet cardiologist near you to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. If you're looking for a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, CVCA is here to help. With locations across the country, our team provides expert, compassionate heart care for pets and peace of mind for their families. Find a location. Give us a call, and we will set up one or all of the following:

• Physical exam – including listening to the heart and lungs, checking your dog’s blood pressure and maybe a blood test.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to measure electrical activity of your dog’s heart to find heart rhythm problems.
• Echocardiogram – ultrasound by a board-certified vet cardiologist to view your dog’s heart in great detail. This test is the gold standard for diagnosing heart disease in dogs.

Signs of Heart Failure in Dogs

Signs that your dog might have heart disease include:

• Coughing and difficulty breathing
• Getting more tired on walks or when playing
• Weakness and/or collapse
• Bloating / swelling of the abdomen (belly)
• Sudden onset of back leg weakness or paralysis

Treatment of Dog Heart Disease

With treatment, your dog will live better and longer. In most cases, drugs are the main way to treat heart disease in dogs. Other treatment types include diet changes, weight loss and occasionally surgery.

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Because They’re Part of the Family

Nearly 8 million dogs suffer from heart disease. That’s 10% of all dogs in the United States. And the older your dog is, the higher the risk. Up to 75% of senior dogs have some type of heart condition, and unfortunately, most go undetected.

Don’t risk losing part of your family to an often treatable heart condition. If you have concerns, seek medical advice quickly. Our board-certified dog cardiologists are here to help.