Heart Trouble in Your Furry Companion: Spotting the Signs of Heart Failure in Dogs
Symptoms of Canine Heart Disease and Heart Failure Identified
Nothing's as heartbreaking as watching your dog struggle with health issues, especially those related to their heart. Keeping their tickers ticking healthily is key to those adorable wagging tails and playful antics. Unfortunately, dogs can develop heart conditions that lead to heart failure, a serious medical problem that requires immediate attention.
Let's shine a light on heart failure in dogs, its warning signs, and what pet parents can do to keep their furry friends healthy.
What's Heart Failure in Dogs?
Before we delve into the signs, it's essential to understand the difference between heart disease and heart failure.
"Heart disease encompasses various types of impaired heart function," explains Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, a pet-friendly vet based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "It may be diagnosed during a routine checkup or due to changes in behavior, such as exercise intolerance or lethargy."
If left untreated, heart disease can progress to congestive heart failure, or CHF.
"Congestive heart failure is when the heart muscles can't circulate blood effectively," says Dr. Elfenbein. "Fluid then builds up in the lungs (left-sided heart failure) or abdomen (right-sided heart failure)."
Recognizing early signs of heart problems is critical to helping your dog's heart stay strong and avoiding heart failure.
General Signs of Heart Trouble in Dogs
Heart failure is the final stage of heart disease, so learning to spot the initial signs is crucial. Here are some heart-related issues you may observe in your dog:
Heart Murmur
A heart murmur, when detected by your vet, may indicate heart disease. Some puppies have an innocent murmur that disappears as they grow, while others might signify trouble. Mitral valve disease (MVD) is one condition that often causes a heart murmur in dogs. It tends to be genetic in small breeds, such as King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels, but can appear in larger breeds too.
Lethargy or Malaise
Lethargy or disinterest in activities can be challenging to spot, particularly in older dogs. However, these signs may indicate heart disease like canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM makes the heart muscles weak, reducing their ability to pump blood effectively.
Coughing
A persistent cough can be a warning sign of developing heart trouble, although it might be tough to differentiate from other respiratory issues. If your dog is coughing after exercise or periods of excitement, schedule a visit with your vet to rule out heart disease.
Fainting
Fainting (syncope) is another symptom of some types of heart disease in dogs. Fainting occurs if the heart beats irregularly, causing a lack of blood flow to the brain. If your dog consistently faints, consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Congestive Heart Failure Signs in Dogs
As heart failure progresses, the symptoms become more evident. Here are additional signs to be on the lookout for:
Rapid Breathing
A noticeable increase in breathing rate, particularly while at rest, signals that your dog's heart isn't pumping blood efficiently. Regular veterinary check-ups are key to catching this symptom early.
Moist Cough
The cough of a dog with heart disease is usually dry. However, when heart failure develops, you may notice a moist, productive cough or foamy saliva.
Swollen Belly or Swelling in the Legs
If your dog's heart can't pump blood accurately, fluid may accumulate in the belly, leading to swelling, also known as ascites. In addition, you may observe swelling (edema) in your dog's legs, particularly the rear legs.
Collapse and Fainting
Sudden collapses or fainting in dogs with heart failure can occur due to reduced blood flow to the brain. These episodes may cause your dog to appear pale or have a bluish tint to the gums and tongue.
Protecting Your Dog's Heart Health
Paying attention to your dog's behavior, staying informed of breed-specific diseases, and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups are the foundation of maintaining your dog's heart health. By detecting and managing heart issues early, pet parents can significantly improve their dog's quality of life and prolong their companionship.
In some cases, your vet may prescribe medications, such as Vetmedin, to help manage heart failure symptoms in dogs. Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram and Holter monitor, to assess heart function and heart rhythm.
If your dog is diagnosed with heart disease or heart failure, regular follow-ups will be vital for managing their health and maintaining their quality of life. Ask your vet if supplements designed to support heart function could benefit your dog's diet. These come in various forms, including chews, capsules, and liquids, making them easy to fit into your dog's daily routine.
Stay vigilant and talk to your vet about any concerns you may have, and you'll be on your way to keeping those wagging tails going strong!
In the realm of pet health, it's crucial to pay attention to mental health as well, alongside physical conditions. For instance, an untreated heart condition in a dog can lead to stress and anxiety, which may manifest as changes in behavior, such as withdrawn or listless demeanor.
One way to promote a dog's overall wellbeing and mental health is through practices of health-and-wellness, like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation. These factors can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system in dogs, while also contributing to their emotional well-being.
Moreover, considering the interplay between a pet's physical and mental health, it's essential to recognize the importance of regular veterinary check-ups for early detection of heart problems. Identifying heart conditions early on can not only save a dog from heart failure but also minimize the stress and uncertainty for both the pet and its owner.
