Types of Heart Disease in Dogs

1 Types of Heart Disease in Dogs

1. Types of heart disease in dogs

1) Congenital valve malformation: a malformed valve makes it hard for blood to flow normally, which can cause whole-body oxygen shortage. Dogs with this type usually show clear signs while young and are diagnosed early.

2) Heart valve disease: this is the most common type in dogs. When the ventricle contracts, the worn valve cannot block blood effectively and blood flows back into the atrium; the mitral valve degenerates most often. Small breeds such as Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Miniature Schnauzers are most at risk.

3) Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM happens when the ventricle enlarges and the heart muscle thins, weakening the pump. Signs include coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a swollen belly, and in severe cases it causes sudden acute failure and death. Large breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors are most affected. High-risk breeds: Dobermans, Boxers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and other large dogs.

2. Symptoms of heart disease in dogs

1) Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing: a cough is not always from a cold or fever — if a dog coughs continuously for a week with no clear improvement, pay attention. Also note panting that is not from running or hot weather.

2) Low spirits, easy fatigue: dogs do get tired in hot summer, but if yours lies in one spot for a long time, refuses to move, and ignores your calls, take it seriously. Heart trouble slows circulation and metabolism and reduces activity.

3) Weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting: these look like ordinary stomach issues, but the cause may not be so simple.

4) Weakness: limp, cold limbs, unsteady standing, or unexplained collapse are also signs of heart disease.

3. Acquired factors that trigger episodes

1) Obesity: too much body fat raises blood lipids, which raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder, thickening the muscle. Beyond heart disease, obesity also invites pancreatitis and diabetes, so keep your dog’s weight in check.

2) Injury: a fall causing heart disease may sound odd, but it depends on where the dog lands. A hard hit to the chest can shift organs like the liver and intestines and squeeze the heart, leading to chronic heart disease. After a serious fall, always get a full check-up.

3) Unreasonable exercise: busy owners may skip walks, then overdo it on a free day. This sudden intense exercise shocks the heart and can cause problems; even healthy dogs struggle with it, let alone those already at risk. Never push hard exercise — warm up before and cool down after.

4) Old age: senior dogs are more prone to heart disease because all bodily functions decline with age.

We hope this gives you a deeper understanding of canine heart disease so you can care for your dog better.