Does your dog have heart disease? Heart problems in dogs are not uncommon! Because about every 10th dog is affected, especially with increasing age. Heart disease cannot be cured. However, you can slow down the progression of the disease with drug therapy and a healthy diet. If the heart disease is detected early, your four-legged friend has a nice and long dog life ahead of him.
What is heart disease in dogs?
Basically, diseases of the heart can be congenital or develop over time. The most common are impairments of the heart valves or the heart muscle.
Heart valve disease (mitral valve endocardiosis)
Small breeds in particular, such as dachshunds, chihuahuas, or terriers, suffer from heart valve diseases. Nodular thickenings form at the heart valve edges. The heart valves can no longer close completely. As a result, with every heartbeat, blood flows in the wrong direction and ends up in the atrium. As a result, less blood is available for systemic circulation. The accumulation of blood in front of the heart leads to the typical symptoms of heart disease, such as coughing or shortness of breath. The disease develops insidiously over a long period of time.
How long can a dog with heart valve disease live?
If the heart disease is detected early, your four-legged friend has a nice and long dog life ahead of him.
Heart muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM))
Large breeds of dogs, such as Great Danes, Boxers, or Dobermans, are prone to heart muscle disease. The disease often goes undetected for a long time. Only in middle to old age does it become recognizable through changes in behavior. In heart muscle disease, the structure of the heart muscle changes. The heart enlarges. The walls of the heart become thinner and the heart wears out. At the same time, the pumping performance deteriorates and the blood cannot be transported optimally. Symptoms are sudden and extreme. The dogs get progressively worse over the course of a few weeks. Cardiomyopathy can be accompanied by cardiac arrhythmias. In some cases it can even lead to sudden cardiac death.
Causes of heart disease in dogs
Genetic predisposition often plays a decisive role. Because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these diseases. The damage to the heart can also be caused by other diseases, such as viral diseases or bacterial infections. Other causes of heart damage can be metabolic diseases, individual medications, and poisoning. Eating the wrong foods can also lead to heart disease.
What is cardiac cough in dogs?
The accumulation of blood in front of the heart leads to the typical symptoms of heart disease, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
Typical symptoms – heart disease in the dog
The heart can compensate for functional disorders by working overtime, so that the symptoms only appear later. As a result, heart diseases are usually not recognized until late.
These symptoms can be signs of heart problems:
- Tiredness, exhaustion, lack of joy in moving
- nocturnal restlessness
- Cough
- increased respiratory rate
- shortness of breath on exertion
- circulatory problems and loss of consciousness
- Fluid retention in the body (usually shown by a bloated stomach)
- Dog weight loss
If your dog suffers from congenital heart disease, this usually becomes apparent as a puppy. The dogs are often apathetic early on and have growth disorders.
How do I know if my dog ​​has heart disease?
There are some symptoms that can indicate heart disease in dogs. These include, for example, tiredness and exhaustion, nocturnal restlessness, coughing, increased respiratory rate, or shortness of breath.
Diagnosis of heart disease in dogs
The vet can detect pathological heart murmurs even by listening to the heart and lungs. This means that heart disease in dogs can be detected before symptoms appear. There are various examination methods to find out the exact heart disease. Usually, an ECG, heart X-ray, or ultrasound examination is carried out. In addition, your dog’s blood count can also show changes in heart disease.
The right therapy
Heart valve and heart muscle changes cannot be cured. If your dog is affected, the vet will prescribe circulatory and heart medications. The drugs are intended to slow down the further progression of the disease and prolong the life of the dogs.
In the case of acute and life-threatening heart failure, inpatient treatment is necessary.
Diet for a dog with heart disease
If your dog is affected, there is no way around a change in diet. Because a healthy diet and normal weight can help ensure that your dog’s quality of life is maintained for years to come. In addition, there is a special food that has a positive effect on the health of heart patients. Special nutrients have a heart-friendly effect. It is best to consult your veterinarian for more detailed information.
What food for dogs with heart disease?
Basically, your dog should now be fed healthily and maintain a normal weight. In addition, there is a special food that has a positive effect on the health of heart patients. Special nutrients have a heart-friendly effect.
Prevention of heart disease in dogs
Both age and weight play a decisive role in heart disease. To prevent heart disease, keep an eye on your dog’s weight. If your dog is older, being slightly overweight can promote heart disease. With a balanced diet and enough exercise in the fresh air, you reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also advisable to go to the vet for regular check-ups. In this way, an illness can be detected in good time if necessary.
