Science / Health

Heart Diseases in Dogs – Medical Options for Common Heart Conditions in Dogs

Like humans, heart disease is a common and risky disease in dogs. The American Veterinary Association (AVMA) indicates that 1 in every 10 dogs has a heart problem. If not diagnosed and treated early, this condition can cause other health issues, including heart failure.

Heart problems in dogs are categorized into congenital or acquired. Congenital refers to heart diseases that were present from the time of birth. In most cases, they are passed to children from their parents.

Common causes of congenital heart disease in dogs include:

  • Pulmonic stenosis
  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
  • Aortic stenosis (or subaortic stenosis)
  • A persistent right aortic arch
  • Ventricular septal defects

On the other hand, acquired heart diseases affect middle-aged or older dogs and are mainly caused by wear and tear of the heart and its structures. Infection or injury can also cause acquired heart diseases.

Common causes of acquired heart disease in dogs are:

  • Myocardial disease
  • Valve disease
  • Pericardial disease
  • Cardiac arrhythmias

Viruses like parvovirus can also cause acquired dog heart disease. Since most of these heart diseases exhibit the same symptoms, proper diagnosis is necessary.

Common Symptoms of Heart Problems in Dogs

Your canine friend may be diagnosed with heart disease if they show any of these symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Lethargy
  • Challenges when exercising
  • Chronic coughing
  • Fainting /collapse
  • Fast breathing during dormancy
  • Increased heart rate when resting

As earlier stated, these symptoms can be due to other health problems, not just heart disease. Therefore, it’s imperative to consult your vet anytime your dog has these symptoms.

Diagnose and Treatment of Heart Disease in Dogs

Early diagnosis is vital to treating and managing heart disease in dogs. As a dog parent, you need to be on the lookout to ensure that you spot any signs of heart disease in your dog early enough.

Dogs are not like humans, and so they cannot tell what’s happening in their bodies. A cardiac examination is among the most effective ways to diagnose heart diseases in dogs. Your vet or cardiologist will perform a physical exam, blood pressure test, ultrasound, X-rays, and even blood analysis to determine whether your dog has cardiac disease.

Vets recommend various treatment options for dogs with heart disease. While the type of treatment will vary depending on the kind of heart disease, some drugs are very effective in the field. Pimobendan for dogs is one such treatment.

Pimobendan is known to decrease dog blood pressure and strengthen the heart. It effectively treats congestive heart failure in dogs and improves the body’s ability to pump the blood to all body parts.

Your cardiologist may also recommend pimobendan if your lovely pet has cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Some reports indicate that it can help prevent heart failure in dogs.

The type of medication your vet recommends for your dog will depend on the diagnosis and the disease’s extent. Ensure to follow up with the medication to determine whether the medication is effective for your dog. Missing on progress checks will affect the treatment and make it hard for doctors to give your dog the best medical care.

An excellent veterinary doctor will ask about your dog’s medical history and age before prescribing treatment to your dog.

Your vet may administer oxygen therapy to your dog if they have difficulty breathing. This may require hospitalization if your dog needs a significant amount of oxygen. A diuretic may be necessary to remove excess fluid in the lungs and body.

Vets may also recommend angiotensin-converting enzymes for dogs with congestive heart failure. A vasodilator will also help the heart pump blood more efficiently.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Dogs with Heart Disease

Medications for heart disease in dogs can deliver excellent results if accompanied by better lifestyle habits. Ask your vet about the best dog food based on their condition. Low sodium and a well-balanced diet will come in handy for your dog.

You will need to monitor your dog’s respiratory rate at home. Your vet will tell what to do if the resting respiratory rate goes beyond ordinary. Ensure that your dog is stress-free by eliminating things that could trigger stress in your dog’s environment.  Also, engage your dog in moderate physical activities.

When done right, these measures can help reduce your dog’s heart damage, regulate the heart rate, and improve blood circulation. Your dog will have enough oxygen in the blood, which will minimize the risk of blood clots. The treatment should resolve the symptoms and bring the breathing and heart rate to normal rates.

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