Dog Heart Disease Symptoms: What to Watch Out For

1. Frequent Coughing in Dogs

It's important to note that coughing in dogs isn't solely indicative of respiratory issues. In fact, a cough can be a symptom of a wide range of diseases, including heart conditions. As heart disease progresses in a dog, the heart itself may enlarge. If pulmonary edema occurs, the trachea can become compressed, leading to coughing and wheezing in the affected canine.

2. Decreased Exercise Tolerance

A decline in a dog's exercise endurance is a telltale sign that should not be overlooked. While other illnesses can also lead to a decrease in a dog's activity level, heartrelated issues, particularly heart failure, can make it difficult for the heart to supply oxygen to the limbs. This can result in the dog becoming exhausted quickly and may even cause the extremities to feel cold.

3. Abdominal Distension

When a dog's right ventricle fails, it can lead to abdominal swelling, resulting in a potbelly appearance. This can also be associated with valve diseases or dilated cardiomyopathy. As the liver and abdominal fluid accumulate, the belly can appear larger. Initially, liver enlargement may occur, but as heart failure worsens, fluids begin to accumulate in the abdomen. Not only does the belly look larger, but you may also feel a "wavelike" sensation when gently pressing on it.

4. Restlessness

Dogs with heart conditions may become restless when abdominal fluid accumulates. When they first lie down, the fluid in their body cavities can make breathing difficult. However, this is usually temporary, as the dog adjusts and eventually becomes more comfortable.

5. Respiratory Distress

The breathing rate of a dog during sleep is a key indicator of potential heart problems. By measuring the dog's breathing frequency while asleep, you can observe if there is any difficulty breathing. Normally, a healthy dog should breathe fewer than 30 times per minute during sleep. Dogs showing signs of heart failure often breathe more than 30 times per minute.

So, if you're curious about your pet's heart health, you can try measuring their breathing rate while they're asleep (each rise and fall of the chest counts as one breath).

The above examples provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor are intended to illustrate some symptoms of canine heart disease. They are for reference only. If you suspect your dog may have heart issues, it's crucial to consult a professional veterinary hospital for a proper diagnosis.