Just like humans, dogs can create heart problems too. Being a pet owner you need to understand dog heart issues, their signs, and cures, so that you can supply the best care possible for your furry pet.
The thing to fear about dog heart issues is that they can lead to heart failure. It is a point where the dog’s heart fails to pump blood throughout the body.
Heart infections can take years to spot, so it is crucial to know about the causes of dog heart infections and the symptoms via which you can recognize them.
Types of Heart Disease in Doggies
There are two types of heart diseases in canines: congenital and acquired.
Congenital Conditions:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonic Stenosis
Acquired Conditions
- Canine Valvular disease
- Arrhythmias
- Pericardial disease
What drives heart diseases in dogs?
There could be multiple causes behind dog heart infections. It could be genetic – which is a heart weakness by birth or it could be due to old age, infection, or injury. Analyses have shown that doggy obesity is another factor driving heart diseases in dogs.
Symptoms of heart disorders in dogs
- Regular and rough coughing usually during or after activity.
- Heavy and regular panting; breathing problem during walking or playing.
- Always exhausted
- Restlessness before bedtime
The canine may develop more progressive symptoms as the disease worsens:
- Fluid buildup in the stomach causes it to swell
- Fainting attacks
- Bluish grey tongue or gum color
- Severe weight loss
Test to check dog’s heart condition
Your vet would ask about your furry pet’s diet, medications, or any existing past of heartworms. Based on your replies and the symptoms that you mention, they will do the next tests:
- Blood and urine test.
- All-around chest X-rays with low doses of radiation.
- EKG to check heartbeat and functioning of the arteries.
- Ultrasound or Echo to check heart dimensions and muscle activity.
- Heartworm antigen examination.
- Holter monitor to measure your dog’s heartbeat for 1 or 2 days.
Treatment of dog heart infections
The treatment will rely on your dog’s specific heart issue. Based on the diagnosis, your vet may suggest one or more treatment procedures mentioned below:
- Heart medicine to treat an irregular heartbeat.
- Prescription to prevent fluid build-up in the lungs or to slow down the fluid build-up.
- If there is an injury, surgery would be done.
- Surgery for valve rehabilitation or to place a pacemaker.
- Diet modifications to lower sodium intake.
- Exercise or activity plan to help condition your dog’s heart.
The vet may also recommend lifestyle modifications for your dog along with heart supplements. If your puppy is interpreted with a heart condition, make sure to visit your vet on monthly basis for a checkup and revised treatment plan.
With the right treatment, timely checkups, and routine monitoring; heart diseases in puppies can be managed and they can live a comfy life.
