If you are a dog owner, you will probably agree
that your pet holds a special place in your
heart. But you must remember that keeping your
dog's heart healthy is one of your
responsibilities. When it comes to heart
disease, regular visits to your veterinarian
could mean the difference between life and
premature death. Dog owners may not realize that
their pets are susceptible to many forms of
heart disease. In most cases, heart disease can
be successfully managed with early detection and
treatment.What is Heart Disease in Dogs?
Heart disease in dogs, as in people, can be
either present at birth or acquired, often
developing during middle age. Acquired heart
disease is more common, affecting many older
dogs.
Are there different types of heart disease
in dogs?
Yes, there are two common types of heart disease
in dogs:
-
In one type, a dog's heart valves lose
their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood
flow.
-
In the other type, the muscular walls of a
dog's heart become thinned and weakened.
Both types develop gradually over time and
result in the same serious condition called
heart failure.
Heart Failure
A major threat to your dog's health is heart
failure. Of the dogs in the United States
examined annually by a veterinarian,
approximately 3.2 million have some form of
acquired heart disease and may be in heart
failure. Heart failure results from the heart's
inability to pump blood at a rate required to
meet the body's needs. While continuing to work
harder to pump blood, further heart damage can
occur.
What are the signs of heart disease in
dogs?
Although some of the early stages of heart
failure in dogs have no visible signs, heart
failure can be diagnosed through a clinical
evaluation by a veterinarian. Dogs with mild to
moderate heart failure typically experience
heart enlargement, coughing, lethargy and
difficulty breathing. Severe heart failure is
characterized by difficulty breathing (even at
rest), fainting, profound intolerance to
exercise, loss of appetite and weight loss.
How can I find out if my dog has heart
disease?
Your veterinarian is your dog's healthcare
expert. Regular veterinary visits are important
for early detection of health problems. Your
veterinarian may ask you for specific
information about your dog before performing a
thorough physical examination. If indicated,
blood and urine tests, X-rays, an EKG or other
tests may be ordered. Regular testing is
important for early detection of heart disease
in dogs.
Too often, dog owners do not take their dogs
to visit the veterinarian until they are
displaying severe signs of heart failure, and by
then it may be too late. When heart disease is
detected in your dog, your veterinarian can
recommend a schedule of regular visits and
discuss a treatment plan that can help.
Can dogs with heart disease be treated?
Yes. Although there is no cure for most heart
disease in dogs, new treatments are available.
Success of treatment depends on various factors,
but early detection is always best. By following
your veterinarian's recommendations, you can
help your dog live a longer, more comfortable
life.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
In addition to safeguarding your dog's heart,
there's a lot you can do to keep your dog happy
and in top shape. Ensure that your dog gets a
moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis
and has a balanced diet. An obese dog may have a
harder time staying healthy. Avoid the
heartbreak of seeing your family's best friend
fall ill. Proper care and veterinary supervision
can help you watch your dog grow to a "hearty"
old age.
Heartworm
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