Every Beat Counts: Heart Disease in Pets

A pet’s heart works hard every day to support the walks, playtime, cuddles, and companionship families cherish. Because heart disease can develop with few early warning signs, knowing what to watch for — and staying proactive about preventive care — can make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Tess Sykes, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares what heart disease diagnosis can look like in pets and how owners can be proactive about protecting one of their pets’ most precious organs.

Diagnosing Heart Disease In Pets

Heart disease can be difficult to detect because pets may not show obvious signs in early stages. Sykes says changes in breathing, however, can be an important warning sign of an underlying condition.

When symptoms of heart disease do occur, they may include: 

●      Rapid or labored breathing

●      A new or progressive cough

●      Collapsing

●      Weakness or dragging limbs

●      A distended abdomen

●      Fatigue or decreased energy

While these signs can have several causes, they should not be ignored. 

“Rapid or difficulty breathing should prompt immediate attention,” Sykes said. “When in doubt, trust your gut and seek guidance from a veterinary professional.”

A veterinary examination can help determine what may be causing these changes and what steps should be taken.

During that exam, the veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to the pet’s heart and identify abnormalities such as heart murmurs or irregular heart sounds that may indicate disease.

If heart disease is diagnosed, a veterinarian can develop a treatment plan based on the pet’s individual needs.

 Staying Up To Beat

At-home care is important for monitoring the progression or decline of symptoms. Monitoring a pet’s breathing rate while sleeping can be particularly useful for detecting congestive heart failure in its early stages and potentially prevent an emergency room visit, according to Sykes.

“Congestive heart failure appears as fluid buildup in the lungs, which can cause a pet to breathe faster than usual, even while sleeping,” she said. “Tracking a pet’s sleeping breathing rate on a regular basis can help owners recognize when something has changed and when to alert their veterinarian.”

Knowing which pets may be more susceptible to heart conditions can also help owners stay vigilant. Breeds with a higher predisposition to heart disease, include, but are not limited to: 

●      Dachshunds

●      Chihuahuas

●      Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

●      Doberman Pinschers

●      Boxers

●      French Bulldogs

●      Maine Coons

●      Ragdolls

●      Sphynx

But breed is only one piece of the puzzle. 

Routine veterinary care and a heart-healthy lifestyle can help support cardiac health and identify potential risks early.

Walking or playtime also can help pets maintain a healthy weight, which is important because obesity can place additional strain on the body and contribute to joint and limb discomfort.

“While exercise can’t cure the heart conditions we see in pets, it is beneficial for overall wellness,” Sykes said. 

In addition, nutrition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy pet. 

“Every case and pet is unique, so nutritional needs may vary depending on a pet’s condition and stage of disease, which is why I recommend working with a veterinarian to develop dietary recommendations tailored to each pet’s individual needs,” Sykes said.

Keeping A Healthy Heart

Maintaining pet health requires regular attention and preventative care; routine wellness visits, vaccinations, and physical examinations give veterinarians opportunities to identify potential health concerns early and monitor a pet’s overall well-being. 

“The earlier we can diagnose heart disease, the better,” Sykes said.

Preventative care is especially important when it comes to heartworm disease, which can cause serious damage to a pet’s heart and other organs and can even be fatal.

During regular wellness visits, Sykes recommends talking with your veterinarian about  year-round heartworm prevention for your pet. 

“Heartworm disease can be devastating, and it is almost 100% preventable,” she said.

By knowing the warning signs, monitoring changes at home, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying current on preventative veterinary care, pet owners can take meaningful steps towards helping their pets live healthier lives — and keeping those walks, playtime, cuddles, and companionship going for years to come.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.