Heart diseases in dogs are more common than you might think and can impact your dog’s health in many ways. Just like us, a dog’s heart is crucial for their well-being, and when something goes wrong, it can cause serious problems.
This guide will help you understand the different types of canine heart disease. We’ll also explain how a dog’s heart works and what you can do to keep it healthy. Knowing the signs of heart disease can make a big difference in your dog’s care.
How Does a Dog’s Heart Work?
The heart is like a powerful pump that keeps your dog’s blood moving throughout its body. It has two sides—right and left—each with a specific job to do.
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Right Side: This side pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs, where it picks up fresh oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide (a waste gas).
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Left Side: Once the blood is filled with oxygen, the left side of the heart pumps it out to the rest of the body through large blood vessels like the aorta.
The heart has four rooms called chambers—two upper ones called atria and two lower ones called ventricles. Valves act like doors between these chambers, making sure blood flows in the right direction.
An electrical system in the heart keeps it beating steadily, deciding how fast or slow it should pump depending on your dog’s needs—like running or resting.
Types of Heart Diseases in Dogs
1. Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease (CVD)
CVD is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs, affecting the valves between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Other names for CVD include:
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Endocardiosis
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Valvular insufficiency
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Mitral regurgitation (MR)
How the heart disease effect on dogs:
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The heart valves thicken and develop a bumpy texture.
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The valves fail to close properly during heartbeats.
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Blood leaks back into the upper chambers, causing a heart murmur.
2. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced, causing the heart to become abnormally enlarged. It is more common in large dog breeds.
How dogs can be affected by DCM:
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Primarily affects the left ventricle and atrium but may also involve the right side.
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Can lead to arrhythmias and congestive heart failure as the heart enlarges further.
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Results in decreased blood output, leading to weakness and fatigue.
Common in:
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Large breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes.
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Male dogs, which make up 63% of cases.
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Dogs around 6.5 years of age.
3. Congenital Heart Defect
Some dogs are born with structural heart abnormalities, known as congenital defects. These conditions are often diagnosed using echocardiograms.
Common congenital defects in dogs:
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Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A blood vessel that should close after birth remains open, leading to abnormal blood flow. If untreated, it can result in heart failure, though surgery often corrects it.
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Subaortic Stenosis (SAS): Narrowing below the aortic valve restricts blood flow, causing weakness, collapse, or even sudden death.
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Pulmonic Stenosis (PS): A defect in the valve controlling blood flow to the lungs, forcing the heart to work harder.
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Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the heart’s ventricles that may cause dog’s heart failure if large.
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Valvular Dysplasias: Abnormally formed valves that may leak or narrow, leading to irregular heartbeats or heart failure.
4. Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
How the disease happens:
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A mosquito bites an infected dog, ingesting heartworm larvae.
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The larvae mature inside the mosquito and are transmitted to another dog during a bite.
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Young worms enter the dog’s bloodstream, migrate to the lungs, and mature into adults.
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Early stages may show no symptoms.
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Adult worms can live for 5–7 years, worsening the condition over time.
Mature heartworms cause:
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Lung inflammation.
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Blood clots.
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Right-sided heart failure.
How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed in Dogs?
If your veterinarian suspects heart diseases in your dog, they may perform various diagnostic tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. These tests include:
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Auscultation: Listening to your dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope to detect murmurs, irregular rhythms, or abnormal heart rates.
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Chest X-rays: Examining the size, shape, and structure of the heart and checking for lung health issues or fluid buildup.
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Blood and Urine Tests: Assessing kidney and liver function, which may be affected by congestive heart failure (CHF).
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measuring the electrical activity of the heart to identify irregular heart rhythms.
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Echocardiogram (Ultrasound): Evaluating the heart’s structure, muscle thickness, and pumping efficiency to assess overall function.
How Can Canine Heart Disease Be Treated?
The treatment for heart conditions in dogs depends on the specific condition and its severity. Common approaches include medications, dietary adjustments, and supplements. Here are some ways to support your dog’s heart health:
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Dietary Support
Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet, such as The Original CrockPET Diet, provides hydration and essential nutrients to promote heart healing and proper function. -
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
High-potency fish oil supplements help reduce inflammation and support cellular repair for improved heart health.
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Probiotics
Maintaining a healthy gut enhances nutrient absorption, boosting overall well-being and indirectly supporting heart conditions in dogs.
Conclusion
Heart disease in dogs is a serious issue, early detection is key, and knowing what to look for in conditions like heartworm or valve issues can make all the difference. With the right diet, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, you can help support heart conditions in dogs and keep them active and comfortable for as long as possible.
