Canine Heart Disease Symptoms

As the canine ages it becomes more prone to heart disease. Dogs do not develop plaque accumulation in their vessels, which causes arteriosclerosis and coronary artery disease due to high levels of cholesterol, but they do suffer from heart failure, heart valve diseases and congenital heart disorders. Several symptoms materialize in the canine that suffers from a heart problem which can alert the owner to a possible problem that may require veterinary treatment.

  1. Coughing

    • The dog often begins to cough when it suffers from a heart disorder. When a heart does not efficiently pump blood, blood often back flows into the vessels. This causes an accumulation of fluid within the dog's lungs as the lung capillaries begin to leak from the added pressure.

      The accumulation of fluid within the lungs causes the dog to cough as if it is suffering from a respiratory infection or pneumonia. The dog will often cough so severely in an attempt to clear the fluid from its lungs that it will begin to gag.

    Fluid

    • The increased pressure in the vessels of the body cause fluid to accumulate in many areas of the dog's body. Its abdomen will often become distended with additional fluid. The area will appear to be hard and rounded when touched or palpated.

      Fluid also accumulates in the feet and legs of the dog which gives the limbs the appearance of being swollen. The dog's face will begin to look bloated with puffy eyes.

      The fluid accumulation is often overlooked by the owner because in heart disorders, such as congestive heart failure, the fluid builds up slowly over months or even years.

    Fainting and Lethargy

    • As the heart condition becomes more severe, the dog will suffer lethargy and the inability to do physically strenuous things such as running, walking or jumping without difficulty breathing and coughing.

      If the dog pushes itself to perform physically demanding tasks it will often faint from the lack of oxygen due to the heart's inability to beat efficiently.

    Emergency Symptoms

    • The dog might begin to exhibit emergency symptoms which will quickly progress into death if medical treatment is not immediately sought. The canine will often collapse, have difficulty breathing, begin to pant excessively and drool. The dog's gums, tongue and the interior of its mouth will appear blue. It will often become unresponsive.