Heart Problems in Dogs

Dogs are pretty resilient creatures, but sometimes they are prone to heart problems, especially if they are overweight or of a certain breed. Dogs do not have heart attacks in the way that people do, but they can have heart failure. According to The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms (Michael S. Garvey, DVM, et al; 1999), heart problems can lead to failure of the entire cardiovascular system, which can lead to shock and then death.

  1. Genetics

    • According to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al; 2007), certain dog breeds are prone to having genetic heart defects. These breeds include the beagle, the Keeshond, the Great Dane, bull terrier, bulldog, boxer, golden or Labrador retriever, Pomeranian, Doberman, Rottweiler, German shepherd, Samoyed, Cocker Spaniel and German shorthaired pointer.

    Heartworms

    • In heartworm disease, adult worms lodge themselves in the right half of a dog's heart. Only when the dog is heavily infested will the worms move over to the left side of the heart. Heartworms are spread by biting insects. Preventative tablets should be given to dogs that live in areas prone to heartworms (such as the continental United States).

    Disease

    • Myocarditis is when the dog's heart muscle becomes inflamed. This can result as a side effect of a previous illness such as Lyme disease. Bacterial endocarditis is a disease that causes the heart valves to become inflamed. This is caused as a result of an infection. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the dog's heart muscles. The cause is unknown, but does appear in some breeds more than others. The most common dog heart disease is chronic valvular disease, which occurs mostly in small dogs. The cause is unknown.

    Murmurs

    • A heart murmur makes a noise similar to a murmur because of a disturbance in the blood flow. Many dogs have a murmur, but not all murmurs are signs of a serious heart condition. Dogs can live all of their lives with a heart murmur and not have it affect them. Murmurs still should be monitored through regular veterinary check-ups, however, and the dog's weight kept in check to prevent any chance at developing a canine heart disease.

    Symptoms

    • Heart problems in dogs tend to manifest in similar symptoms, no matter what the cause. Dogs will tire more easily, faint, collapse and pant more often. Many dogs develop a cough. Dogs also can develop circulation problems, which appear as bluish colored gums and/or tongue.