If you have ever owned a dog, you know how quickly these darling pets become our friends. If you have ever seen your pet sick, you know the wrenching pain possible in your heart. Seeing your pet die is another thing altogether. An enlarged heart or rapid breathing in your dog are major indicators that your little friend is sick. Know the signs, and know the preventative measures to keep your pet healthy as long as possible.
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Enlarged Heart
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An enlarged heart in your dog, also called dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM, is a very serious condition. This is one of the most common causes of heart failure in dogs that are considered large. In cases of DCM, the dog's heart enlarges to a point where the organ has problems pumping blood throughout the body. After the onset of DCM, it is only a matter of time before your dog has heart failure and dies. Diagnosis of this disease is done by X-ray, ultrasound, or electrocardiography reading of the heart. Why DCM happens is unknown by vets, and the prognosis is grim. There is no treatment to reverse the process, but drugs such as digoxin, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics can help stall the enlarging process.
Rapid Breathing
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Rapid breathing in dogs is quite common after exercise or in hot weather. If your dog's breathing is constantly labored, however, it can indicate that there is a serious issue with your dog's lungs. Also called dyspnea, labored breathing may be a sign of DCM, but can also indicate lung disease, obstruction, poison, or trauma. If labored breathing has suddenly become apparent, take your dog to the vet immediately. Depending on the condition, treatment will vary. If your dog has cancer, an operation may be necessary. This may also be the case if there is an obstruction in the airway. If your dog has been poisoned, an antidote will need to be administered. If the breathing is caused by DCM, your pet may need to live with it for the remainder of its life.
Prevention
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To prevent DCM and rapid breathing in your dog because of obesity or other natural causes, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise for its breed. Different breeds require different amounts. Make sure stress is kept to a minimum. Keep your dog's brain active as well: make sure it is not bored, as this can cause laziness in your pup. Also make sure to keep your pet on a strict nutritional program. Make sure to provide lots of fresh meat, and stay away from too many dried foods, as they contain a lot of poorly processed sugar.
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