Heart disease in dogs: things you should know

We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives. We take pride in knowing our dogs so well that we could quickly observe a change that may indicate a health concern. Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of heart disease in dogs usually are not visible until the disease has progressed. But there are things you can do. By being aware of key facts about heart disease in dogs, regularly seeing a veterinarian, and getting proper treatment for heart disease, you can help keep your dog's heart beating for many years to come.

A caramel-colored dog is being cared for by two people

For any animal lover, the thought of heart disease affecting your dog can be frightening. But the more you know about heart disease in dogs – and some of the facts are often surprising – you can help your dog live his or her best, happiest life for many years to come.

What is heart disease in dogs?

Like in humans, when heart disease develops in a dog, their heart adapts to bring oxygen to the rest of the body more efficiently. These changes usually occur slowly—often over the span of years—and cause enlargement of the heart. But over time, heart disease can progress to congestive heart failure.

The good news is that by being informed about heart disease and taking your dog for regular veterinary checkups, a heart condition is usually easy for a veterinarian to detect before it progresses to heart failure.

Five facts that may surprise you

Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as it is in humans, with approximately 10-15% of all dogs affected by heart disease.¹That’s a lot of dogs, right? We hear a lot about heart disease in humans, but many people are not as familiar with the impact that heart disease has on our pets.
The risk of heart disease increases significantly for dogs as young as seven years old. Some people think heart trouble is something that affects senior dogs, but it’s important to know that dogs of various ages can develop heart trouble. The risk of heart disease increases 60 percent or more for dogs that are seven years of age or older.¹
Small breed dogs have an especially high risk of developing a heart condition. Small breeds — especially Cavalier King Charles spaniels — tend to be more prone to heart trouble, namely myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Some of the other breeds that are more susceptible to MMVD are Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire Terriers.
Heart disease is most often present in dogs before symptoms are visible. Before a dog progresses to heart failure, heart disease can be present for years, with no obvious signs or symptoms of heart disease. During this “preclinical” stage, early treatment can help dogs stay symptom-free longer and live longer.
Congestive heart failure in dogs can be managed with appropriate treatment. While a heart failure diagnosis is undoubtedly scary, it typically is not an emergency. During this “clinical” stage of heart disease, when dogs show visible symptoms like weakness or fainting after exercise, coughing or difficulty breathing, there are treatment options that can improve a dog’s quality of life and prolong length of life.

Heart disease affects 10-15% of dogs. Just like humans, our pets' hearts need care too.

Already by age seven, a dog's heart disease risk rises by over 60%.

Small breeds are at higher risk of heart issues.

Heart diseases can go unseen for years without visible symptoms.

A dog is looking deeply into the eyes of a boy

Heart failure sounds scary but it's treatable. With early detection and treatment, dogs can stay healthier.

A veterinarian’s advice

The most important thing dog owners can do is get regular veterinary screenings, according to Professor Gerhard Wess, Head of the Cardiology Service, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich.

“Because heart disease symptoms often are not outwardly visible for years, it is very important that pets get annual screenings by a veterinarian or specialist,” said Prof. Wess.

Prof. Wess says: "Early heart disease diagnosis and treatment can dramatically change the course of the dog’s well-being and life expectancy."

Prof. Wess offered additional suggestions:

Most dogs that weigh less than 15-20 kilograms or 30-40 pounds should be screened for heart disease starting at the age of four to five.
Small dog breeds with a predisposition for heart disease, like Cavalier King Charles spaniels, should be screened starting at two years of age. Screening for large breed dogs might start around the age of three to four years.
If a veterinarian does not use a stethoscope, a pet owner might request this.

Partnership is critical for effective treatment

Once a dog is diagnosed with heart disease, it is important the dog owner responds quickly to begin treatment – and that the owner and veterinarian coordinate closely on a care plan.

In addition, the best available treatment options are made possible through a collaborative relationship between the veterinary community and organizations that develop, research and commercialize therapies.

“For 25 years, Boehringer Ingelheim has been committed to conducting research, partnering with veterinarians, and delivering innovative therapies that improve the lives of pets suffering from heart disease,” said Dr. Erich Schött, Head of Pet Therapeutics and Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We continue to pursue new innovations so more pets can benefit in the future, including small breeds and older dogs that might be harder to treat with pills.”

Prof. Wess agreed. “No other company has supported so many clinical studies and educational initiatives in the field of cardiology. This evidence-based research and knowledge is used by veterinarians around the world every day to effectively treat pets with heart disease.”

You can read more information about heart disease and stages by visiting this page.