Heart Disease in Pets – Symptoms and Treatment
Heart disease is a common but often silently progressing health issue in both dogs and cats. Symptoms may develop slowly and are easily mistaken for normal aging or changes in personality. Cats, in particular, are very good at hiding illness, while early signs in dogs may appear as subtle fatigue or reduced stamina.
Although heart disease cannot be cured, early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly relieve symptoms and improve a pet’s quality of life. In this article, we go through the most common heart diseases in dogs and cats, the symptoms associated with them, and when it’s important to see a veterinarian without delay.
Heart Disease in Dogs
The most common heart diseases in dogs are valve disease (endocardiosis), which is more common in small breeds, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which typically affects larger breeds. Heart disease is more common in older dogs, and symptoms usually develop gradually.
In the early stages, heart disease may present as general tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance. The dog may not manage walks as long as before and may sleep more than usual. These changes are often easily attributed to normal aging.
As the disease progresses, the heart’s reduced pumping ability can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, which causes coughing. Heart-related coughing typically worsens at night or after physical activity. Even before a clear cough develops, owners may notice that the dog wakes up at night and restlessly changes sleeping positions.
In more advanced heart failure, fluid may also accumulate in the abdominal cavity, causing the dog’s abdomen to appear more rounded than before. In cases of heart muscle disease, symptoms may appear more suddenly as increased weakness or fainting, and coughing is less typical than with valve disease.
Heart Disease in Cats
The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in which the heart muscle wall thickens. The condition is often hereditary and can develop at a young age.
Cats are extremely good at masking signs of illness, which means heart disease can progress for a long time without being noticed. Early symptoms may include increased fatigue, withdrawal, reduced playfulness, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Unlike dogs, coughing is not typically associated with heart disease in cats. Instead, fluid buildup can cause breathing difficulties. A cat may breathe faster than normal or breathe with its mouth open—these are always serious symptoms and require immediate veterinary attention.
Heart disease in cats is also associated with a risk of blood clots. A clot can cause sudden lameness or paralysis of the hind legs, the legs may feel cold, and the condition is usually very painful. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate treatment.
When to See a Veterinarian
You should always contact a veterinarian if you suspect your dog or cat is showing symptoms related to heart disease. While heart disease cannot be cured, proper medication and monitoring can help relieve symptoms of heart failure and support your pet’s quality of life.
Early diagnosis is especially important so that treatment can begin in time and the risk of sudden, life-threatening situations can be reduced.
Summary
Heart disease is common in pets and often progresses quietly. In dogs, symptoms usually appear as reduced stamina or coughing, while in cats the condition may remain hidden for a long time and then present suddenly with severe symptoms. An attentive owner and timely veterinary care are key.
If you are concerned about your pet’s energy levels, breathing, or overall wellbeing, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice. A thorough examination and individualized treatment plan can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
