In veterinary medicine, heart disease refers to any ailment that affects an animal’s cardiovascular health, and these conditions are especially common among older dogs. If you want to provide quality pet care for your furry friends, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the earliest symptoms.

3 Early Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs

1. Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs develop from a variety of factors, including imbalances in blood flow or valve blockages. If your dog has a murmur, your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s chest and monitor the murmur’s progress as a form of preventive pet care. Between vet visits, you should watch for any signs of developing murmurs, like fainting episodes, rapid or noisy breathing, lethargy, a pot-bellied appearance, and blue or gray gums.

2. Coughing

Like humans, it’s normal for dogs to cough on occasion. They might have seasonal allergies or get something stuck in their throat. However, a loud, hacking cough or one that lasts a few days warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Excessive coughing is an early symptom of several pressing conditions, including heart disease.

3. Weakness

It’s natural for dogs to become mellow and require less exercise as they age; however, this decline should occur gradually. If your dog starts collapsing or exhibiting weakness, it could be indicative of heart disease. Note any dramatic change in mood or behavior, when it started, and the details of the change so your vet can get a better idea of the issue.

If you’d like to schedule professional pet care for your dog, contact team at Kapolei Pet Hospital on Oahu, HI. This practice is led by Dr. Yoko Haneda and offers quality pet care services, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations, dental work, and wellness checkups. Send a message online to schedule an appointment, or call (808) 462-8040 to speak with a team member about your dog’s needs.