Heart disease in dogs can develop gradually, and early signs may be easy to miss. Symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease and whether it has progressed to congestive heart failure.
Common signs
- Coughing, especially at rest or at night
- Faster or more difficult breathing
- Reduced stamina
- Weakness or collapse
- Restlessness at night
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight or muscle loss in advanced disease
Resting breathing rate
For dogs with known heart disease, veterinarians often recommend tracking sleeping or resting respiratory rate at home. A persistent increase from your dog’s normal baseline can be an important reason to contact the veterinary team.
A heart murmur is not the same as heart failure
A murmur is a sound caused by turbulent blood flow. Some dogs with murmurs never develop heart failure, while others need additional testing such as chest X-rays or an echocardiogram.
When it is an emergency
Seek urgent veterinary care for labored breathing, blue or gray gums, collapse, severe weakness, or obvious respiratory distress.
How heart disease is evaluated
Testing may include a physical exam, chest X-rays, blood pressure, electrocardiography, blood tests, and echocardiography depending on the findings.
The bottom line
Changes in breathing and exercise tolerance are among the most useful signs for owners to notice. Early evaluation can identify the cause and determine whether treatment or monitoring is needed.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Heart disease and heart failure in dogs
- ACVIM consensus guidance on canine heart disease
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.