Heart disease in dogs — identify the first symptoms (cough and fatigue)

📞 Examination of heart patients in Vantaa: 010 739 9130

Canine heart disease is common, especially in older dogs. Unlike humans, dogs rarely have sudden heart attacks. Their diseases, such as valve defects or heart muscle diseases, develop slowly.

Since the symptoms come on the wane, the owner may mistake them for just “old age fatigue.”

Recognize these alarm signs

Contact us Veterinary Hospital in Sacrumif you observe the following:

1. Cough (especially at night or at rest)

This is a classic symptom. When an enlarged heart presses on the trachea or fluid accumulates in the lungs, the dog begins to cough. Coughing can sound “cacomous”, as if something is stuck in the throat.

2. Fatigue and unwillingness to move

The dog lags behind on a jog, stops or can't play anymore.

3. Frequent breathing

Calculate the dog's respiratory rate while it sleeps. If it is repeatedly more than 30 breaths per minute, it may indicate heart failure and pulmonary edema.

4. Fainting

If the dog suddenly becomes dizzy (e.g. when excited) and becomes active after a while, it may be a serious arrhythmia or lack of oxygen.

What to do?

Early detection is key. Although it is often not possible to cure a heart defect completely, with medication, a dog's life expectancy and quality of life can be significantly extended -- even by years.

We always listen to the heart at vaccination visits, but if symptoms occur, make an appointment for a more detailed examination.

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Porttisuontie 13, Vantaa