What it is
The heart is a muscular pump with four chambers and valves that keep blood flowing one way. Trouble can start in any part of it: a valve that thickens and leaks, a muscle that grows weak or stiff, an electrical rhythm that stumbles or races. Whatever the cause, the heart has to work harder to keep up, and over time fluid can back up into the lungs or the belly.
Some heart problems are present from birth and may be picked up as a murmur at a puppy check. Others develop with age, or are linked to a dog's size and build. The early stages can stay silent for a long time.
A dog with a heart condition can still enjoy walks, sniffing and your company, at a pace that suits it. Let your dog set the speed, skip strenuous outings on hot days, and notice how it breathes while asleep: a calm, sleeping dog tells you more than a panting one after play.
Signs you may notice
- Falls behind on walks
- Coughs more than before
- Breathes fast while asleep
- Tires quickly
- Swollen belly
- Fainting or collapse
You may notice the dog falling behind on walks, resting more than before, coughing, or breathing faster while sleeping peacefully. A sudden drop in the urge to move is a signal, not laziness.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog tires sooner, coughs, or breathes faster at rest than it used to. Struggling to breathe, blue or grey gums, or fainting mean a vet is needed immediately.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.