Written by Dr. Thivya T. Chandran, Veterinary Surgeon
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease happens when the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently. It is common in older dogs and certain breeds.
Early detection and proper management can greatly improve a dog’s quality of life.
🐶 Breeds Prone to Heart Disease
❤️ 1. Small and Toy Breeds — Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
These breeds are especially prone to chronic degenerative valve disease, the most common acquired heart disease in dogs:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Miniature & Toy Poodle
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Dachshund
- Pomeranian
- Shih Tzu
❤️ 2. Large and Giant Breeds — Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
These breeds are more predisposed to DCM, where the heart’s chambers enlarge and the pump weakens:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Great Dane
- Boxer
- Irish Wolfhound
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland
- Cocker Spaniel (some lines)
❤️ 3. Breeds With Congenital (Birth-Related) Heart Defects
These conditions are present from birth:
- Bulldog breeds — pulmonic stenosis
- Beagle — patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- German Shepherd — aortic stenosis
- English Springer Spaniel — PDA
Common Symptoms
- Persistent or night time coughing
- Difficulty or rapid breathing
- Fatigue or reduced activity
- Fainting or collapsing • Swollen abdomen
- Weight loss
- Restlessness at night
- Blue-tinged gums (severe cases)
How Is It Diagnosed
We may perform:
- Physical exam* (listening for murmurs or abnormal rhythm)
- Chest X-rays (to check heart size & fluid in lungs)
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- ECG (to detect arrhythmias)
- Blood tests & blood pressure
Treatment Options
Heart disease can be managed with:
- Medications (pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, antiarrhythmics)
- Low-sodium diets
- Controlled exercise
- Regular monitoring
Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Annual vet check-ups, especially for senior dogs
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Good dental hygiene
- Heartworm prevention
- Breed screening for at-risk dogs
What Owners Can Do at Home
- Monitor resting breathing rate (*normal < 30 breaths/min*)
- Give medications consistently
- Avoid salty foods
- Record appetite, activity, and breathing changes
- Attend scheduled recheck appointments