🐶 6 Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs

— The editor has collected a lot of professional information and disassembled it point by point for the slaves —

The average lifespan of dogs in Hong Kong is getting longer and longer, and coupled with the influence of lifestyle habits, heart disease has become one of the most common chronic diseases among furry dogs. Small dogs such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Poodles are particularly prone to heart valve problems; while large dogs such as Dobermans and Boxers are more likely to suffer from cardiomyopathy. Heart disease not only affects mobility, but can also be life-threatening. If you can detect the signs early, you can take your dog for a checkup as soon as possible to get the best treatment opportunity. The following 6 major signs , the editor will help you analyze them one by one in the most detailed way👇

1️⃣ Frequent coughing or dry cough📢

Subtitle: It seems like phlegm is stuck, but it's actually a heart problem <br>A dog's persistent cough isn't necessarily due to a cold or tracheal allergy. When the enlarged heart presses on the trachea, the coughing sound occurs.
👉 Editor's observation points:

• Coughing is most common at night or early in the morning
• It sounds like a dry cough, as if "the air is stuck"
• More likely to occur after exercise or when lying down

If the cough persists for a long time, you should suspect it is a sign of heart disease.

2️⃣ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing😮💨

Subtitle: It’s not the heat that causes panting, but heart weakness .<br>Weakened heart function leads to poor blood circulation, and fluid easily accumulates in the lungs, causing dogs to have difficulty breathing.
👉 Editor's note:

• The pet breathes too fast (more than 30 times per minute) when at rest.
• I saw my belly was rising and falling, as if I was trying hard to breathe.
• Sometimes they open their mouths and breathe, just like humans breathing.

This situation is very dangerous and should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

3️⃣ Decreased activity and easy fatigue🛋️

Subtitle: Used to be very lively, but suddenly became lazy <br>When a dog's heart is unable to pump blood and lacks oxygen, it will become very tired.
👉 Editor's observation:

• After walking for a while, I stopped and didn’t want to feel depressed.
• I used to love playing bobo, but now I'm not that interested.
• Feeling sleepy all day and lacking energy

Many people think that dogs are lazy because they are old, but in fact heart disease may be the culprit.

4️⃣ Weight loss or loss of appetite🍽️

Subtitle: Eat less and become thinner <br>Heart disease can affect the overall metabolism, making dogs lose their appetite.
👉 Editor's note:

• Gradually reduce food intake, or even refuse to eat
• Continued weight loss, with the spine or ribs becoming more palpable
• Sometimes I feel tired after eating a little

If your dog loses weight for no apparent reason, be extremely vigilant.

5️⃣ Restless and difficult to fall asleep at night🌙

Subtitle: Restlessness at night is actually caused by difficulty breathing <br>Dogs with heart disease are particularly restless at night because the lungs are under greater pressure when lying flat.
👉 Editor's observation:

• He wanders around all night, refusing to bow down.
• It would be more comfortable to stand or sit
• It seems anxious, and the owner is hard to appease.

If I see this kind of situation, I shouldn't think it's just a "personality problem."

6️⃣ Late-stage signs: Fainting or pale gums⚠️

Subtitle: This is a dangerous signal and you should go to the hospital immediately .<br>When the heart's pumping function is severely reduced and the brain and body are not supplied with enough blood, fainting will occur.
👉 Editor’s highlights:

• Suddenly falling to the ground and briefly losing consciousness
• The gums or tongue change from pink to pale or even purple
• Although the patient may wake up after the attack, it is still a high-risk sign.

Once these symptoms appear, it is an emergency and the owner must take the dog to a veterinary clinic immediately.

🐕 Editor's Summary

Heart disease is a common, hidden killer in dogs. Many dogs don't discover it until the later stages, but many early signs can be observed. Remember:

• Long-term coughing, shortness of breath, and decreased activity are warning signs
• Weight loss, restlessness at night, and fainting require immediate medical attention.

Editor's note: Don't buy supplements or delay care. Only a professional veterinarian can perform echocardiograms, X-rays, and blood tests to help your pet develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early detection and treatment are the most important responsibilities of a pet owner.