Heart disease is the number one cause of death among Americans, but unfortunately it doesn’t end there. Dogs and cats can also suffer the devastating effects of various forms of heart disease, often without their owners even realizing it.

While it’s frightening to think of our beloved pets having a problem like heart disease, educating ourselves about this often deadly condition is the first step toward prevention and treatment of heart disease in pets.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is any condition of the heart or blood vessels that prevents or disrupts the flow of oxygenated blood to the body. Although pets are not as likely to fall victim to heart attacks and strokes like humans, they can suffer from a variety of other types of cardiac diseases:

  • Congenital heart disease – Like people, puppies and kittens can be born with heart defects. Some breeds are more prone to congenital heart disease than others.
  • Heartworm – Transmitted by mosquitos, this infectious disease causes worms to grow in the heart and blood vessels and can fatal if not treated. Fortunately this disease can be prevented with a regular dose of heartworm preventative medication.
  • Arrhythmia – A heart that is beating too slow or too fast can cause big problems for pets and people alike.
  • Cardiomyopathy – Any problem with the heart muscle itself is considered a cardiomyopathy. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition.

Does My Pet Have Heart Disease?

Paying close attention to your pet’s normal behaviors and patterns will make you more capable of spotting the changes that could indicate underlying health problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference when it comes to heart disease and pets.

Some of the symptoms of heart disease in pets are:

  • Coughing that lasts more than a few days
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing, especially when resting
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Blue or grey tongue/gums
  • Decreased appetite
  • Decrease tolerance for exercise/activity

Identifying your pet’s heart problem can be difficult to do on your own, and often the symptoms will not manifest until the disease is advanced. Maintaining your dog or cat’s regular wellness appointments is critical for the early detection and treatment of a heart condition. At Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital we are proud to offer comprehensive cardiac diagnostic and treatment services.

Can Heart Disease In Pets Be Prevented?

Many types of pet heart conditions are not totally preventable, but there are some things a pet owner can do to help their furry friend’s heart stay as healthy as possible:

Your team at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital is committed to the health and longevity of your pet. Give us a call right away if you notice anything suspicious about your pet’s behavior or suspect he or she may be suffering from heart disease.