No matter your dog's size, he has a big heart - metaphorically speaking, of course. He has a personality all his own, he is a loyal companion and seems to know when you need a good laugh. But this same heart can be at risk for heart disease, an abnormal enlargement of his heart.
What is heart disease and heart conditions in dogs?
Heart disease is an unfortunate but tolerable condition for your dog. The heart is the most important organ in your dog’s body. It pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients through the blood vessels to the cells of the body. Most heart conditions involve a decrease in the effective pumping of blood. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen. There are two main types of heart conditions: one affecting the heart valve and the other the heart muscle. Dogs with either type can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise and, if necessary, medication. With the right dog food and advice from your veterinarian, your dog can continue to enjoy a happy, active life.
The two main heart conditions
Chronic Valvular Disease: A leaking heart valve reduces the quantity of blood that can be pumped around the body.
Myocardial Disease: In this condition, weakness or thickening of the heart muscle results in the heart pumping less efficiently.
What causes heart disease?
Although there is no single cause, nutritional problems can play a major role in heart conditions. Aging is the most common reason dogs develop heart conditions, but other factors like heartworm can also lead to heart disease. Other factors that can contribute include:
Body condition: Overweight dogs are more likely to develop heart disease.
Age: Heart conditions in dogs occur more frequently with increasing age.
Breed: In dogs, chronic valvular disease is more common in small breeds such as miniature poodles, cocker spaniels, Pomeranians and schnauzers. Myocardial disease is more common in large and giant breeds like Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds.
Tasty Tips
Does my dog have a heart condition?
It can be difficult to tell if your dog has a heart condition because the signs can be similar to those of other dog diseases. Your veterinarian may check for heart disease using some of the following methods.
- A stethoscope exam can reveal murmurs and fluid in the lungs
- Palpation can reveal unusual pulses
- X-rays reveal heart enlargement
- An EKG can identify heart enlargement and irregular rhythms
- Blood and urine tests can reveal heartworms and the condition of other internal organs
The following symptoms may indicate a heart problem in your dog.
- Tired, lack of energy
- Fainting or collapsing
- Frequent coughing. In some cases, a low-pitched cough that sometimes leads to gagging
- Breathing difficulties that include shortness of breath
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Reduced appetite and/or noticeable weight gain or loss
- Swelling in the abdomen
IMPORTANT: A heart condition may not be obvious in the early stages. If you are in any doubt about your dog’s health, consult your veterinarian.
Treatment: The importance of nutrition
Although treatments cannot reverse heart disease, your dog can live a relatively normal life. The food your dog eats plays an important role in his overall health and well-being. When your dog has been diagnosed with a heart condition, it’s even more important to feed the right dog food.
Heart disease typically causes the heart to enlarge, and this enlargement causes a loss of efficiency. The heart then begins to hold more fluid than it should and this is where the real problems begin. For this reason, veterinarians recommend feeding dogs a low-sodium food that will help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their hearts to work effectively.
For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your dog’s heart health.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Heart Disease:
- Are there any foods I should avoid giving my dog because of his condition?
- Ask how human food can affect your dog’s health.
- Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® dog food for my dog’s heart health?
- Ask about special nutritional concerns for your dog
- How much / how often you should feed the recommended food to your dog
- Discuss which treats you can feed your dog with the recommended food
- How quickly should I expect to see signs of improvement in my dog’s condition?
- Can you provide me with written instructions or a booklet on heart disease for my dog?
- What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Related articles
10 Tips to Prepare for Adopting a Dog
Adopting a dog can be overwhelming if you simply don't know where to begin. Learn about ten things you should do to ensure a smooth, and fun, transition.
Why Do Dogs Need to Pee on Everything?
Are you curious why your dog feels the need to pee on everything? Learn what dog marking is, why dogs do it, and what you can do to reduce this behavior.
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
Does My Dog Have a Food Allergy?
Learn facts about dog food allergies, such as common allergens and causes, and if hypoallergenic dog food can help once you've diagnosed his food allergy.
5 Ideas for Indoor Exercise for Dogs
Learn how to keep your dog moving with some indoor exercise tips. If you're stuck inside, help them beat cabin fever and keep their body and mind active.
Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat?
You probably know about female dogs going into heat, but do male dogs? Learn whether male dogs have a heat cycle & handling them around females in heat.
Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn everything you need to know about hypothyroidism in dogs, including risk factors, signs of the disease and how it gets diagnosed & treated.
Weight Reduction Dog Food and Exercise Tips for a Healthy Weight
What can I feed my overweight dog to lose weight? Learn all about weight reduction dog food plus feeding and exercise tips for a complete weight loss plan.
Starting a Training Schedule with Your Puppy
Learn the benefits of starting to train your puppy at an early age, preventing a wide variety of problems and promoting good behavior.
Puppy Potty Training Tips to Avoid Accidents in the Home
Discover these easy-to-follow tips for successful puppy potty training, helping to ensure fewer accidents in the house and less clean up time for you.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
Learn what to look for when choosing the best dog food for your pup. Healthy ingredients, your dog's age & his physical condition are important factors.
Dominant Paws: Is Your Dog a Righty or Lefty?
Learn if dogs have dominant paws like humans have dominant hands, and discover how you can determine if your dog has a paw preference.
Can Dogs See Ghosts?
Learn possible explanations for your dog's mystifying behaviors. If you've ever wondered if your dog can see things you can't, this article is for you.
Tips for Helping Senior & Older Dogs in Winter & Snow
Learn how to help senior dogs navigate cold winters and snowy weather, including how long to leave them outside & walking tips.
Why Do Dogs Chase Cars? (& How to Get Them to Stop)
Learn why many dogs are fascinated with chasing cars, why this behavior can be very dangerous, and training tips to help your dog to avoid this behavior.
Is Your Dog Ready for Obedience School?
Learn what kind of training to expect from an obedience school and whether or not it is a good idea for your dog, no matter his age.
What Does Dog Pointing Mean?
Why do dogs point? Discover what your dog is telling you with his nose and which breeds are naturally suited for training to point.
Pyoderma in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn what pyoderma in dogs looks like, what causes it and how nutrition & your dog's food can play a role in preventing and treating the infection.
Caring for Your Dog: Common Myths & Realities
With all the misinformation available online about dogs, it's time you got the true canine facts. Learn about some common dog myths you may have heard.
Grooming Suggestions for Keeping Your Dog's Coat Healthy
Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.