15 Signs Your Dog Might Have Heart Disease

Nothing is better than having our furry friends around to bring us joy. So keeping them healthy should be our top priority. Heart disease is common in dogs, but being aware of the signs early will allow you to get your pup the treatment they need. Even though some signs might seem minor, it’s always best to consult your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health. Here are 15 signs to watch out for.

Consistent Coughing

An occasional cough here and there is nothing to worry about, but a persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise, could be a sign of congestive heart failure. This happens when the heart weakens and fluid builds up in the lungs.

Easy Windedness

Does your dog seem to get out of breath more easily than usual, even on short walks? This can indicate that its heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. Pay attention to how quickly your dog recovers after exercise; if it takes a long time to catch its breath, it’s worth mentioning to your vet.

Coughing up Blood

Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, may occur in dogs with advanced heart problems or congestive heart failure, indicating damage to the blood vessels in the lungs.

Loss of Appetite

Sudden appetite loss can be a red flag for many health problems, including heart disease. If your dog turns up its nose at its food for a day or two, it might not be a cause for concern. But if it continues, consult your vet.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is another thing to watch out for regarding cardiovascular problems. When your dog loses weight without any changes to their diet or exercise routine, it can indicate their body is struggling to function properly.

Pale Gums

Healthy dog gums are a nice, bubblegum pink. Pale or whitish gums can sometimes indicate anemia, which can be a symptom of a cardiovascular problem.

Swollen Belly

Fluid buildup in the abdomen, called ascites, can be due to congestive heart failure. This can cause your dog’s belly to appear distended and uncomfortable.

Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)

While panting is normal after exercise or on hot days, pay attention to your dog’s breathing when it’s relaxed. If it breathes rapidly, even at rest, with short, shallow breaths, it can indicate heart problems.

Collapsed Veins

Gently press on your dog’s gum with your finger. If the gum takes a long time to turn pink again after you release your finger, it could result from poor circulation caused by collapsed veins, which can be related to a heart problem.

Blue-Tinted Tongue

A healthy dog’s tongue should be pink. If your dog’s tongue has a bluish tinge, it can be a sign of a lack of oxygen reaching their tissues.

Restlessness at Night

Does your dog seem restless or pace around at night? This could be because they’re having trouble breathing when lying down, which can be a symptom of heart failure.

Fainting or Seizures

If your dog faints or has seizures, it’s an emergency, and you need to get your dog medical care as soon as possible. If you notice such things, consult your vet to check whether it’s due to a heart issue or something else.

Unusual Behavior

Watch out for any significant changes in your dog’s behavior. Such changes include becoming withdrawn or anxious, which indicates a health issue.

Frequent Urination

If your dog is peeing more often than usual, especially at night, it can be due to congestive heart failure. A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup in the body.

Cold Limbs

Cold limbs are another potential sign of a heart issue. If your dog’s paws or ears feel constantly cold, it could be due to poor blood circulation.