22 facts about heart problems in dogs

We can all get a bit sentimental when thinking about our beloved pets. And when it comes to our favourite pooches’ hearts, we tend to imagine them bursting with love, kindness, and loyalty for everyone around them. However, as a matter of animal anatomy we know this simply isn’t true, even if it’s nice to believe. In fact, from a medical point of view, a dog’s heart can be a big source of worry. Particularly as they get older. Read our list of 22 facts about heart problems in dogs and get informed today. 

As your dog’s body ages, the likelihood of illness, disease or injury can increase. Responsible pet owners know it’s vital to have the right protection in place before problems arise. That’s why we always recommend arranging pet insurance for older dogs as soon as you can - even if they’re over seven years old. Contact our helpful team and get insured now.

 

Contents

1. Dogs can get heart disease, too
2. Dog and human hearts are nearly identical…
3. … But there are also some interesting differences
4. Heart disease in dogs has different risk factors
5. Heart attacks in dogs are rare, but heart failure isn’t
6. The majority of heart disease is acquired
7. Small breeds are most likely to develop Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
8. Larger breeds are most likely to develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
9. Dogs can also be born with heart disease
10. When travelling abroad, don’t forget the threat of heartworm
11. It can take a long time for symptoms of heart disease to develop
12. 8 signs of heart disease to look out for
13. Most heart disease can’t be prevented
14. Screening for congenital heart disease is available
15. Vets are great at detecting heart disease
16. Heart disease is treatable
17. Surgery could be an option in some cases
18. With appropriate training CPR could save your dog’s life
19. How specialist pet insurance for older dogs can help
20. Check ingredients lists to help maintain a heart-healthy diet
21. Exercise is also important, but take it easy
22. Dogs are good for your heart, too

1. Dogs can get heart disease, too

You might be surprised to hear this, but yes, of course dogs can get heart disease! Just like their human companions, our canine comrades can be susceptible to this potentially life-threatening condition.

In fact, it is estimated that 15% of dogs in the UK have heart disease. That means approximately two million dogs in the UK could be living with this condition. Despite these numbers, many people, even those with a medical background, are unaware that their dog may be at risk from heart disease.

2. Dog and human hearts are nearly identical…

Believe it or not, but human and dog hearts are nearly identical in structure. There are only some slight differences in a few valves and the vessels supplying the heart with blood and nutrients.

And did you know that as well as heart disease, dogs and people share over 400 ailments and illnesses? We really have so much in common, it’s no wonder we get along so well.

3. … But there are also some interesting differences

While we all know how loving dogs are, you might be surprised to hear dogs have a larger heart to body mass ratio than any other mammal. When it comes to heart beats, a typical dog’s heart runs at between 60 and 140 beats per minute. Whereas a human’s beats between 60 and 100 times a minute. Unless we’re both running around playing fetch!

4. Heart disease in dogs has different risk factors

Heart disease in dogs is very common but unlike in humans, smoking and a high-fat diet are not considered risk factors. While there’s no single cause, ageing, obesity, breed and nutrition can all play a role in the likelihood of a dog developing heart disease.

5. Heart attacks in dogs are rare, but heart failure isn’t

While heart disease is common, sudden heart attacks in dogs are not. Unlike the situation in humans, clogged arteries don’t typically lead to a dog having a heart attack. This is because dogs are far more efficient at digesting fats than we are.

That said, heart disease can still progress to heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure. You may not notice heart disease in your dog for several years but it is a progressive disease. This means that if it’s left undiagnosed and untreated then it will slowly worsen.

The heart is an incredible muscular machine that uses its four chambers to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. From there it’s pumped around the rest of the body to deliver oxygen and pick up waste. Remarkably the heart can compensate for disease for a while but eventually the pump will be unable to send enough blood around the body and the heart will fail.

6. The majority of heart disease is acquired

An acquired condition is one that has developed over time, as opposed to a congenital condition which has been present since birth. Some of the more common types of acquired conditions include:

• Valvular disease
  here are several sets of valves in the heart which divide the heart's four chambers from each other and form the blood vessels that enter and exit the heart. Whether due to age or infection these heart valves can weaken and begin to leak, causing less blood to be pumped around the body. The mitral valve is the valve most commonly affected.
• Arrhythmias
  An abnormal heart rate rhythm which can lead to fainting. It occurs when there is interference in the dog’s internal electrical impulse system. By disrupting signals telling the heart to beat, the dog’s heart may beat too slowly, too quickly, or in an irregular way. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boxer, Doberman and Irish Wolfhound appear predisposed to this.
• Pericardial disease
  The heart is surrounded by a thin membrane sac called the pericardium. If there are problems with this (such as it hardens or fills with fluid) then it will restrict the dog’s heart and cause issues. Golden Retrievers appear to be particularly susceptible.

7. Small breeds are most likely to develop Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

MVD is a problem with one of the valves inside the heart. Smaller breeds seem to be more predisposed to this disease, usually after 8 years of age. According to the Royal Veterinary College, breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Whippet, Miniature Schnauzer, Maltese and Pomeranian.

8. Larger breeds are most likely to develop Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is far less common than MVD but can particularly affect larger or giant breeds. It occurs when the chambers in the heart become stretched and weak and are unable to pump blood properly. Predisposed breeds include Doberman, Great Dane, St Bernard, Bernese Mountain dog and Irish Wolfhound. It seems to be more common in male dogs and may also be set off by viral infection or a nutritional deficiency.

9. Dogs can also be born with heart disease

A congenital problem is something a dog is born with, even if it is not immediately apparent. Congenital heart disease is usually quite serious, but fortunately, it’s also comparatively rare. There are a range of different types of congenital heart disease, including:

• Pulmonic Stenosis
  A heart defect obstructing blood flow between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Observed in breeds such as Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Jack Russell Terrier, Samoyed, Newfoundland, and Labrador Retriever.
• Aortic Stenosis
  A heart defect obstructing blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. Most commonly reported in Newfoundland, Boxer, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and Dogue de Bordeaux.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
  The failure of a large blood vessel to close just after birth. Commonly affected breeds include Maltese, Pomeranian, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua and German Shepherd.
• Atrial or ventricular septal defects (ASD or ASD)
  When the muscle wall between the two sides of the heart fails to close properly, it can lead to a hole in the heart.

10. When travelling abroad, don’t forget the threat of heartworm

Elsewhere in the world, heartworm can cause a substantial number of heart disease cases in dogs. Heartworms are long, hair-like creatures that live in the heart and major arteries of dogs. They can grow up to 30 cm in length and can cause serious and even fatal disease in your dog.

This parasite is spread by mosquitoes and, fortunately, isn't found in the UK. But it can be found in Australia, America, Spain, Italy and France. So, if you plan to travel abroad with your dog then it’s important you take this into account. Add worming treatment to your to-do list before you go. Make sure your pet insurance for older dogs covers you for travel abroad.

11. It can take a long time for symptoms of heart disease to develop

Like any progressive disease it can take a long time for symptoms of heart disease to develop. That’s why pet insurance for older dogs is so important. If you notice any changes in your dog’s health or behaviour you can schedule an appointment with your vet to have them checked out right away.

12. 8 signs of heart disease to look out for

If you notice any of these eight signs then speak to your vet about your concerns.

1. Coughing. Particularly if it follows physical activity or gets more intense at night.
2. Shortness of breath or heavy breathing.
3. Getting tired quickly during exercise.
4. Low energy.
5. Restlessness during sleep.
6. Rapid weight loss.
7. Collapse or fainting.
8. Swollen abdomen.

Changes in a dog’s behaviour should always be taken seriously. Any of these could be signs of heart disease or something even more serious. If in doubt, speak to your vet. If you have pet insurance for older dogs arranged through Petwise then you’ll also have access to our 24-Hour Vet Helpline. This is staffed by veterinary professionals who can help answer any questions you may have.

13. Most heart disease can’t be prevented

Unfortunately, while diseases like obesity, diabetes and arthritis can often be prevented, most forms of heart disease can’t. But you can still take steps to help your older dog live a healthy life well into their sunset years. As well as having the right insurance cover there are plenty of things you can do in terms of diet and exercise to help keep them in the best of condition.

14. Screening for congenital heart disease is available

The PDSA advises that once a dog has been born there is little you can do to prevent them from getting heart disease. However, there are a few different heart-screening programs available to prevent heart disease being passed from parents to their puppies.

Make sure you do plenty of research before getting a dog. Check the Kennel Club website to see what screening might be necessary for your chosen breed. For example, the Kennel Club Heart Scheme assesses Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for mitral valve disease and other potentially significant heart diseases.

15. Vets are great at detecting heart disease

Vets can often detect heart disease in dogs even during routine visits. For example, a heart murmur or irregular rhythm can quickly be picked up by a professional. Quality of life and life expectancy can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment. A routine check-up to screen for heart disease is well worth considering.

16. Heart disease is treatable

It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to heart disease. Most common types can be managed with medicines, careful monitoring and lifestyle changes. While medications might not provide a cure, they may slow the disease down and even reduce symptoms. Although it’s important to realise that even with treatment, most types of heart disease will worsen as your dog ages.

17. Surgery could be an option in some cases

In a small number of cases involving congenital heart disease, an operation may be the best option. As with any surgery, it’s important to realise that there are significant risks, it can be expensive and requires specialist veterinary care.

18. With appropriate training CPR could save your dog’s life

Just as with humans, if your dog’s heart stops, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be used to keep blood and oxygen pumping around the body. Animal welfare charity PDSA has a really useful guide to CPR for dogs that’s well worth a read. There’s also this great video on PDSA’s YouTube channel.

If you’re not confident in performing CPR and you think your dog is experiencing a heart attack, then contacting your vet right away is by far the best option.

19. How specialist pet insurance for older dogs can help

Treatment for heart disease can soon become very expensive especially as it often involves life-long monitoring and treatment. A good senior dog insurance policy can provide financial assistance with some of the costs you'll come up against as your dog ages. Your policy may be able to help with the costs of medicines, consultations and medical procedures. Our pet insurance for older dogs here at Petwise also includes dental cover as standard.

20. Check ingredients lists to help maintain a heart-healthy diet

Most of the popular dog food brands produce a special senior range, designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of older pets. For example, older dogs are likely to need higher amounts of protein than when they were younger, as their body may become less effective at synthesising protein with age. After all, the heart’s a muscle, and muscle is made from protein. So having a good amount of protein in their diet will help. Other ingredients worth looking out for include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil not only help combat arthritis and reduce inflammation in the body. They have also been shown to help manage abnormal rhythms and to prevent heart muscle loss.
• Taurine, an amino acid, helps the heart pump effectively. Deficiency can cause the heart to weaken, so additional taurine is often also added to senior dog foods.
• Selenium is an antioxidant linked to fighting damaging free radicals that can contribute to heart disease and cancer in your dog.
• Limiting your dog’s sodium intake is an important part of keeping their heart healthy. Watch those treats, as they can be very salty.

If you’re wondering about the cost of any dietary change, fear not. You'll be glad to know that another of the benefits of our pet insurance for older dogs is a contribution towards your senior dog food budget.

21. Exercise is also important, but take it easy

Regular exercise is also a key part of having a happy dog with a healthy heart. However, while every dog requires exercise, if yours has been diagnosed with heart disease, be careful to limit strenuous activity. And always monitor them afterwards for any problems.

22. Dogs are good for your heart, too

And finally, while there’s a lot to learn about your dog’s heart it seems like they can also work wonders for yours, too!

As pet lovers have always suspected, the loyalty and companionship of our four-legged friends has an incredible ability to keep us feeling chipper. And now it seems that medical science agrees too. Scientists at the American Heart Association have found that, compared to those without a pet dog, owners were 65% less likely to die after a heart attack.

A separate study by scientists in Sweden found a 33% reduction in the risk of death for heart attack patients living alone after being released from hospital if they owned a dog! It’s difficult to argue with such striking data, dogs really are our best friends forever.

Find pet insurance for older dogs now

By the time your dog has aged they may well have a condition such as heart disease, which can make it almost impossible to find pet insurance. This may even be the case even if the condition is asymptomatic and well managed.

That’s why we’ve made it a key feature of Petwise insurance that pre-existing conditions are covered, so long as it was asymptomatic for at least two years prior to taking out the policy.

We know just how much older dogs can bring their owners years of companionship and joy in even the most difficult of times. Protect your senior pup by providing the right diet and exercise, managing health issues well and ensuring you have pet insurance for older dogs in place from day one.

Pet insurance for older dogs is easy to secure. Just contact Petwise for a quick quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.