15 Subtle Signs Your Dog May Have Heart Problems

Dogs, beloved for their loving nature and interactions with humans, are vulnerable to heart health issues. This article explores 15 subtle signals that may indicate your dog is experiencing heart problems. Recognizing these warning signs strengthens your role as a caregiver and ensures prompt medical attention for your pet.
Coughing

Chronic coughing, particularly noticeable after physical exertion or at night, can indicate cardiomyopathy in dogs. This is because liquid collects in the lungs due to unfortunate heart capability. The cough may be dry, hacking, or producing a wet, frothy liquid. Regardless of the type of cough, any chronic coughing in dogs necessitates a vet evaluation to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Difficulty Breathing

Dogs suffering from heart issues may experience labored breathing, known as dyspnea, or rapid breathing, referred to as tachypnea. These symptoms occur due to the heart’s inefficiency, which causes fluid buildup in the lungs or pleural cavity, and the dog cannot breathe normally.
Fatigue and Weakness

A perceptible reduction in a canine’s energy levels, significantly decreasing their most significant advantage in exercises they once delighted in, can indicate coronary illness. This lethargy occurs because the heart isn’t pumping enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Fainting or Collapse

Fainting or collapse can occur suddenly, medically referred to as syncope. Exertion or excitement often triggers these incidents since insufficient blood reaches the brain.
Decreased Appetite

An unexpected loss of craving in canines indicates different circumstances, including coronary illness. It’s essential to note that heart conditions don’t straightforwardly decrease hunger. Instead, they lead to reduced oxygen arriving in related tissues and create a general sensation of being unwell.
Weight Loss or Gain

Changes in a dog’s weight can seriously indicate a heart ailment. This can include both weight reduction and weight gain. Muscle wasting due to supplement deficiencies can happen when a debilitated heart battles to convey nutrients throughout the body. Then again, weight gain can occur as a result of liquid development caused by heart issues.
Swelling in the Abdomen

Liquid development in the stomach depression, known as ascites, can cause perceptible enlarging in canines. Other fundamental issues, like liver illness or low protein levels, also contribute to abdominal enlargement in dogs.
Swelling in the Legs

Peripheral edema, or swelling in the legs, can be evidence of Cardiac condition in dogs, including right-sided congestive heart decompensation. This occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to increased pressure in the veins and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. The enlargement is typically soft and leaves an indentation after being pressed.
Restlessness and Insomnia

Especially in congestive heart failure, dogs may experience disrupted sleep as fluid builds up in the lungs. It makes breathing troublesome and inconvenience, and fretfulness can additionally topple their condition.
Distended Neck Veins

Dogs’ enlarged or distended neck veins might show cardiac insufficiency. When the heart battles to siphon blood well, blood upholds in the veins. Although it’s a concerning symptom requiring veterinary attention, other factors can cause temporary jugular vein distention.
Pale Gums

If you notice pale or discolored gums in your dog and other signs like lethargy, coughing, or difficulty breathing, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Pale, bluish, or grayish dog gums hint at poor blood circulation. However, this condition is not exclusive to heart problems; other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Exercise Intolerance

Exercise intolerance can be a marker of the issue. Dogs may become winded or exhausted more easily during walks or playtime. The culprit behind this is the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in less oxygen reaching the muscles.
Elevated Heart Rate

Suppose you observe a consistently rapid heart rate (exceeding the normal range for your dog’s breed and size) and symptoms like coughing, inactivity, or difficulty breathing. In that case, seeking veterinary advice for a proper diagnosis is essential. Monitoring your dog’s heart rate at home can provide insight, but it’s not a definitive diagnostic method.
Lethargy

Where a dog seems unusually tired or inactive can be a symptom of heart disorder, among other conditions. Heart issues cause the body to struggle to circulate oxygen and nutrients effectively.
Cold Extremities

In some cases, cold paws or ears are a sign of poor circulation. Seek medical advice if your dog consistently has cold extremities and other concerning symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing.