7 Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs Dry cough that follows physical activity or intensifies at night. Shortness of breath or elevated breathing. Restlessness when sleeping. Rapid weight loss (over just a few weeks) Fainting – which can look like a seizure. Potbelly caused by fluid build up. Rapid tiring or fatigue.
How do you know if your dog has heart problems?
Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure. The dog will develop generalized weight loss and muscle wasting due to the effects of CHF on other body systems.
What is the most common cardiac disease in dogs?
Mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease in dogs. It results from a thickening of the mitral valve as a dog ages. Because the mitral valve is the gate between the two left heart chambers, it leaks blood and the heart enlarges. Mitral valve disease can progress to congestive heart failure (CHF).
How do you know if congestive heart failure is getting worse in dogs?
More symptoms may develop, as the disease gets worse, including: A swollen belly from fluid buildup in (called ascites) Fainting because of blocked blood flow to the brain. Change in tongue or gum color to bluish gray because of poor oxygen flow.
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