How to Tell If your Dog Has Heart Disease

Here are some simple tips so you will notice if your dog is having heart problems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog

1. 
    

   Looks for coughing. Coughing can be a sign of other things but often in older or small breeds it can indicate heart disease. Coughing more at night is also an indication. Your dogs lungs may be full of fluid which can be treated by a vet with lasix pills.

2. 
    

   Look at your dogs tongue and gums. If you notice that it turns a blue color this can be a sign of heart disease. Blue in color will mean it is not getting enough oxygen.

3. 
    

   Is your dog breathing rapidly, but not panting? Heavy breathing can also be a symptom but not always.

4. 
    

   Listen to your dogs heart. Is it even spaced beats or does it beat irregularly. You can also feel your dog's circulation on the inside of its hind leg.

5. 
    

   Look for a foamy white discharge from the nose or at the back of the throat. This could mean heart failure.

6. 
    

   Is your dog lethargic or very tired and weak?

7. 
    

   Does your dog have a loss of appetite?

8. 
    

   Has your dog fainted?

9. 
    

   Does your dog have an intolerance to exercise?

10. 
     

    Excessive licking or chewing of paws? If your dog is chewing their paws alot this can sometimes mean they have poor circulation.

11. 
     

    Watch for a change in your dogs behavior. All dogs are different so if your dog is suddenly wanting to be alone when it is normally clingy, this could be an indication that something is wrong. Some dogs will cry out when in pain while others will jump up and run as if something is after them. Paying attention to your dogs behavior is very important in diagnosing illnesses.

Tips & Warnings

• These are common signs to look for but there may be other signs.
• Vets do give dogs heart medicine. Some dogs can live a very long time with a heart problem if they are on medication.
• If you notice any unusual symptoms in your dog you should see a vet as soon as possible.

[elyria]

on 4/3/2009 Very informative article! 5* and recommended

[tachic]

on 3/9/2009 Great tips- thanks for writing this.

[kskaggs]

on 1/20/2009 Thanks for the info!

[TheMuse]

on 12/7/2008 Good to know the symptoms of heart disease. We all love our pets and knowing how to read the early warning signs of trouble can save our loved one's lives. 5 stars!

[TheMuse]

on 12/7/2008 Good to know the symptoms of heart disease. We all love our pets and knowing how to read the early warning signs of trouble can save our loved one's lives. 5 stars!