Heart Disease in Dogs

Updated: 12/20/20231-2 minutes
Heart Disease in Dogs hero

What Are Common Symptoms of Heart Disease in Dogs?

Sudden onset shortness of breath, apparent weakness or a distended abdomen might be signs of heart disease in your dog. But all too often, there are no symptoms, so your dog’s best bet is regular visits to the veterinarian.

Jonathan Abbott, a Cardiologist at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, says there are a number of ways to diagnose heart disease in dogs: “X-rays of the chest, electrocardiography and cardiac ultrasound or echocardiography are the tests most commonly used.”

Your veterinarian will also be able to listen for a heart murmur and use a blood test to check for heartworm. Once diagnosed, there are treatment options that will enhance both the quality and length of your dog’s life.

By Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM

 

Click here to learn more about:

Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets Dog Food

Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets Cat Food

Related articles

woman and golden retriever playing in a body of water
There are many reasons why your dog might shake, including excitement and more serious issues like sickness. Find out why dogs shake with Purina.
Close up of a small dog’s face being held by a person’s hand. Another hand administers eye drops to the dog.
A dog with blue, brown and white fur lays down in the grass. Their eyes are prominent, a reminder that glaucoma can affect dogs.
woman playing with dog - everroot

Extra love + expert Purina care

EverRoot Supplements help support your dog's health and wellness.