10 Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

During the month of February, there is lots of talk of hearts and flowers as Valentine’s Day approaches, but today’s blog post is a little different. I want to chat about the 10 signs of heart disease in dogs and cats.

Recognizing the symptoms of a problem could save your pet’s life, so it’s imperative that you know what to look for when it comes to heart disease. Would you recognize the warning signs if your dog or cat was sick? Take a look at this helpful infographic, and then we’ll chat some more below.

Is your pet showing any of these signs of heart disease?

1. Persistent cough
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Fainting or collapsing
4. Abdominal swelling or distention
5. Less tolerance to exercise
6. Heart murmur
7. Change in heart rate
8. Change in body weight
9. Restlessness or hiding
10. Loss of appetite

Any of these symptoms may indicate heart disease, and you should see your vet right away. There are several different types of heart disease, and only your veterinarian can make a proper diagnosis. It’s important to remember that your pet’s likelihood of surviving a heart related illness is increased when you consult with a trained veterinarian as soon as possible.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that heart disease is not just reserved for older pets. Although a senior dog or cat may be more likely to develop a heart problem, the symptoms above may be present in a pet of any age. 

Signs of heart disease are usually more apparent in dogs, and they are less detectable in cats. This is why it’s so important for your pet to have regular wellness check-ups with the vet so that any potential health issues can be discovered sooner rather than later. 

Have you had any experience with heart disease in dogs and cats? I’d really love to hear about it in a comment below. Your experience may be helpful to another pet parent.

Thanks to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets for allowing us to use their infographic in this post.