Canine Heart Disease: An Overview for Dog Owners

Keeping your beloved pets healthy should be of great concern to an owner. Not many people realize that, like humans, dogs can acquire or be born with heart disease. This can lead to an early death for your dog if it results in heart failure. Know that preventative actions can be taken to ensure your dog's safety.

It is important to take your dog to his regular veterinary visits. As you would for a baby or child, you need to keep up with well-patient visits and shots. Heart disease affects over 3 million dogs in the United States. This is a staggering number and most owners don't even realize their dogs are at risk.

Signs of heart disease in your dog may include: coughing, sluggishness, weight loss, and wheezing. However, there are many cases (especially those suffering from early heart disease) that have no symptoms at all. That is why it is so important to have a physician give your dog regular exams. It could mean the difference between life and death.

There is no known cure for canine heart disease. However, there are new treatments available, should your dog be diagnosed. Be sure to discuss all possible treatments with your veterinarian. In the meantime, take proper care of your dog. Ensure that he is getting a properly balanced diet, adequate exercise, and lots of TLC.

In the case of canine heart disease, preventative medicine is really your best option. With regular doctor's visits and good care, your dog should be able to live to a ripe old age. In the case of congenital heart disease, your attention to detailed care could put off the inevitable. Remember, it is your responsibility to make your dog's life a long and healthy one.