Heart problems in dogs

Heart problems in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
7 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

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Heart problems in dogs

Heart problems in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
7 min read

Heart problems are most common in older dogs, but sometimes puppies are born with heart defects. Nowadays many effective treatments are available to improve the lives of dogs with heart disease. Outlook is best when treatment starts before serious symptoms develop.

Dogs can have different types of heart disease, and the best treatment will depend on the type and the stage of the condition. Common symptoms of heart disease include coughing, breathing problems and poor energy. These symptoms aren’t usually painful, but as they develop they become increasingly distressing for your dog and for you. Taking your dog for regular health checks means that early signs of disease can be promptly identified and treated. This will help to ensure the best long-term outlook.

What does heart disease in dogs mean? >What does heart disease in dogs mean? [Overview

Symptoms of heart problems in dogs >Symptoms of heart problems in dogs [Symptoms

Which dogs are prone to having heart disease? >Which dogs are prone to having heart disease? [Risk

How vets diagnose heart disease in dogs >How vets diagnose heart disease in dogs [Diagnosis

Treatments for heart disease in dogs >Treatments for heart disease in dogs [Treatment

How to look after a dog with heart disease at home >How to look after a dog with heart disease at home [Home treatment

Tips on how to prevent heart disease in dogs >Tips on how to prevent heart disease in dogs [Prevention

When you should worry about your dog with heart disease >When you should worry about your dog with heart disease [When to worry

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