8 signs of heart disease in dogs - Toutoupourlechien

1. A cough

Cough is a very common symptom in many illnesses. It can be a sign of a simple respiratory tract irritation such as heart failure in your dog.

2. Breathing difficulties

Breathing changes related to heart disease can include difficulty breathing due to shortness of breath, breathing that seems harder, or especially rapid breathing.

3. A change in behavior

If you notice behavioral changes in your dog, for example if he tires more easily, if he is less playful, if he is reluctant to exercise, to accept illness, or if he seems depressed, this is a sign that he is not in his plate and that he may be suffering from a heart problem, among other he alth problems.Consult your veterinarian without delay.

4. Loss of appetite

In a dog, loss of appetite is often a sign of a he alth problem. If combined with any of the other symptoms on this list, it may be a sign of heart disease.

5. Weight variations

Weight loss and muscle wasting, often linked to loss of appetite, can be among the symptoms associated with heart disease in dogs.

But apparent weight gain resulting in a swollen and distended abdomen may be a sign of heart failure.

6. Syncope

If your dog faints and "passes out" , consult a veterinarian immediately. Syncope can be a sign of many serious illnesses, including heart problems.

7. Unusual fatigue

Unusual fatigue in your dog as well as exercise intolerance, i.e. the dog's inability to exert effort, regardless of the circumstances, and to maintain this effort in the time, should make you suspect heart disease in your pet.

8. Swollen legs

Swelling of the dog's extremities can occur if they have heart disease. This is called peripheral edema. This is fluid buildup in the dog's paws.

An animal with heart disease may also have a swollen abdomen, called ascites.

If your dog has one or more of these symptoms, speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your dog requires an auscultation as soon as possible.