Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know

3 min read

Heart disease isn’t just a human health concern—it’s something our pets can face too. Dogs and cats can develop heart problems at any age, though it’s more common as they get older. While the signs aren’t always obvious, early detection and treatment can make a world of difference in your pet’s quality of life and longevity.

In this post, we’ll cover the common causes of heart disease in pets, early warning signs, and what you can do to keep your furry friend’s heart as healthy as possible.

Why Heart Disease Happens in Pets

Heart disease in dogs and cats can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (develops later in life). The most common types include:

• Valvular disease – more common in small breed dogs, where heart valves degenerate over time

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – the heart muscle weakens, often seen in large breed dogs

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – the most common heart condition in cats, causing thickened heart walls

• Heartworm disease – caused by parasitic worms that damage the heart and lungs

  
  

Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to heart disease, but diet, lifestyle, and other health conditions can also play a role.

Early Signs to Watch For

The tricky thing about heart disease is that pets often hide their symptoms until the condition is advanced. Keep an eye out for:

• Persistent cough

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Fatigue after light activity

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Fainting or collapsing episodes

• Swollen belly (from fluid buildup)

🔍 Tip: Cats with heart disease may show very subtle signs—sometimes just hiding more, eating less, or being less active.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your veterinarian promptly. They may recommend:

1. Physical exam & listening for murmurs or abnormal rhythms

2. Chest X-rays or echocardiogram to assess heart size and function

3. Blood and urine tests to check overall health

4. Blood pressure measurement

   
   

Treatment often includes medications to help the heart pump more effectively, control blood pressure, or remove excess fluid. In the case of heartworm disease, specific antiparasitic treatments are used.

Common heart medications for pets include:

• Pimobendan – improves heart function

• Furosemide – reduces fluid buildup

• Enalapril or Benazepril – lowers blood pressure and reduces heart strain

• Atenolol – slows heart rate and reduces workload

Many of these medications can be filled at human pharmacies, often at a lower cost—especially when paired with a pet prescription discount card like PawscriptionRx.

Keeping Your Pet’s Heart Healthy

While not all heart disease is preventable, you can reduce risk and catch problems early with these steps:

• Schedule annual (or semi-annual for seniors) veterinary checkups

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight

• Provide regular exercise suited to their age and health

• Use year-round heartworm prevention

• Feed a balanced diet—ask your vet about heart-healthy formulas

  
  

Why Early Action Matters

💵 Lower Costs – Treating heart disease early often requires fewer medications and tests

⏳ Better Quality of Life – Pets can live comfortably for years with proper management

❤️ Peace of Mind – Knowing you’re giving your pet the best care possible