Could you recognise heart disease in your pet?

Knowing the early signs of heart disease can make a big difference to your pet’s life. It means you can seek medical help from us and we can then start treatment early, achieving a better quality of life for your best friend.

Heart failure affects the pumping mechanism of the heart. It is often referred to as congestive failure as it results in pooling of blood in the lungs. 

Be aware that cats are very good at hiding signs of heart disease. The signs to look out for in dogs and cats:

• Laboured or fast breathing * most common sign in cats with heart disease 
• An enlarged abdomen
• Weight loss or poor appetite

Signs to look out for in dogs:

• Coughing, especially at night 
• A reluctance to exercise and tiring more easily on walks
• Weakness or fainting associated with exercise
• The good news is that there are medications available to help your pet's heart work better. We will initially recommend x-rays and an ultrasound of the heart so we know we are choosing the most suitable medication. 

If you think your pet is showing one or more of the above signs, it is important that we see them for an examination. Early treatment can help your pet lead a longer and happier life.