Introduction

“Heart failure” is bad no matter who or what it pertains to, and it rightfully strikes fear in the hearts of those of us who love our pets. “Heart failure” is a term used to describe the consequences of impaired filling with, or emptying of, blood from the heart. In a nutshell, when the body isn’t able to get enough blood into or out of the heart, the body reacts in such a way as to cause fluid build up (called “congestion”) in and around the heart, the lungs and elsewhere. Because a diagnosis of heart failure is very serious, pet owners want to do everything they can to recognize the warning signs so that treatment – or at least management -- can begin immediately.

Symptoms of Heart Failure in Dogs

Behavioral Changes

The onset of heart disease is often accompanied by subtle behavioral changes that owners who are in tune with their pets can recognize. Unfortunately, many of these signs are nonspecific and are commonly seen in connection with many other medical conditions as well.

These signs may include things such as simply being less active than normal and tiring easily. Appetite changes (usually eating less and losing weight) can also be seen with heart disease.

Physical Changes

Respiratory distress is the most notable clinical sign of heart failure. Terms you might hear from your veterinarian to describe respiratory distress include “tachypnea” (which means rapid breathing) and “dyspnea” (which means difficulty breathing). Respiratory difficulties often are seen even when the animal is resting. These can progress to abdominal distention from fluid retention (resulting in a “pot-bellied” look), pain, tiredness/lethargy and weight loss. Many owners report that their pet seems to be uncomfortable, is restless or fidgety, or otherwise just “isn’t doing right.” Coughing in dogs (but rarely in cats) often is seen with heart failure.