Dogs and cats can develop heart disease just like humans and, in many cases, it can progress quietly before obvious symptoms appear. Understanding common heart conditions, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek care can help you protect your pet’s heart health.

Common Types of Heart Disease in Cats and Dogs

A pet’s risk of developing heart disease can depend on several factors, including age, breed, diet, and activity level.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. It is often genetic and more prevalent in certain breeds (including Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, American Siberian, and Persian cats). With HCM, the heart’s muscle walls thicken, decreasing the heart’s efficiency. HCM is not always visible in a cat, but some signs include labored or rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, and lethargy. AESH is proud to be participating in multiple clinical trials for cats with HCM with and without heart failure. If you are interested in learning more, have your veterinarians reach out to the Cardiology team directly.

• Mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease in dogs and is more common in small dog breeds as they age. It occurs when the heart’s mitral valve becomes thickened, weakened, or misshapen (usually due to age), causing blood to leak backward through the valve. A heart murmur is typically the first sign of mitral valve disease. Later symptoms include coughing, rapid breathing, and decreased appetite.

• Heartworm infection is the most common preventable heart condition for dogs. It is transmitted through mosquito bites and can interfere with heart and lung function. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs can include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Though less common, heartworm symptoms in cats can include coughing or vomiting. In both cats and dogs, heartworms are preventable through year-round medication.

Signs of Potential Heart Disease in Pets

Heart disease is often first detected during a routine exam when a veterinarian hears a heart murmur or abnormal rhythm. Additional diagnostics such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds), or electrocardiograms (ECGs) may be recommended to better understand your pet’s condition.

In addition to routine exams, pet parents can keep an eye out for these common signs of potential heart disease:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Persistent coughing

• Decreased energy or reluctance to exercise

• Episodes of collapse or fainting

• Noticeable swelling or bloating of the abdomen

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet has severe difficulty breathing, collapses or cannot stand, shows sudden weakness or unresponsiveness, or has blue, gray, or very pale gums.

Heart-related emergencies require prompt treatment, as they can progress quickly and become life-threatening.

How to Support Your Pets Heart Health

While not all heart disease can be prevented, there are some steps pet owners can take to support long-term heart health.

• Regular exercise: Make sure your pet gets daily activity to support cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, including walks or toys

• Balanced diet: Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes or adding supplements

• Regular vet checkups: Routine exams allow your veterinarian to detect heart murmurs, rhythm abnormalities, or early signs of disease before symptoms develop

• Monitor changes at home: Pay attention to your pet’s breathing patterns, energy levels, appetite, and weight

Many pets with heart disease can live happy, comfortable lives with proper monitoring and care.

How a Veterinary Cardiologist Can Help

If your veterinarian suspects heart disease or if your pet is showing concerning symptoms, referral to a veterinary cardiologist may be recommended. Veterinary cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and managing heart disease in pets. Research has shown that pets with heart disease who are managed in collaboration with a veterinary cardiologist may experience improved outcomes and, in many cases, live longer compared to those managed without specialty care. With proper monitoring and treatment, many dogs and cats with heart conditions can continue to enjoy happy, comfortable lives.

Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital’s cardiology services are led by Dr. Mark Harmon, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist with advanced expertise in diagnosing and managing heart conditions in dogs and cats.

If your pet has been diagnosed with, or is showing signs of heart disease, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our Cardiology Department at AESH.