Heart disease tends to sneak up on pets and clinical signs might not appear until your pet is in serious trouble.

Knowing the signs of heart disease and starting treatment early can make a big difference to your pet’s quality of life and longevity.

The most common form of heart disease leads to a failure of the pumping mechanism of the heart. It is often referred to as congestive failure as it results in pooling of blood in the lungs and other organs.

Look out for these signs

In both dogs and cats:

Laboured or fast breathing (get to know your pet’s sleeping respiration rate – SRR)
An enlarged abdomen
Weight loss or poor appetite
In dogs only:

Coughing, especially at night or after lying down
A reluctance to exercise and tiring more easily on walks
Weakness or fainting associated with exercise
If you think your pet might be showing signs of heart disease, call us for an appointment. Early treatment of this insidious disease will help your pet love a longer and happier life.