Signs That Your Dog Might Be Suffering From a Heart Problem
As a pet owner, one of the most worrying things that you can have is a pet with health problems. It’s not like talking to a human being where you can ask them to explain symptoms or tell you how they feel. A dog that is showing a lot of breathless signs or appears to be suffering could merely be having a bad day or recovering from a minor infection or injury. However, it could also be the sign of something more serious…
While the following signs are not a clear call that your dog has a heart problem, they could be indicators that your friend needs some help.
A general sense of lethargy
While it may be common for your dog to simply be tired, an overall sense of lethargy is a bad thing. If your dog is normally up for playing for extensive periods of time and now appears to be unable to play for any considerable period of time, it could be a sign that it has a heart issue.
Weight loss
A common sign that something is seriously wrong with your dog is if their eating habits change. If your canine is normally enjoying its food and keeps a steady weight, any immediate or lasting weight loss is a big red flag. This often points to a dog that is suffering from a variety of issues, but it could also be a heart-based problem. That’s why weight loss is an essential part of diagnosing your dogs health issues.
Coughing
If you notice that your dog appears to be coughing a lot, then you should definitely get them evaluated as soon as possible. A dog with a regular cough is not normal, and though it could be environmental, it could also be a physical problem. If the coughing persists, the best thing that you can do is get them checked out. It’s tough to think about, but acting quickly and proactively is absolutely essential.
Swollen stomach
If your dog has any kind of lasting swelling in the abdomen, then it must be looked at by a vet immediately. This is one of the most obvious signs that your dog has a problem that needs to be attended to by a professional. Do not let your dog’s health issues become something you ignore; get in touch with a vet if you notice any abdominal swelling. This is not something that you can ignore, as it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong.
Getting expert advice right away
This article should not be taken as professional or veterinary advice. If you think that any or all of the above signs indicate that your dog has a heart defect or problem, then you need to get in touch with a veterinarian. A vet can diagnose the issue, and then refer you to a specialist, known as a veterinary cardiologist. Cardiac Vet offers cardiac telemedicine to veterinarians and hospitals across the country and across the globe. Dr. Carley Saelinger, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) can assist rDVMs in confirming their suspicion of cardiac disease via telemedicine to interpret of ECGs, thoracic radiographs, Holters, event monitors, and echocardiograms.
Cardiac Vet
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292