Heart disease in dogs often creeps in quietly. There's rarely a dramatic moment; instead it tends to show up as a cough that lingers, a bit less energy on walks, or breathing that seems quicker than it used to be. The encouraging news is that when it's picked up early, many heart conditions can be well controlled with medication and a few sensible adjustments, so dogs go on enjoying life for a long time. The key for us as owners is knowing the gentle early signs and getting them checked.
I'm a groomer, not a vet, so nothing here is a diagnosis. It's here to help you recognise when something is worth a proper look from your vet.
The early signs worth noticing
Heart problems tend to build gradually, so the changes can be easy to put down to age or the weather. Keep an eye out for:
- A cough, especially at night, after lying down or after exercise
- Tiring more quickly on walks, or wanting to stop and rest
- Faster or heavier breathing when resting or asleep
- Reduced appetite or gradual weight loss
- A swollen or bloated-looking tummy
- Episodes of weakness, wobbliness or fainting
The PDSA guide to heart problems in dogs is a clear, vet-written overview if you'd like to read further.
What a heart murmur means
You may hear your vet mention a murmur after listening to your dog's chest. A murmur is simply an extra sound made by blood moving through the heart, often because a valve isn't sealing quite as it should. It's a finding, not a full diagnosis on its own.
Some murmurs are mild and don't cause any trouble, while others point to a condition that needs monitoring or treatment. Your vet will decide whether further tests are worthwhile. If you'd like more background, the PDSA guide to heart murmurs explains it well.
Vet note: Sudden, laboured or very fast breathing at rest, collapse, or gums that look pale, blue or grey are emergencies. Contact your vet or an out-of-hours clinic straight away rather than waiting to see how things go.
Which dogs are more prone
Heart disease can affect any dog, but some patterns are worth knowing. Smaller breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds and some terriers are more prone to valve problems, while certain large and giant breeds are more likely to develop a condition affecting the heart muscle itself. Older dogs in general are more likely to develop heart issues than younger ones.
If your dog falls into one of these groups, it's worth being a little more alert to the early signs.
A simple way to help at home
One genuinely useful thing you can do is learn to count your dog's resting or sleeping breathing rate. When your dog is settled and asleep, count how many breaths they take in a minute (one breath is a rise and fall of the chest). Over time you'll get a feel for what's normal for them.
A resting rate that starts climbing above your dog's usual baseline can be an early warning sign of fluid building up, and it's exactly the kind of change vets like to hear about promptly.
Where grooming comes in
We're not doing anything medical, but a groom is a hands-on, whole-body once-over. Sometimes we're the ones who notice a dog tiring quickly, breathing harder than expected or coughing when they settle. If we see something like that, we'll always mention it so you can decide whether a vet visit is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Can heart disease in dogs be treated?
Many types can be well managed with medication, monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, especially when caught early. It often can't be cured, but plenty of dogs live happily for a long time with the right care from their vet.
Is a heart murmur always serious?
Not always. Some murmurs are mild and cause no problems, while others need investigating. Only your vet can assess what a particular murmur means and whether any further tests or treatment are needed.
Why does my dog cough more at night?
A cough that's worse at night, after lying down or after exercise can be linked to heart problems, though coughs have many causes. If it's persistent, get it checked rather than assuming it's just a tickle.
How can I keep my dog's heart healthy?
Keeping your dog a healthy weight, giving regular gentle exercise, staying up to date with check-ups and mentioning any early signs promptly all help. Your vet can give advice tailored to your dog's breed and age.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A calm, one-to-one groom is a chance to notice the small changes that are worth mentioning to your vet. Book a relaxed groom for your dog today.