Did you know heart disease is one of the most common hidden health problems we find in pets?
Because dogs and cats are masters at hiding early symptoms, yearly physical exams are absolutely critical.
At your pet’s annual visit, we:
🩺 Listen to the heart for murmurs, rhythm changes, or other warning signs.
🩺 Check blood pressure to monitor for silent hypertension.
🩺 Listen to the lungs for early signs of fluid buildup or breathing issues.
🐶 Common Heart Diseases in Dogs
- Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD): The most common in small breeds; the mitral valve becomes leaky over time.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): More common in large breeds; the heart muscle weakens and struggles to pump effectively.
🐱 Common Heart Diseases in Cats
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The heart muscle thickens, making it harder to fill and pump blood.
- Restrictive or Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Less common, but serious forms affecting heart function.
Did you know heart disease is one of the most common hidden health problems we find in pets?
Because dogs and cats are masters at hiding early symptoms, yearly physical exams are absolutely critical.
At your pet’s annual visit, we:
🩺 Listen to the heart for murmurs, rhythm changes, or other warning signs.
🩺 Check blood pressure to monitor for silent hypertension.
🩺 Listen to the lungs for early signs of fluid buildup or breathing issues.
🧡 Why Heart Murmurs Matter
When we detect a heart murmur, it can feel like discovering a ticking time bomb.
Some murmurs stay harmless for years, while others can silently progress into congestive heart failure (CHF) — a life-threatening condition.
Early detection gives us the best chance to manage heart disease and extend your pet’s healthy, happy years!
🩺 How We Work Up Heart Disease at The Welcome Waggin’
If we hear a heart murmur or notice a concern, here’s how we proceed:
Plan A: Referral to a Veterinary Cardiologist
- Your pet will be seen by a specialist who can perform most of these tests during the same visit
- Full echocardiogram with Doppler technology
- ECGs to detect arrhythmias
- IDEXX CardioProBNP blood test to measure a heart-specific protein that indicates heart muscle stretching
- Chest X-rays to assess heart size and check for signs of congestive heart failure
- Ensure your dog does not have heartworm disease
Plan B: Stay in the Home!
We can perform:
- Idexx CardioPro BNP Test (blood test)
- Chest X-rays
- Heart Ultrasound & ECGs in your home via our colleagues at 4 Paws Imaging (with Cardiologist review!)
❤️ How Heart Disease is Treated
Treatment goals: Manage symptoms, slow progression, and support a full life of cuddles, walks, and purrs.
Common Dog Treatments:
- Pimobendan (Vetmedin)
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Diet changes or supplements
Common Cat Treatments:
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
- Blood clot prevention (Plavix)
- Diet adjustments and supplements
🏡 At-Home Monitoring Matters!
Tracking your pet’s resting respiratory rate (RRR) at home is one of the most important tools for early detection of heart failure.
A rising respiratory rate can be an early warning sign that your pet’s heart is struggling.
✅ We recommend downloading the Resting Respiratory Rate app to make monitoring easy: Download Here
🐾 Remember:
With early detection, careful monitoring, and personalized treatment, many pets with heart disease can live many more happy, love-filled years. 💙
We are here every step of the way — because every heartbeat matters.
✨ Don’t wait — schedule your pet’s exam today!
Annual exams are critical for all pets, and senior pets (over 7 years old) should be seen twice a year to catch changes early.
Book your appointment with The Welcome Waggin’ and let’s make sure your pet’s heart stays as strong and healthy as possible. 🐾