Heart failure in dogs is a devastating condition since it has no cure. Understanding its causes and learning its early symptoms and stages will help dog owners choose the appropriate treatment to improve the quality of life of their dogs.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in Dogs?
Heart failure in dogs is not considered a disease but rather a syndrome. It is characterised by the cardiovascular system’s inability to pump sufficient blood throughout the body.
A common misconception about this condition is that it causes the heart to stop beating. In reality, heart failure in dogs is the gradual loss of proper heart function.
How Is Congestive Heart Failure Different from Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is often used to describe all canines with heart failure. However, its real definition is the fluid build-up in various body cavities, specifically the chest and abdomen.
This is brought on by the blood backing up into the lungs. As a result, proper oxygen flow throughout the body is curtailed. Other affected body organs also start to function abnormally.
What Causes Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs?
CHF in dogs can be caused by different factors. Here are the most common causes of this condition:
1. Congenital Heart Disorders
Congestive heart failure is commonly the result of a severe canine heart problem. The types of heart diseases in dogs that are likely to induce this syndrome are:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Mitral valve disease (heart valve defect)
- Degenerative valvular disease (heart valve deteriotation)
- Atrial septal defect (hole in the heart)
- Patent ductus arteriosus (failure of a certain heart muscle)
Dog owners must note that cardiovascular disorders are present when heart failure in dogs occurs. But know that the presence of any type of heart disease will not always lead to heart failure.
2. Breeds Prone to Congenital Heart Defects
Some dog breeds are predisposed to certain types of cardiovascular problems. Thus, they are more at risk of having congestive heart failure.
These are the breeds commonly plagued with heart disorders:
- Beagles
- Boxers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Chihuahuas
- Cocker Spaniels
- Collies
- Dachshunds
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Maltese
- Newfoundlands
- Pomeranians
- Poodles
- Rottweilers
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Saint Bernards
3. Geriatric Dogs
As dogs reach their golden years, their heart valves will easily accumulate scar tissues affecting the blood flow and causing valve leakage.
This means their cardiovascular system will need to put in more effort in pumping blood. Hence, senior dogs become more susceptible to heart problems.
In turn, this increases their chances of developing congestive heart failure. Around 75% of geriatric dogs are suffering from this condition.
4. Other Canine Diseases
Certain health problems in dogs like the ones listed below can cause degeneration in different parts of the heart. This can, later on, lead to congestive heart failure.
- Canine parvovirus
- Bacterial infections
- Heartworm infestation
- Hormonal imbalance
5. Nutritional Deficiency
The lack of selenium or vitamin E can weaken the heart muscles, making them vulnerable to various diseases.
L-carnitine and taurine-deficiencies in some dog breeds are also linked to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, which is often accompanied by congestive heart failure.
What Are the Types of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs?
3 types of congestive heart failure can happen to dogs: left-sided, right-sided, and biventricular. Here is how they affect a canine’s cardiovascular system:
1. Left-Sided Congestive Heart Failure
This term refers to the backup of pressure affecting the vessels delivering blood to the left ventricle. Fluid accumulates within the lungs as a result, which is known as pulmonary edema.
2. Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure
There is increased pressure in the vessels transporting blood to the right atrium as well as the veins and capillaries. This leads to right-sided congestive heart failure and fluid accumulation in the:
- Abdomen
- Chest cavity
- Limbs
- Liver
3. Biventricular Failure
This occurs when both sides of the heart fail to work properly. This type of congestive heart failure is commonly seen in dogs with heart muscle failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy or poisoning.
What Are the Symptoms of Heart Failure in Dogs?
Treating heart failure in dogs is more effective when the condition is diagnosed early. We have listed down the early signs of heart failure in dogs as well as the symptoms that occur when it becomes severe:
Early Symptoms of Heart Failure in Dogs
- Easily gets tired
- Difficulty breathing
- Breathing at a fast rate
- Refusal to go on exercise
- Dog heart failure cough sound
The Most Common Symptoms in Severe Heart Failure in Dogs
- Bluish grey tongue or gum colour
- Sudden weight loss
- Distended stomach due to fluid build-up
- Loss of consciousness due to lack of blood flow to the brain
What Are the Different Stages of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs?
The stages of congestive heart failure in dogs are classified into 4 groups. It is worth noting that certain clinical signs are more common at each stage.
Stage 1
This is the beginning of a dog’s heart degeneration. Clinical symptoms of the condition are yet to show themselves.
Stage 2
Early symptoms of congestive heart failure start to take place. Affected dogs in this stage often have breathing difficulties, low energy, and slow respiratory rate.
Stage 3
What are the final stages of congestive heart failure? Stage 3 is one of the final stages of congested heart failure in dogs. Around this time, dogs with CHF become tired more quickly. Chronic coughing and severe difficulty in breathing may arise too.
Stage 4
What are the last stages of congestive heart failure in dogs? Stage 4 is the last stage of CHF in dogs. Pooches that are in this stage will experience breathing difficulties even when at rest.
Other symptoms to be aware of are a bloated abdomen, swollen limbs, and blue-coloured gums.
How Is Heart Failure in Dogs Diagnosed?
The vet will check your dog’s medical history and may conduct a physical exam. They will also run special diagnostic tests to definitively confirm that your dog is suffering from heart failure.
Here are the most common exams for heart failure in dogs:
1. Blood and Urine Testing
Heart diseases can affect the liver and kidneys of affected dogs. Both tests will help determine the type of medications appropriate to use on your dog. This also verifies if your dog has a taurine deficiency.
2. Chest X-Rays
This exam uses low radiation levels to acquire imaging of your dog’s heart and lungs. Chest x-rays help the vet check the size and shape of his heart. It also aids in detecting fluid build-up in the lungs.
3. Echocardiogram
This exam makes use of ultrasound waves to observe the size and thickness of each heart chamber. The vet will also be able to note if there are abnormalities in the heart’s contractions.
4. Electrocardiogram
It measures the electrical signals from your dog’s heart. This test aids in confirming if there are any issues in his heart rate and rhythm such as heart murmurs.
5. Endomyocardial Biopsy
This is an invasive procedure done to gauge your dog’s L-carnitine levels. It will figure out if he has L-carnitine deficiency.
6. Heartworm Antigen Test
Heartworms are one of the most common causes of heart failure in dogs. This type of test will examine your dog’s blood to find out if your pooch has or has had heartworms.
7. Holter Monitor
It is a 24-hour electrocardiogram highly capable of detecting irregularity in your dog’s heartbeats. Holter monitor detects serious heart arrhythmia missed by the regular electrocardiogram.
How Is Heart Failure in Dogs Treated?
As of now, heart failure in dogs has no permanent cure. The main goal of the treatment is to control the clinical signs along with lightening the heart’s workload.
To achieve this objective, the vet will make use of 2 or more of the following treatments:
1. Medications
Several types of drugs are specifically made to treat heart failure in dogs. The vet will choose the most appropriate one to administer on your dog depending on the cause and severity of his condition together with other factors.
The most common drugs used to manage heart failure in dogs are:
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
The primary purpose of this medication is to improve your dog’s heart function and reduce his blood pressure.
This way, it keeps his heart from overworking and slows the progression of heart failure. The popular types of ACE inhibitors for dogs are:
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
Diuretics
Diuretics prevent fluid retention, which causes the distention of your dog’s body organs. This encourages him to urinate and get rid of extra fluids accumulating in his kidney. The following are the most common diuretics for dogs:
- Furosemide
- Torsemide
Vasodilators
These drugs aim to widen and relax blood vessels, and in turn lower blood pressure. Vets commonly use the vasodilator hydralazine on dogs with heart failure.
Beta Blockers
These medications enhance the ability of your dog’s heart to relax. Some of the beta blockers used on dogs with heart failure are:
- Atenolol
- Carvedilol
- Metoprolol
Cough Suppressants
Dogs with severe heart failure may suffer from chronic bronchitis. They can benefit from this type of medication.
Anti-Anxiety Treatments
Breathing difficulties caused by heart failure can cause distress in affected dogs. In these cases, the vet will prescribe anti-anxiety drugs to help them relax.
Proper dosage of any prescribed medications for heart failure in dogs should be followed. Otherwise, it will not be effective in hindering the progression of the condition.
2. Diet Changes
The food your dog eats can significantly affect his condition. Thus, the vet might recommend the following changes in his diet to avoid quick advancement of his heart failure:
Low Sodium Diet
High sodium meals can increase fluid retention in dogs with heart failure. It hinders their heart from pumping blood throughout their body efficiently.
Moderate dietary salt restriction is ideal for dogs experiencing heart failure. Their food should contain 0.2–0.25% sodium on a dry matter basis.
Several prescription diets catering to different levels of sodium restrictions are available in pet stores. Dog owners can also find homemade low-sodium dog food recipes online.
However, if you opt for this type of diet, let the vet check the recipes. Keep in mind that not all homemade dog foods are nutritionally balanced.
High-sodium dog treats and human foods must be prohibited from them. Beware that some drinking water has high levels of sodium. Make sure to give your dog distilled or low-sodium bottled water.
3. Nutrient Supplementation
Depending on your dog’s breed and condition, supplements may be prescribed to him. The following types of supplements can help certain dogs with heart failure:
L-Carnitine Supplements
Particular dog breeds are prone to L-carnitine sufficiency such as Boxers and American Cocker Spaniels, which makes them at risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. They can benefit from taking L-carnitine supplements.
However, it will take time for dog owners to see an improvement in their pets. According to studies, positive results will take around 3–4 months to happen.
Taurine Supplements
This is recommended for taurine-deficient dogs suffering from heart failure. The deficiency can be checked through a blood test.
The most common breeds that may need this are Golden Retrievers and American Cocker Spaniels since they are more susceptible to this health issue.
Note that the American Cocker Spaniels respond well to a combination of taurine and L-carnitine supplements. This primarily has something to do with their propensity to be deficient in L-carnitine and taurine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coenzyme Q Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids supplement is believed to be beneficial for dogs with heart failure. It offers anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic properties that help manage heart arrhythmias and loss of lean body mass, which are brought on by the condition.
Coenzyme Q is also known as CoQ-10 or ubiquinone. It is commonly used by vets as a supplemental therapy for cardiovascular issues such as heart failure. Research shows that it safeguards the heart muscle cells from damage with its antioxidant properties.
4. Surgery
Dogs with heart failure that have fluid accumulation in their body cavities may need to undergo surgery. Thoracentesis and abdominocentesis are the common procedures used in these cases.
It involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen to remove excess fluid. Fast improvement in symptoms is observed after dogs go through these surgical procedures.
5. Exercise
Obesity hastens the progression of heart failure in dogs because it causes hypertension and increases the heart rate. Thus, affected canines need to stay fit and trim.
Regular mild-to-moderate exercise will help keep them healthy and improve their condition. Dog owners should always observe their pets every exercise.
Excessive panting, weakness, and shortness of breath are signs that the dogs need to rest. Do not push them to do more or else they may collapse due to exhaustion.
Dogs with severe heart failure should be excluded from any type of exercise. These activities will add more strain to their greatly weakened cardiovascular system.
How Long Can Dogs Live With Heart Failure?
The prognosis for heart failure in dogs is poor. On average, dogs with this condition can survive for an average of 6–12 months.
But early detection and treatment of heart failure in dogs can extend the lives of affected canines. Some dogs were able to live for 3 years after being diagnosed with heart failure.
