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There are two types of canine heart disease: congenital and acquired. Congenital heart disease is present at birth and is rare. Acquired heart disease develops over time, usually beginning during middle-age and affective many older dogs.

Congenital heart disease is not a very common disease which we find in dogs. We may find it in 1 percent of the dogs. Congenital heart disease or heart disorder may be caused due to several reasons including calorie deposition in the heart. In all congenital heart diseases, congenital aortic stenosis is probably the most common heart defect seen in large breed dogs.


The symptoms of congenital heart diseases in dogs include weight loss poor intake of food coughing and difficulty in breathing. A variety of congenital heart and acquired heart diseases of dogs finally may result in heart failure. Dogs may even born with congenital heart disease. But it may not necessarily be a hereditary reason.

The early signs of heart failure are hard to detect. A decrease in activity or coughing during periods of exercise or excitation are both early signs of heart failure, but owners may consider these normal signs of aging. It is difficult to tell without a thorough examination. As heart failure progresses, however, these early signs become more severe. In addition, your dog may develop other signs such as rapid breathing, abdominal swelling and weight loss. Although the signs of heart disease may appear mild at first, and may be mistaken for signs of aging, heart failure is a serious, progressive problem and can be life-threatening. Not all signs may be present at the same time. Some signs may also be cause by other serious conditions.

Congenital heart diseases rate in dogs are malformations of the heart or great vessels. The lesions characterizing congenital heart defects are present at birth and may develop more fully Veterinary diseases and conditions of dogs; organized by body system.


Congenital heart diseases may lead to secondary disease diseases such as pneumonia, accumulation of fluid in body cavities, labored breathing and edema.


However 60% of the congenital heart disease cases are due to inherited tendency. But, in other cases it can be prevented through vaccinations and good calorie content food.


There are some medicinal ways to cure congenital heart disease, but the chance of success is very less. So in the case of congenital heart disease, if its not the case of inherited thing then, prevention is better than cure; as the chances of curing is very less.

Heart disease can develop in any breed of dog or cat. However, some breeds are more susceptible to certain types of disease. As a rule, breeds such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Lhasa Apsos have a greater incidence of Chronic Valvular Disease , while larger breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and Boxers are more prone to Dilated Cardiomyopathy . However, English Cocker Spaniels are also susceptible to Dilated Cardiomyopathy .