5 Signs Your Dog or Cat Might Have Heart Disease (and When to Act)

Health Tips

Heart Care, Close to Home at VSH North County

When it comes to your pet’s heart health, experience and technology matter. At Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) North County in San Marcos, our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Marisa Ciccozzi, provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options for dogs and cats with heart conditions. Working closely with your primary veterinarian, our team ensures your pet receives compassionate, specialized care from the first consultation through long-term management.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs

Heart disease can be subtle in its early stages, but identifying changes early can make all the difference. Here are five signs that may indicate your pet needs a heart checkup.

1. Persistent Coughing or Trouble Breathing If your pet coughs frequently or seems short of breath after light activity, it could be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs caused by heart failure. While some coughing can be related to allergies or airway issues, heart problems should always be ruled out.

2. Fatigue or Reduced Activity If your dog no longer wants to go for walks or your cat tires easily, this could signal decreased heart function. Fatigue often appears long before other symptoms.

3. Fainting or Collapse A sudden loss of consciousness can occur when the heart isn’t delivering enough oxygen to the brain. Even if your pet recovers quickly, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.

4. Loss of Appetite or Weight Changes A declining appetite or noticeable weight changes can occur as heart disease progresses, especially if the heart is impacting other organs.

5. Abnormal Breathing Rate During Rest You can monitor your pet’s resting breathing rate at home. More than 30 breaths per minute while at rest may indicate heart trouble.

Specialized Cardiology Care at VSH North County

At VSH North County, our hospital is equipped with on-site echocardiography, ECG, and advanced imaging tools, allowing for same-day testing and faster treatment decisions. Early detection is key to managing heart disease effectively and improving your pet’s quality of life.

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