Heart disease and heart failure are among the most common diseases of older dogs.

Heart failure is a decrease in cardiac output (blood flow) that causes an increase in blood pressure.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of heart disease include lethargy, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, cough and distended abdomen due to fluid accumulation.

Some of the same tests that are used to diagnose heart disease in humans can be used on dogs. An electrocardiogram can easily and quickly be performed in the vet's office.

Kinds of Heart Disease
The most common type of heart failure seen in older dogs is mitral valve insufficiency. The valve fails to shut properly and lets blood leak through, causing a murmur.

Another form of heart disease is cardiomyopathy. This is an enlargement and weakening of the heart. It can take two forms: the heart muscle can become weak and dilated or it can thicken and become stiff. Either way the result is reduced blood pressure. Not enough blood reaches other organs, causing their degeneration. Blood clots and strokes can also occur.

Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are also seen in older pets. Often they are benign and cause few problems. Occasionally they can be more serious and require medication or even a pacemaker.

Management and Treatment
If heart disease is discovered early enough, pets often can continue to live long lives with proper diet and medication, if warranted.

A low sodium diet is important to prevent fluid build up. Diuretics, either Lasix or herbal, may also be utilized. Mild exercise helps keep the heart muscle strong.

Extra nutrition is needed to make up for the nutrients being lost in the urine. Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E are necessary nutrients for heart health and can be added to the diet.

The amino acid L-Carnitine is used specifically to make heart muscle. Diets sufficient in lysine (good sources are Quinoa, dairy foods and fish) and methionine (abundant in eggs) will provide enough
L-carnitine as well.

Other Heart Problems
Heartworm can affect dogs of all ages. The worms lodge in the right heart chamber and blood vessels. They can be as much as 14 inches long!

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and cannot be transmitted directly from dog to dog. Symptoms are the same as heart failure, but by the time the dog is exhibiting signs, the disease may be in its end stages and may not respond well to treatment.

Though there are preventative medicines, they are highly toxic and carry significant risks. The best treatment may be annual blood tests to detect the disease in its early stages when it can be successfully treated. Herbal preventatives are also available, and are much gentler.

Bacterial infections can also spread to the heart. Most often these infections begin in the gums. For this reason it is important to periodically have your dog's teeth cleaned by your veterinarian. He can also show you how to brush your dog's teeth at home to maintain oral hygiene.

Animal Apawthacary's Fido Dent is an herbal antibacterial solution used to fight gingivitis and other oral infections. CoQ10 is also important for gum health. Certain treats have been designed to clean teeth and prevent plaque build-up.

Prevention Through Lifestyle
Regular exercise and proper diet will help keep your dog healthy. Annual checkups are necessary in order to catch any trouble early when it is most treatable.

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