Spotting Heart Disease Early in Senior Pets

Heart disease is a common condition in older dogs and cats — but it often goes undetected until the disease has progressed. Early signs can be subtle or mistaken for “normal ageing”, which is why regular vet checks are so important.

By recognising the early clues and seeking veterinary support promptly, you can dramatically improve your pet’s comfort, quality of life, and in many cases, their lifespan.

Contents

• Why Older Pets Are at Greater Risk

• Types of Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

• Early Warning Signs to Watch For

• How Vets Diagnose Heart Disease

• Managing Heart Disease in Pets

• When to Contact Us

Why Older Pets Are at Greater Risk

As pets age, wear and tear on the heart muscle or valves becomes more likely. Some breeds are genetically predisposed, while other pets develop heart problems due to long-term strain, hormonal disorders, or age-related changes in circulation.

Senior dogs and cats are especially vulnerable because:

• Their tissues become less elastic, affecting heart function

• Underlying diseases like kidney disease or high blood pressure can worsen heart strain

• Symptoms may be missed or mistaken for general slowing down

Regular checkups are key to spotting problems before they become emergencies.

Types of Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

In dogs, the most common heart issues include:

• Mitral valve disease (MVD): Degeneration of the heart valves, especially in small breeds

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Weakening of the heart muscle, often in large breeds

In cats, the most common is:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Thickening of the heart muscle, which reduces efficiency

Some heart diseases are genetic, while others may result from nutritional imbalances, infections, or secondary health issues.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

Heart disease often progresses quietly, with no obvious symptoms in the early stages. That’s why many pets go undiagnosed until the disease is moderate or severe.

Signs may include:

• Coughing, especially at night or after activity (common in dogs)

• Laboured or rapid breathing

• Exercise intolerance — tiring quickly, reluctance to walk or play

• Lethargy or more time spent sleeping

• Fainting or collapsing

• Reduced appetite or weight loss

• Swollen abdomen (due to fluid build-up)

• Restlessness, especially at night

In cats, heart disease signs are often even more subtle — or may only appear during a health crisis like sudden paralysis or breathing difficulty.

How Vets Diagnose Heart Disease

If your vet suspects heart disease, they’ll recommend a combination of tests to assess how the heart is functioning and determine the best management plan.

Diagnostic tools include:

• Auscultation (listening to the heart): Detects murmurs or irregular rhythms

• Chest X-rays: Show heart size and any fluid in the lungs

• Ultrasound (echocardiography): Evaluates heart structure and function in real time

• Blood pressure measurement: High blood pressure can damage the heart and other organs

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records electrical activity to assess rhythm issues

• Blood tests: May check for cardiac biomarkers or underlying diseases

These investigations are painless and often quick, helping vets catch disease early — sometimes before your pet shows symptoms.

Managing Heart Disease in Pets

Although heart disease can’t usually be cured, it can often be managed successfully for months or years, especially when diagnosed early.

Treatment plans may include:

• Medications to help the heart pump more effectively, reduce fluid build-up, or control blood pressure

• Diuretics to remove excess fluid from the lungs or abdomen

• Dietary adjustments — such as low-sodium diets or taurine supplementation (especially in cats)

• Regular monitoring with follow-up imaging, weight checks, and respiratory rate tracking

• Exercise modification to match energy levels and avoid overexertion

Many pets with heart disease live happy, active lives with the right support and regular vet care.

When to Contact Us

If your senior pet is slowing down, coughing, or showing any of the signs listed above — or if they’ve never had a heart check — don’t wait. Heart conditions can be managed far more effectively when caught early.

📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online for a heart health check. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure your pet gets the care they need.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.