While canine heart attacks (medical term – myocardial infarction) are rare in the UK, they can occur in dogs of any breed. Sadly in some parts of the USA they are reporting an increase in serious canine heart attacks, thought to be due to the increasing amounts of fast food and fatty food consumed by US pets, a reduction in the amount of exercise they take and an increase in pet obesity. Frighteningly many of these pets are also showing an increase in diabetes and atherosclerosis.
What happens in a canine heart attack?
Just as in humans, a heart attack for a dog occurs when the coronary arteries become blocked (or leak) and cut off the flow of blood to the heart muscle. When deprived of blood, the heart does not get sufficient oxygen or nutrients. Therefore, the heart muscle dies, disrupting the heart ‘s ability to beat effectively and reducing the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood to their heart and brain.
Additionally, just like humans, dogs can also experience heart health problems, such as heart disease and heart failure.
Helpful research for humans
Furthermore, dogs have served as helpful research models for heart attack studies. Studies on dogs have proven extremely beneficial to diagnosing and treating heart attacks. It was one such study that led to the initially understanding of CPR and another that led to the development of the defibrillator.
Read more on this subject here: https://firstaidforpets.net/dog-saves-lives/
Symptoms of Canine Heart Attacks
Unfortunately, the first recognizable symptom of heart attack is usually collapse. Canine heart attack symptoms can be subtle, so it’s crucial to try and spot early warning signs as this could enable you to prevent your pet from having a fatal attack.
Other symptoms include
Vomiting
Panting
Increased Heart Rate
Fever
Pain in Front Legs
Difficulty Standing
Confusion
Immobility
Seizure
Lethargy
Anxiety
Increased risk
A pet with existing heart disease, congenital heart abnormalities or a genetic predisposition will have an increased risk of heart attack. Therefore being able to spot the signs of heart disease is vital
Long-term health conditions can raise risk
Obesity
Being overweight is a preventable cause of heart attacks in dogs. Carrying extra weight increases your pet’s blood pressure and cholesterol. Certain breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Bulldogs and Beagles can be more susceptible than others.
Diabetes
Diabetes and the resulting high levels of glucose can damage the blood vessels. This in turn can cause heart disease and increase the risk of heart failure.
Bacterial infections
Can sometimes cause a blood flow blockage.
Vasculitis
This is when blood vessels become inflamed, this can affect any blood vessels, including those in the heart.
Hypothyroidism
This can slow the heart rate and lead to a rise in blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis
The gradual build up of plaque in the arteries results in restricted blood flow to and from the heart. Atherosclerosis is a main cause of heart attacks in pets and humans.
Canine heart attacks
If you recognize the symptoms of a heart attack in your dog, seek medical attention immediately.
The severity of a heart attack depends on the extent of the damage to the heart muscle, the location of the infarct and how much of it has been deprived of blood supply.
Collapsed and unconscious?
If your dog has a heart attack that results in collapse and they are unconscious and stop breathing, give CPR if you ae confident doing so.
Read our article on performing dog CPR here:
Physical examination
Your vet will check for signs such as an irregular heart rate or pulse, respiratory distress, jaundice, swelling and dehydration.
Diagnostic tests
Your vet will run tests to make a diagnosis. These may include:
Electrocardiography: an ECG (just like in humans): determines cardiac electrical impulses and detects any abnormal heartbeat rhythms
Echocardiography:can detect heart valve/muscle functioning; and find any fluid or masses in the heart
Blood Culture Biochemistry Profile: tests liver and kidney functioning
Urinalysis: checks kidney and metabolism
Complete Blood Cell Count: assesses red/white blood cell count
Possible treatments
Once the underlying cause of your dog’s heart attack is known, the vet will stabilise your dog’s condition. Treatment often involves medication.
Resuscitation
Your dog may require resuscitation and hospitalization after a heart attack.
Medication
Your pet may need medicine to restore their blood flow and remove any blockages.
Surgery
In some cases surgery may be required to remove these blockages.
Fluid
If there is accumulated fluid in the dog’s lungs due to congestive cardiac failure, they may be prescribed diuretics (water tablets).
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may help mitigate any damage to the heart from infection or inflammation.
Lifestyle changes
You may have to change your dog’s diet and offer supportive care and monitoring at home.
Prevention
The best way prevent a canine heart attack is to reduce your pet’s risk factors. Keep them at a healthy weight, give them a good diet and ensure they have regular exercise. Pay regular visit to the vet to monitor and stablise any ongoing health conditions.
Can dogs have heart attacks caused by anxiety?
Studies have shown there is a correlation between anxiety and canine health. Although fear is unlikely to be the main cause it could well be a contributing factor.
Be vigilant
If your dog has been diagnosed with heart issues take extra care and follow the advice from your vet. Heart conditions do mean an increased risk of heart attacks. A heart condition is manageable, but not generally curable so you may need to manage this for the rest of your pet’s life.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.