Heart diseases are diseases that affect the heart of dogs. It is estimated that one in ten dogs will develop this type of problem, whose treatment can take a lifetime. Dogs with heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy or heart failure, for example, need changes in routine to have greater well-being. But after all, how long does a heart dog live? Is it only with medicine?(for cardiac arrhythmia in dogs, insufficiency or any other problem) can the pet live long? Patas da Casa talked to Lucas Zagatto, a veterinarian with a postgraduate degree in cardiology. He answered these and other questions about heart disease and also taught what to do during a cardiac arrest in dogs. Check it out!

What are the most common signs of heart disease in dogs?

There are different types of heart disease in dogs, each with its own particularities. However, in general there are some symptoms that usually manifest in most of them. Veterinarian Lucas cited some:

• Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing;
• Continuous coughing;
• Apathy;
• Swelling in the abdomen or legs;
• Easy tiredness or weakness;
• Lack of appetite;
• Fainting;

Watch out for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Dogs should not have a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow. It is essential to pay attention, especially to the issue of tiredness, difficulty breathing and heart cough in dogs. As treating quickly is the best way to avoid more serious consequences, it is essential that the guardian visits any symptom.the vet.

Why does insufficiency cause heart cough in dogs, how to treat and what are the symptoms?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the most serious heart diseases. "It is characterized by insufficient blood pumping. Thus, the tendency is for blood to accumulate in the vessels, making normal flow difficult," explains Lucas. One of the great dangers of CHF is the formation of edema, when there is an accumulation of fluid in certain parts of the body. "When it occurs in the lungs, the main symptoms areAnother sign of the disease is ascites, which is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity." A coughing dog may be giving a sign of heart failure. Therefore, it is important to be alert to heart cough in dogs. How to alleviate this problem? Usually, diuretics are used, as they help to expel excess fluid, improving breathing.

What does a dog with a heart murmur mean?

You may have heard of a dog with a heart murmur, but you may not know quite what it is. "It is characterized by an anatomical flaw in the valves that leads to a lack of control in the passage of blood and, consequently, can lead to heart failure," he explains. When identifying a dog with a heart murmur, the veterinarian confirms the diagnosis of valvulopathy, one of the diseases"This is a disease that brings serious complications to the heart. It is more common in small breeds such as Pinscher, Maltese, Yorkshire and Poodle."

How long does a heart dog live?

It is not possible to define precisely how long a cardiac dog will live, as each case is different. Heart disease usually affects the elderly dog (from 7 years old). In fact, Lucas explains that heart problems are one of the biggest causes of death in elderly dogs. Today, there are different types of treatment and medicine for heart failure in dogs, as well as for othersheart disease, so heart dogs can live for a long time, depending on the quality of life offered to the dog with a heart problem, proper treatment and veterinary care.

How to improve the quality of life of a heart dog?

For a dog with a heart problem, treatment goes beyond medication. A good quality of life is essential to increase the expectation of how long a heart dog lives. Some care must be adopted on a daily basis. "The animal receives the appropriate medication and, depending on the stage of the disease, a diet is indicated. Today, there are rations specially formulated by nutritionists and nutritionists.veterinarians made for the animal that has heart problems ", advises the specialist. In addition, physical activities can be of great help. "Physical exercise is also important, as it helps to release some substances that will provide a better quality of life", he explains. Always talk to the veterinarian and do not overdo the intensity of the exercises. "Taking carenecessary, your dog can live for a long time," adds Lucas.

What to do when witnessing a cardiac arrest in a dog?

In a heart attack in a dog, symptoms arise very suddenly. As the guardian is caught off guard, it is important to know what procedure should be followed in this case. First of all, a heart attack in a dog must be recognized. Common symptoms are loss of consciousness, purple tongue, altered breathing, spasms, dilated pupils and a sudden drop in heart rate. Thedog should be immediately taken to the veterinarian.

As it is essential that a massive heart attack in a dog is treated as soon as possible, you can do some life-saving manoeuvres during the journey to the hospital. Expert Lucas teaches you how: "Placing the palm of your hand over the dog's heart, make a firm and fast pressure and release (press quickly and release once per second). Do between 100 to 120 compressions perYou can do these maneuvers until you get to the nearest emergency room in your area, to be assisted in the best way with the help of a professional", he advises.