Heart disease is one of the most common medical problems in dogs and cats. Heart disease is defined as ANY destructive process within the heart.

Your pet’s heart is the most important organ in its body. The heart collects blood from the body and pumps this blood to the lungs, where it gathers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The oxygen enriched blood is then taken from the lungs back to the heart, and the heart pumps that blood throughout the body. Quite a remarkable feat for such a small muscle!

Obviously, it is very important for your pet’s heart to be kept at it’s optimum operating condition.

Heart disease can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs or abdomen. Heart disease also causes an inadequate flow of blood to other vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys and lungs.

Signs of Heart Disease

Typically, ‘low’ coughing is a sign of heart disease. Often this cough is uncontrollable to the point of gagging. Other possible signs of heart disease are:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise
• Exercise intolerance
• Noticeable weight gain or loss
• Abdominal distension

Be sure to contact Ojai Pet Hospital for an appointment if your pet is showing any of these signs.