How CBD Can Help with Heart Disease in Dogs
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Your dog might seem fine on a walk one day, but then suddenly get tired after just a few steps, start coughing at night, or have trouble relaxing.
Many owners don’t realize how common heart disease is in dogs. About 10% of dogs seen by vets have it, and over 60% of senior dogs are affected.
The good news is that heart disease doesn’t mean your dog’s life is over. With proper medication, regular checkups, and care at home, many dogs live comfortably for years.
This guide will help you understand heart disease in dogs, spot the signs, know what to expect at the vet, and learn how to support your dog’s heart health.
TL;DR
If your dog has started coughing, gets tired more easily on walks, or your vet found a heart murmur during a checkup, they might have heart disease.
What is it? Heart disease is a slow decline in the heart’s ability to pump blood well, usually because of a weak or leaking valve, or a weakened heart muscle.
Is it an emergency? Usually not at the first signs, but you should see your vet soon. If left untreated, heart disease can turn into congestive heart failure (CHF), a serious problem where fluid builds up in the lungs or belly.
Does it get better? Heart disease can’t be cured, but it can be managed well. With the right medication and regular checkups, many dogs stay comfortable and active for a long time after being diagnosed.
What Is Heart Disease in Dogs?
Heart disease in dogs means any problem that affects how the heart is built or how it works, making it harder to pump blood. It can be as mild as a symptom-free murmur or as serious as congestive heart failure.
The two most common types of heart disease in dogs are myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
MMVD makes up about 75% of cases and happens when the mitral valve thickens and weakens, letting blood leak backward with each beat.
It’s most common in small and older breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas.
DCM affects the heart muscle, causing it to stretch and weaken, and is more common in large breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Irish Wolfhounds.
Some dogs are born with heart defects, like pulmonic stenosis or patent ductus arteriosus. These are usually found when puppies get their first checkups.
What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease in Dogs
The most common signs of heart disease are a lasting cough, getting tired more quickly on walks, and breathing that is fast or seems hard. Your dog might also be restless at night or faint when excited or active.
| Symptom | What You’ll See |
|---|---|
| Coughing | Often worse at night or after lying down |
| Exercise intolerance | Slowing down, lagging behind, or refusing walks they used to enjoy |
| Labored or rapid breathing | Breathing hard even at rest; belly moving noticeably with each breath |
| Restlessness | Difficulty settling or getting comfortable, especially overnight |
| Fainting or collapse | Brief loss of consciousness, usually tied to excitement or activity |
| Distended abdomen | A swollen, pot-bellied look from fluid buildup |
| Pale or bluish gums | A sign of poor oxygen circulation |
| Reduced appetite | Loss of interest in food as the disease progresses |
| Weight loss | Muscle loss over time, sometimes despite normal eating |
⚠️ If your dog is breathing hard while resting, has pale or blue gums, or collapses, treat it as an emergency and go to the vet right away. These could be signs of congestive heart failure or another serious problem.
6 Most Common Types of Heart Disease in Dogs
Dogs can develop different types of heart disease. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Heart valve disease
A dog’s heart has four valves that help blood flow the right way. If a dog is born with a faulty valve or one becomes damaged or diseased, blood can flow backward and cause turbulence.
This can lead to a heart murmur and an enlarged heart, and over time may cause congestive heart failure as blood flow gets less efficient. The most common heart disease in dogs is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD), which usually affects older, small-breed dogs.
- Myocardial (heart muscle) disease
The heart is mostly muscle. When this muscle becomes thin and weak, the heart cannot pump blood as well. This condition is called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is another heart disease. It happens when the heart muscle gets too thick, which stops the heart chamber from filling with a normal amount of blood.
- Heartworm disease
Heartworms spread when an infected mosquito bites a dog.
Adult heartworms live in the large blood vessels of the lungs and in the heart. They cause inflammation and damage, and can block blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
- Arrhythmias
If a dog’s heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly, it can be hard for the heart to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
- Pericardial disease
The pericardium is a sac that surrounds the heart. If it becomes stiff, or if fluid (usually blood) or air builds up between the pericardium and the heart, the heart cannot beat properly.
- Congestive heart failure, or CHF
Congestive heart failure can happen with many types of heart disease. It develops when the heart cannot pump blood well enough for the body’s needs. Fluid may leak from blood vessels and build up in or around the lungs, the abdomen, or other tissues.
What Causes Heart Disease in Dogs
Most heart disease in dogs fits into a few groups: valve disease, heart muscle disease, birth defects, or problems caused by something else, like heartworm infection.
| Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) | The most common cause; the mitral valve thickens and leaks. Most common in small, senior breeds. |
| Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) | The heart muscle weakens and the chambers enlarge. More common in large and giant breeds. |
| Congenital heart defects | Structural heart problems present from birth, such as pulmonic stenosis or patent ductus arteriosus. |
| Heartworm disease | Parasites that live in the heart and blood vessels, causing strain and damage over time. |
| Canine cardiac Arrhythmias | Abnormal heart rhythms that reduce pumping efficiency. |
| Age-related wear | Valves and heart muscle naturally weaken over the years, especially in small senior dogs. |
MMVD and DCM often get worse slowly and quietly, so many dogs are in the early stages before owners notice any signs.
That’s why regular vet checkups are so important, your vet can hear a murmur early and catch problems sooner.
How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed in Dogs
Most heart problems are first found when a vet hears a murmur or an irregular heartbeat during a regular checkup. After that, your vet will do more tests to understand how your dog’s heart is working.
Be ready to share the following information at your appointment:
- When symptoms started and how they’ve progressed
- Your dog’s exercise tolerance compared to a few months ago
- Any coughing, fainting, or breathing changes you’ve noticed
- Current medications and heartworm prevention history
- Breed and family history of heart disease, if known
When symptoms started and how they’ve progressedYour dog’s exercise tolerance compared to a few months agoAny coughing, fainting, or breathing changes you’ve noticedCurrent medications and heartworm prevention historyBreed and family history of heart disease, if known
Your vet will probably do the following tests:
| Test/Exam | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Physical exam and auscultation | Detects and grades a heart murmur, checks pulse and rhythm |
| Chest X-rays | Heart size and shape, fluid in the lungs |
| Echocardiogram | Detailed look at heart structure, valve function, and chamber size |
| ECG (electrocardiogram) | Detects arrhythmias |
| Blood pressure and bloodwork | Rules out related conditions and checks organ function before starting medication |
❓ Note on Costs: These numbers are just estimates. The total cost depends on where you live, if your dog needs sedation, and whether you see a general vet or a heart specialist.
How Is Heart Disease in Dogs Treated
Treatment depends on the stage and cause, but the main goal is always to make the heart’s job easier, control fluid buildup, and keep your dog comfortable as long as possible.
1. Veterinary Care
Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following:
- Pimobendan: Improves the heart's ability to pump blood and is commonly prescribed for dogs with Stage B2 degenerative mitral valve disease. Starting treatment early can delay the onset of congestive heart failure by about 15 months.
- ACE inhibitors: Medications such as enalapril or benazepril relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- Diuretics: Drugs like furosemide help remove excess fluid from the lungs or abdomen in dogs with congestive heart failure, relieving coughing and breathing difficulties.
- Dietary changes: Your veterinarian may recommend a sodium-restricted diet and supplements that support heart health, depending on your dog's condition.
- Treating the underlying cause: If heart disease is caused by heartworms, abnormal heart rhythms, or a congenital defect, treatment may include heartworm therapy, antiarrhythmic medications, or surgery when appropriate.
2. Home Care and Monitoring
Once your dog has a treatment plan, your job is to help keep their heart from working too hard and to notice any changes early. Here’s what that means day to day:
| What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Stick to the medication schedule | Heart medications work best with consistent timing and dosing |
| Track resting respiratory rate | A rate consistently above 30 breaths per minute at rest can signal worsening fluid buildup |
| Manage weight carefully | Extra weight adds strain; being underweight can signal disease progression |
| Limit strenuous exercise | Follow your vet’s guidance on activity level for your dog’s stage |
| Feed a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet | Reduces fluid retention and supports overall cardiac function |
| Keep stress and excitement moderate | Sudden exertion or excitement can trigger fainting or breathing crises in advanced disease |
| Watch for changes in gum color, appetite, and sleep | Early warning signs of a shift toward decompensation |
⚠️ Never stop or change a heart medication without talking to your vet first. Some heart drugs, like diuretics, need careful monitoring, and stopping them suddenly can make your dog’s condition worse very quickly.
How CBD Oil May Support Dogs with Heart Disease
While medications are the cornerstone of heart disease treatment, some natural supplements may help support your dog's overall health and comfort.
These products should never replace veterinary care, but they can complement your dog's treatment plan when used under your veterinarian's guidance.
Here are a few options to consider:
- CBD Oil for Dogs: Heart disease can sometimes leave dogs feeling anxious, restless, or less comfortable, especially as symptoms progress. CBD may help promote calmness, support a normal inflammatory response, and improve overall quality of life. Innovet's CBD Oil for Dogs is formulated specifically for pets and can be used alongside a veterinarian-approved treatment plan.
- Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil with Hemp Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil supports cardiovascular health by helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response. It also promotes healthy skin, joints, and cognitive function, making it a valuable daily supplement for aging dogs with heart disease.
If your dog doesn't like oils, Innovet also offers CBD soft chews, treats, capsules, and topical products, making it easy to choose a format that fits your dog's preferences and daily routine.
⚠️ Always consult your veterinarian before adding CBD or any supplement to your dog's routine, especially if they have heart disease or are taking prescription medications.
Looking for a Gentle Option for Your Dog
Innovet’s PurCBD+ oil has just two ingredients: hemp extract and hemp seed oil, with no additives or preservatives. For dogs with heart conditions who are already on several medications, keeping things simple can be important.
If you have questions about how CBD might work with your dog’s current heart treatment, you can reach our team at (310) 817-5731.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is heart disease in dogs fatal
It can be fatal, but most dogs don’t die from heart disease itself early on. With diagnosis and good care, many dogs live comfortably for a long time. The risk goes up as the disease moves to congestive heart failure, especially at Stage D.
2. Can a dog live a normal life with heart disease
Often, yes, especially in the early stages. Dogs at Stage A or B1 usually don’t show symptoms and just need to be watched. Even at Stage C, many dogs stay active and comfortable with the right medication.
3. What’s the difference between a heart murmur and heart disease
A heart murmur is just a sound, not a diagnosis. It’s often the first thing your vet notices, but not every murmur means there’s a serious problem. An echocardiogram is needed to see what’s really going on with the heart.
4. Which dog breeds are most prone to heart disease
Small breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas are more likely to get mitral valve disease. Large breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Great Danes are more likely to get dilated cardiomyopathy.
5. Can heart disease in dogs be cured
No, most types of heart disease are managed, not cured. Some birth defects are the exception and can sometimes be fixed with surgery if found early.
6. Is heart disease in dogs contagious
No, it’s not contagious to other pets or people. Heart disease usually comes from genetics, aging, or sometimes from other problems like heartworm disease.
⚠️ Disclaimer: CBD products for animals are not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, including heart disease. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement to your dog’s routine, especially if your dog has a diagnosed heart condition or is on prescription medication.
Sources:
Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Dogs
The coughing dog with a heart murmur
A HEART TO HEART ABOUT YOUR PUP’S HEART
Inherited Heart Disease in the Dog
COMMON CARDIAC DISEASES IN DOGS
Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM was raised in north Louisiana. She graduated from LA Tech in 2011 with a degree in animal science. She then moved to Grenada West Indies for veterinary school. She completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University and graduated in 2015 from St. George’s University. Since veterinary school she has been working at a small animal and exotic veterinary clinic in east Texas, where she has experience treating all species that walk in the hospital. In her free time, she likes to travel with her husband Greg, bake yummy desserts and spend time with her 4-legged fur kids, a dog Ruby, a cat Oliver James “OJ”, a rabbit BamBam and a tortoise MonkeyMan.
Thanks for stopping by!
P.S. We Love You!
Sincerely,
The Innovet Team
Please do not ask for emergency or specific medical questions about your pets in the comments. Innovet Pet Products is unable to provide you with specific medical advice or counseling. A detailed physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinarian are required to provide specific medical advice. If you are worried that your pet requires emergency attention or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic health conditions, please contact or visit your local/preferred veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center.
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