PET HEALTH
Heart Disease and your Pets
Heart disease can happen in dogs and cats, just as it does in humans. It can either be congenital, meaning they were born with it, or it is acquired, developing over time because of other health conditions. As our pets age, their risk for heart disease increases. Detecting a heart condition can be difficult, that is why it is important to take your pet to the vet for regular exams. Learn more about heart disease, the importance of regular check-ups and the symptoms you may experience with your pet.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Pets
Heart disease in pets can range from a murmur, to valve or muscle damage, or even cardiac arrest. Since our pets can’t verbalize not feeling well, here are signs to watch for in your pet:
- Cough
- Tiredness or increased sleeping
- Rapid breathing
- Poor appetite
- Enlarged tummy
- Pale or bluish gums
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Possible fainting spells
If you take your pet in for any of these symptoms, your vet may perform an x-ray to see if the heart is enlarged. The x-ray is typically the first step in diagnosing the condition and setting the stage for the best treatment plan.
Other Pet Heart Health Topics
Looking to learn more about your pet's heart health? Consider checking out these related topics:
Protect your Pets
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.