Heart Disease in Dogs

Heart Disease in Dogs

Heart disease is a common condition affecting many dogs, particularly senior dogs and certain breeds.

With early diagnosis, appropriate veterinary treatment and ongoing monitoring, many dogs continue to maintain a good quality of life for years.

At Central Pets, we help pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments following veterinary assessment, with convenient prescription upload, pharmacist-reviewed dispensing and Australia-wide delivery options.

Common signs of heart disease in dogs

Dogs with heart disease may show symptoms such as:

  • Coughing, particularly at night or after activity

  • Reduced exercise tolerance

  • Fatigue or slowing down on walks

  • Heavy or laboured breathing

  • Restlessness or difficulty settling

  • Reduced appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Fainting or collapse in some cases

Symptoms may develop gradually and can vary depending on the underlying condition.

If your dog develops coughing, breathing changes or exercise intolerance, veterinary assessment is recommended.

What causes heart disease in dogs?

Heart disease can occur for many reasons, including:

Degenerative valve disease

A common condition in older dogs where heart valves gradually become less effective.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

A condition affecting heart muscle function in some breeds.

Congestive heart failure

Some dogs require long-term treatment to support heart function and help manage fluid build-up.

Because heart disease can vary significantly between dogs, treatment plans are individualised following veterinary assessment.

Veterinary treatment and management

Management depends on the diagnosis, severity of disease, age and overall health of your dog.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Prescription treatment where appropriate

  • Ongoing monitoring and veterinary review

  • Blood pressure management

  • Lifestyle or activity adjustments

  • Monitoring of breathing and heart function

Many dogs with heart disease benefit from ongoing reassessment to help ensure treatment remains appropriate over time.

Medicines your veterinarian may prescribe

Veterinarians may prescribe treatments to support heart function, circulation or blood pressure depending on the diagnosis and your dog’s clinical needs.

Some dogs may receive treatment to support cardiac function or reduce complications associated with heart disease.

Treatment decisions vary depending on veterinary assessment and monitoring.

What if my dog struggles to take medication?

Some dogs can be difficult to medicate, especially when long-term treatment is required.

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the treating veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed to support easier administration, alternative dosage forms or tailored strengths.

Why pet owners choose Central Pets

  • Easy online veterinary prescription upload

  • Pharmacist-reviewed supply before dispensing

  • Australia-wide delivery options

  • Support for repeat prescriptions where valid repeats remain

  • Local Perth pharmacy support with national shipping

  • Compounding capability where clinically appropriate and veterinarian authorised

Do I need a prescription?

Many veterinary treatments used to manage heart disease require a valid veterinary prescription before supply.

Your veterinarian can send prescriptions directly to Central Pets, or you can upload your prescription online during checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of heart disease in dogs?

Common signs may include coughing, reduced exercise tolerance, heavy breathing, fatigue or reduced activity levels.

Can dogs live a long time with heart disease?

Many dogs continue to maintain a good quality of life for years with veterinary management and regular monitoring.

What if my dog refuses medication?

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed to support easier administration.

Does heart disease require monitoring?

Yes. Dogs with heart disease commonly require ongoing veterinary monitoring and treatment review.

Support for dogs with heart disease

Central Pets helps pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments for heart disease following veterinary assessment and pharmacist review.

Upload your veterinary prescription online for convenient pharmacist-reviewed supply.