What age do dogs get heart disease

In the warm years we spent with our dogs, every intimate interaction and joyful running moment became the most precious memories in our lives. The health of dogs is undoubtedly our top concern, and heart disease, this hidden health killer, is quietly threatening their lives. Understanding at what age dogs are prone to heart disease is a crucial step in safeguarding their health. Every dog is an indispensable member of the family, providing us with endless warmth with pure love. We should also do our best to safeguard their health.

Congenital heart disease is a health challenge that dogs may encounter in the early stages of their lives. This type of disease already exists in dogs at birth, and its root cause is often genetic factors or adverse factors that affect the mother during pregnancy, leading to abnormal heart development in dogs. Usually, dogs with congenital heart disease have an onset age range of approximately 2 months to 1 year old. For example, Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a common congenital heart malformation, may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and exercise intolerance in dogs during their puppy years. The lips, tongue, gums, and other areas may also exhibit cyanosis. Congenital heart diseases such as atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect can also affect the heart function of dogs in their early childhood, hindering their normal growth and development. Although congenital heart disease is relatively rare, once it occurs, it has a huge impact on the health of puppies, and owners need to detect it early and take their dogs for medical treatment in a timely manner.

As dogs age, acquired heart disease gradually becomes the main factor threatening their health. When dogs enter middle age, usually between the ages of 5 and 7, the risk of heart problems begins to quietly increase. At this point, the dog's physical functions begin to undergo some changes, and the burden on the heart is gradually increasing. Some subtle symptoms may begin to manifest, such as a dog that used to be full of energy, but now has less endurance when taking walks, and after a little activity, it becomes short of breath, as if it has undergone a vigorous exercise; Or during quiet rest, there may be occasional slight coughing sounds. These seemingly inconspicuous expressions are likely distress signals from the heart. For example, small middle-aged dogs may begin to show early symptoms of mitral valve degeneration, with the function of the heart valves gradually declining, affecting normal blood flow. For large dogs, the risk of diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy is also increasing, and the heart muscles gradually become weak, leading to a decrease in the pumping function of the heart. At this stage, the dog's body is in a delicate balance, and careful observation by the owner and regular check ups with the dog are crucial for early detection of heart problems.

When dogs reach the age of 7 and above, the incidence of heart disease significantly increases, becoming the "number one killer" that threatens their lives and health. According to statistics, dogs over the age of 7 have a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease, with small dogs being particularly susceptible to chronic valvular heart disease. As dogs age further, the probability of developing heart disease reaches up to 85% at the age of 13 and above. Chronic valvular heart disease is extremely common in small dogs. As the condition progresses, the heart valves gradually thicken and deform, causing the valves to fail to close properly, leading to blood reflux and serious consequences such as heart enlargement and heart failure. Elderly dogs with illnesses may experience significant breathing difficulties, even in a quiet state, with rapid wheezing and severe abdominal fluctuations with breathing; Cough symptoms will gradually worsen, and are mostly dry cough, especially at night or after exercise; Their activity ability severely declines, they become extremely drowsy, and lose interest in everything around them. In old age, large dogs may not only face heart valve disease, but also the impact of dilated cardiomyopathy should not be underestimated. The heart gradually expands and the contraction force of the myocardium weakens, leading to insufficient blood supply throughout the body. Dogs may exhibit symptoms such as mental fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Faced with these changes in elderly dogs, owners often feel heartbroken, but often overlook the serious heart problems hidden behind these symptoms due to lack of understanding.

In addition to age, the breed and lifestyle habits of dogs are also closely related to the occurrence of heart disease. Some specific breeds of dogs are born with a higher risk of heart disease due to genetic factors. For example, boxer dogs and Dobermann dogs are prone to developing cardiomyopathy; The Knight Charles King Hound is highly susceptible to degenerative mitral valve disease. In terms of lifestyle habits, dogs that consume high salt and high-fat foods for a long time, lack exercise, and are excessively obese will have a significant increase in heart burden, greatly increasing the risk of heart disease. In addition, dogs that are constantly in a tense and anxious environment can also have a negative impact on their heart health.

Dogs can be threatened by heart disease at different ages, from congenital heart disease in childhood to acquired heart disease that gradually increases in middle and old age. Each stage requires our careful attention. As owners of dogs, we should be familiar with their physical changes at different ages and regularly take them to pet hospitals for comprehensive check ups, including cardiac auscultation, electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, and other examination items, in order to detect potential heart problems early. In daily life, providing dogs with a balanced and healthy diet, ensuring they have moderate exercise, creating a quiet and comfortable living environment, and helping them maintain a healthy weight can all help reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs. Because every dog is the love of our lives, they accompany us throughout their lives. We also have a responsibility to provide them with the most caring and comprehensive protection at every stage of their lives, so that they can spend every beautiful day healthy and happy by our side.