Heart disease in pets doesn’t always start with dramatic symptoms. Most of the time, it begins with tiny, quiet changes that are easy to overlook, especially because our pets are so good at hiding discomfort. This is one of the reasons many pet owners search for pet heart disease symptoms and advice from a veterinary clinic.
As veterinarians, we often hear owners say, “I didn’t notice anything. Everything seemed normal.”
That’s why we want to share the early signs that can help you catch heart issues before they become serious, with support from a trusted vet clinic.
If your dog slows down halfway through a walk, hesitates to climb stairs, or your usually playful cat spends more time resting, it might not just be getting older.
Pets with early heart disease often try to save energy, which is a common sign of heart disease in dogs and cats.
One of the most important things you can watch for:
A healthy, relaxed breathing rate is usually 15 to 30 breaths per minute.
If it is consistently higher, especially while your pet is sleeping, it could be a sign that the heart is struggling.
An app called Cardalis is a great tool to help you count the RRR of your pet and monitor breathing rate in pets.
Pets with early heart issues may:
These soft changes often speak louder than the obvious signs and are commonly seen in early pet heart problems.
If you notice:
It is better to reach out early to your veterinary clinic.
Early diagnosis means better treatment, better comfort, and better long-term outcomes for pets with heart disease.
You spend every day with your pet. You know them better than anyone. If something feels off, trust that instinct. We are here to help, and early detection can make a massive difference in managing heart disease in pets.
Veterinary Doctor
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