Cardiac disease is among the leading causes of death in older dogs. Early detection and medication can significantly extend good-quality life and reduce suffering.
Heart disease causes progressive welfare deterioration as cardiac output declines. Dogs in early heart failure experience exercise intolerance and breathlessness that limits their enjoyment of normal activities. Advanced heart failure causes respiratory distress, anxiety, and severe weakness — a substantial welfare burden. The cardiac cough in MMVD causes chronic disruption to sleep and rest. The good news is that effective medications exist that significantly extend the period of comfortable life: pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone) form the backbone of heart failure management. The welfare priority is early detection through regular veterinary auscultation, echocardiography in predisposed breeds, and prompt initiation of evidence-based treatment at appropriate disease stages.