Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart disease in dogs causing the heart muscle to weaken and enlarge. While some cases are genetic, a diet-related form linked to grain-free foods has emerged as a major welfare concern.
DCM causes profound welfare impacts in affected dogs. The reduced cardiac output means dogs tire easily, limiting normal activity and causing distress during exertion. As the disease progresses, fluid accumulates in the chest and abdomen, causing breathing difficulty that is acutely distressing. Dogs in heart failure may struggle to sleep in normal positions. The sudden death that can result from cardiac arrhythmias is traumatic for both the dog and owners. The preventable nature of diet-associated DCM makes it a particularly important welfare issue - appropriate diet choice and monitoring can save lives.