Cough can affect not only humans, but also dogs. In many cases, a respiratory infection is behind the cough.
In some cases, however, there is one serious illness behind. This is the case when the cough is not an ordinary one, but a cardiac cough in the dog.
In this article you will find out exactly what cardiac cough is and what causes it.
Symptoms: How do I recognize cardiac cough in dogs?
Cardiac cough exhibits some specific symptoms that will help you distinguish cardiac cough from ordinary cough. Cardiac cough occurs primarily during periods of rest.
Therefore, he usually occurs during the Night on or when your dog lies down to sleep during the day. Cardiac cough can also occur under high stress.
The cough itself is common with a Strangle tied together. It sounds like the dog is throwing up.
Another one clear sign is when the dog shows no other signs of a cold besides coughing.
accompanying symptoms of cardiac cough are shortness of breath or rapid panting. In addition, the dog is weakened and has reduced performance.
At an advanced stage, you can loss of appetite and fainting occurs. The heart cough is getting worse.
Causes of cardiac cough in dogs
The causes of cardiac cough in dogs are always heart diseases. This is usually due to mitral valve insufficiency.
The mitral valve ensures that the oxygen-filled blood reaches the left ventricle. From there it is transported into the body via the main artery.
However, if the mitral valve is damaged and no longer closes properly, the blood flows back into the left atrium, whereupon it comes to a congestion comes.
The blood congestion irritates the lungs and cardiac cough is caused. The cardiac cough is therefore not an independent disease, but always the symptom of a heart disease.
Good to know:
There are some dog breeds that are more likely to suffer from heart conditions such as mitral regurgitation. These breeds include:
- chihuahua
- dachshund
- poodle
- Pekingese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
There are also some larger dog breeds that are also affected more often:
- mastiff
- boxer
- doberman
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
Care should be taken with these dogs. This means that they should be checked annually by the vet for heart disease.
Is cardiac cough dangerous in dogs?
The cardiac cough itself is not dangerous, as it is merely a symptom is. However, the underlying disease is dangerous because it originates in the heart.
Heart disease in dogs cannot be cured, but it can be alleviate symptomsto help the dog feel better.
The earlier heart disease is discovered, the better off it can be treated become.
Cardiac Cough Relief: How Can I Help My Dog?
Basically, heart cough and the underlying disease should always be treated by a veterinarian. However there is home remediesto promote the health of your four-legged friend.
Omega-3 has a positive effect on the heart and supports its function. Omega-3 fatty acids There are different variations, for example as an oil or capsule. It can therefore easily be mixed with the daily feed.
Treatment at the vet: medication & life expectancy
Early diagnosis of cardiac cough is important in order to quickly begin proper treatment by the veterinarian. In many cases, one will medical therapy carried out.
The dog receives dehydrating and heart-strengthening drugs. In addition, medication can be used to support the circulatory system and prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
In some cases, one puncture of the chest and abdomen, during which water is sucked out.
Life expectancy in cardiac cough depends on stage of the disease and the success of the treatment.
There is no universal life expectancy.
Preventing heart cough in dogs
Cardiac cough or mitral valve insufficiency can hardly be prevented. Affected are increased small dog breeds and old dogs.
However, the course of the disease can be influenced by targeted treatment. Hence one early diagnosis important.
At the slightest sign of cardiac cough, the dog should be examined by the vet to determine an appropriate one therapy to determine.
End Stage Cardiac Cough – Should I Put My Dog To Sleep?
If the treatment of the cardiac cough does not work or if it is recognized too late, it can happen that the valve ligament or the left atrium tears. Depending on the severity, treatment is then no longer possible and the damage is irreversible.
In this case, there is the option of euthanasia. If this put to sleep makes sense or not, should always be decided individually and in consultation with the veterinarian. In the worst case, the dog can bleed to death from the inside, which is fatal.
Conclusion
Cardiac cough should always be taken seriously, as a serious illness can be behind it. If in doubt, you should always consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Heart disease in dogs cannot be cured. However, with the right treatment, they can still do some beautiful years of life experience.
Have you ever experienced heart cough in your dog?