Dog Breeds at Risk for Heart Failure

ArticleMay 20152 min readSponsored

Multiple factors contribute to the development of canine heart disease, but breed is an important consideration. While dogs of any size and age may develop heart failure, certain breeds are predisposed to developing atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).¹ As they age, these breeds require increased monitoring for acquired heart disease.¹

Small-breed patients, such as Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Toy Poodles, need care management recommendations to account for their predisposition to AVVI.¹ In most small breeds, acquired heart disease and heart failure are often caused by AVVI.¹

While most small-breed dogs that experience heart disease and heart failure are affected by AVVI, large or giant breeds are more likely to develop DCM.¹ Closely monitor large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, and Golden Retrievers, for signs of heart muscle deterioration caused by DCM. Large-breed dogs with DCM are also at risk for fatal congestive heart failure.¹

Consider recommending that dog owners keep their pets in good physical condition. Your clients may interpret a breed’s likelihood of developing AVVI or DCM as license to allow their pets to be inactive. Explain to pet owners that even dogs predisposed to cardiovascular disease should engage in regular exercise and maintain appropriate body weight.

Encourage clients with at-risk dogs to make regularly scheduled checkups. Even if a dog does not show clinical signs, routine checkups are an opportunity for you to closely monitor at-risk dogs as they age. By making owners aware of any breed predisposition to AVVI or DCM, you can help them decide to seek timely treatment for their dog.

Although breed alone is not a sure indicator that a dog will develop heart disease, it can be a factor to consider when monitoring long-term health.