Your dog seems a little more tired than usual lately, or maybe your cat’s breathing looks slightly off. It is easy to brush these things aside as signs of aging, but for many pets, subtle changes like these can be the earliest indicators of an underlying heart condition. Heart disease in pets is more common than many owners realize, and the challenge is that it often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms, until it has already progressed.
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we understand how much your pet means to you, and we are committed to helping you stay ahead of health concerns before they become serious. Led by Dr. Cory Waxman, a University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine graduate who has been caring for pets in Northern New Jersey since 2011, our team takes a thorough, compassionate approach to every exam. Cardiology care is part of a broader commitment to keeping your pet healthy at every stage of life.
Common Types of Heart Disease in Pets
Heart disease in companion animals can take several forms, and the most common conditions vary between dogs and cats. Understanding the basics can help you recognize when something may warrant a closer look.
Heart Disease in Dogs
In dogs, myxomatous mitral valve disease is among the most frequently diagnosed cardiac conditions, particularly in older small-breed dogs. This condition involves the gradual degeneration of the heart’s mitral valve, which can eventually affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy, which involves a weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, is more commonly seen in larger breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds. Heartworm disease is another significant cardiac concern for dogs, as the presence of parasitic worms in the heart and pulmonary vessels can cause serious damage over time.
Heart Disease in Cats
Cats face their own set of cardiac challenges. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, affecting as many as one in seven, with the vast majority of cases being subclinical. This means many cats with HCM show no outward signs, making routine veterinary monitoring especially important. Because cats rarely cough in association with heart disease, and instead may show only subtle changes in breathing or appetite, the condition can go undetected without a proactive exam approach.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Knowing what to look for at home is an important part of supporting your pet’s heart health. While only a veterinarian can diagnose a cardiac condition, pet owners who are observant play a valuable role in catching early warning signs. The following changes may warrant a call to your vet:
- Reduced activity: A pet who tires more quickly on walks or seems reluctant to play
- Labored or rapid breathing: Noticeable changes in breathing rate or effort, especially at rest
- Persistent coughing: In dogs, a soft cough that worsens at night or after activity
- Fainting or weakness: Brief episodes of collapse or sudden loss of balance
- Weight loss or reduced appetite: Unexplained changes in eating habits or body condition
These signs do not always point to a heart problem, but they are worth evaluating. Catching a potential issue early gives your pet the best possible window for management and treatment.
How We Evaluate Cardiac Health
When you bring your pet in for a wellness visit, cardiac assessment is part of what we do. Routine health examinations allow us to listen carefully to your pet’s heart and lungs, check for irregular rhythms or murmurs, and assess their overall cardiovascular status. If something warrants a closer look, we have the tools to follow up right here at our practice.
Our in-house laboratory and X-ray capabilities allow us to gather important diagnostic information without the need for an outside referral in many cases. Chest X-rays help us evaluate heart size and assess for fluid in or around the lungs, while bloodwork can reveal underlying conditions that may be contributing to cardiovascular stress. When we identify a concern that benefits from specialized cardiology care, we are happy to coordinate with a cardiologist and work collaboratively to manage your pet’s needs.
For pets already living with a diagnosed heart condition, we also provide support through our chronic pet illness management services. Staying on top of follow-up exams, monitoring for changes, and adjusting care plans as needed are all part of helping your pet live as comfortably as possible.
Montclair Veterinary Associates: Cardiology Care You Can Count On
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, heart health is something we take seriously for every patient that comes through our doors. Dr. Waxman’s background in biochemistry and veterinary medicine, combined with more than a decade of experience treating pets throughout Northern New Jersey, gives our team the foundation to identify and address cardiac concerns with confidence and care. We approach each visit with the thoroughness your pet deserves.If you have noticed any changes in your pet’s energy, breathing, or behavior, or if it has simply been a while since their last checkup, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule an appointment. A proactive conversation today could make a meaningful difference in your pet’s long-term health.
