Heart Attacks in Dogs Vet’s 2025 Guide– Recognition & Emergency Care 💔

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

💡 What Is a Heart Attack in Dogs?

A heart attack—also called myocardial infarction—occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. While rare in dogs, it's a serious emergency when it happens.

⚠️ Who's at Risk?

• Dogs with pre-existing heart disease, congenital defects, vascular conditions or tumors affecting coronary vessels.
• Obesity, diabetes, high-cholesterol diets, atherosclerosis, hypertension, vasculitis increase risk.
• Any breed, age, or size—though more common in older or unhealthy dogs.

🚨 Warning Signs to Watch

• Sudden collapse—often the first sign
• Rapid or labored breathing, panting, fast heart rate, fever
• Vomiting, front-leg pain, immobility, confusion, seizure, head tilt
• Sudden death may occur in severe cases

🔬 Diagnosis Approach

• Emergency physical exam: pulse, rhythm, breathing, blood pressure
• ECG for arrhythmias, cardiac markers, CBC, chemistry, and troponin as available
• Chest X-rays, echocardiogram, and potentially CT for detailed diagnosis and clot evaluation

🛠 Emergency Treatment

• Stabilize breathing and circulation—oxygen, IV fluids, pain control
• Anti-thrombotics (aspirin, clopidogrel) if clot is suspected
• Treat underlying conditions—manage arrhythmias, infections, and hypertension
• Advanced care may involve ICU monitoring, ventilatory support

🏥 Post-Event Care & Monitoring

• Hospital stay for observation—repeat ECGs, blood pressure, imaging
• Medications: heart failure drugs, antithrombotic regimens, treat comorbidities
• Cardiac rehabilitation—rest, stress reduction, nutritional guidelines

🛡 Long-Term Prevention

• Regular cardiac check-ups for at-risk dogs (equine echo, BP monitoring)
• Weight control, exercise, low-fat, balanced diet
• Manage diabetes, treat high blood pressure, and prevent infection-induced vasculitis
• Atherosclerosis/hyperlipidemia: diet, medication, regular screening for Schnauzers, Beagles, Bulldogs

📈 Prognosis

Prognosis is guarded. Survival depends on infarct size, speed of treatment, and effective management of underlying causes. Dogs that stabilize can survive months to years with close follow-up.

📲 Tools for Support

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 telehealth for emergencies, medication queries, and monitoring

✅ Key Takeaways

• Heart attacks in dogs are rare but life-threatening; rapid response is critical.
• Signs often include collapse, panting, vomiting, and arrhythmia symptoms.
• Diagnosis by ECG, imaging & bloodwork; treatment focused on stabilization & disease management.
• Prevention includes heart health monitoring, weight management & treating comorbidities.
• Post-event, supportive tools and veterinary follow-up improve survival chances 🩺

📥 Need Help Now?

If your dog collapses or shows breathing trouble, call your vet immediately. For real-time support, download the Ask A Vet app and visit AskAVet.com anytime for expert guidance. 💔🐾