Your dog loves you with their whole heart, but what happens when their heart isn’t working as it should? Cardiomyopathy is a common heart disease among dogs, and by paying attention to any of your dog's symptoms and bringing them to the veterinarian for regular heart screenings, you can help detect these heart issues and more quickly begin treatment when possible.

There are two major types of cardiomyopathy dogs suffer from: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is less common in dogs than cats.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs

Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the most common heart diseases in dogs, according to the Pet Health Network. With DCM, heart muscles degenerate and wear thin. Thinner muscle walls decrease the heart’s contractility (how strong it can contract and pump blood), which effectively leads to congestive heart failure.

Though we don't entirely understand what causes DCM in dogs, this type of cardiomyopathy is most often diagnosed in large and giant breed dogs who are middle-aged and older. The disease is at least partly genetic, and nutrition may also play a part, according to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Breeds such as Doberman pinschers and boxers are also prone to breed-specific arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) that may develop into DCM.

If you notice any of the following signs, you should have your dog checked for DCM:

• Exercise intolerance and a general slowing down (common in the disease's early stages)
• Feet are cool to the touch
• Coughing
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Decreased appetite
• Labored breathing

If your dog experiences rapid and heavy breathing, a blue tongue, or if they collapse, you should seek emergency veterinary treatment.

Genetics and nutrition may hold the key to understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), and scientists at Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Embark are partnering on a research project to investigate. This collaborative research will explore options for early detection of DCM, genetic risk factors for DCM (nutritional and non-nutritional), and potential solutions to support healthy recovery of affected dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with DCM and you'd like to participate in this important research project please fill out this survey.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Dogs

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is more common among cats and rarely occurs in dogs. Unlike DCM, this disease is characterized by a thickening of one or more parts of the heart's walls. HCM has been reported in Airedales, Great Danes, Boston terriers, poodles, bulldogs, and pointers. If your dog has HCM, their vet may recommend treatment for congestive heart failure along with exercise restriction and nutritional therapy.

A dog with HCM might not show any particular signs, but if you notice any of the following, you should contact your veterinarian:

• Fainting
• Signs of heart failure, including cough and exercise intolerance

Occult Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Occult cardiomyopathy — a progressive disease that causes abnormal heart rhythms — affects a large number of adult Doberman pinschers.

Dobermans with occult cardiomyopathy may have no clinical signs for years until arrhythmias progress, and DCM may develop. Older dogs who develop DCM may experience exercise intolerance. Fainting or sudden death may also occur. The best way to avoid these outcomes is to take your Doberman for annual screenings, as they make it more likely that the disease will be detected, and the arrhythmia will be controlled.