In this week’s issue, here’s what we are sniffing out

A conversation with a Cardiologist

Many of the elderly dogs I see have some form of heart disease or another. Heart disease is definitely a scary issue for an old dog, so for this week’s newsletter, I interviewed Pamela Lee, cardiologist with Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology at VRCC in Colorado to help learn a few basics about caring for an old dog’s heart.

What heart disease is most common in older dogs?

Dr. Lee: The most common heart disease in dogs is an age-related heart disease called chronic valvular degeneration. Since this heart disease is age-related, most dogs with chronic valvular degeneration are older (i.e. 8 years old and older).

What are the most commonly missed symptoms of heart disease in dogs?

Dr. Lee: The hard part is the most dogs do not have symptoms when the heart disease is mild to moderate in severity. Symptoms typically only start appearing when the disease is more severe. I think the most overlooked component is that heart murmur loudness does not correlate with severity of the heart disease.

Is there anything I should be doing as a part of my dog’s regular care to help me monitor for the onset of new heart issues?

Dr. Lee: Dogs that are 6 years old and older should have their heart listened to once yearly. If a new heart murmur is identified, then the likelihood that the dog has developed chronic valvular degeneration heart disease is high. To determine the severity of the heart disease, heart size should be evaluated (chest x-rays or heart ultrasound).

When should my older dog see a cardiologist?

Dr. Lee: The need for a veterinary cardiologist depends on many factors including how comfortable or uncomfortable the primary care veterinary team is with heart disease as well as what are the goals of the family.

If I make an appointment with a cardiologist, how do I prepare so the doctor has all the info they need?

Dr. Lee: Having a good idea of how long the heart murmur has been present is very helpful, as well as just giving us a good idea of how your dog is doing overall.

Is heart disease in old dogs a death sentence? How much longer can an old dog live with heart disease?

Dr. Lee: Heart disease is not a death sentence! Dogs can live with heart disease for many years. The long-term prognosis for each individual depends on whether or not individual is a slow or fast progressor. About 2/3rds of dogs with chronic valvular degeneration will pass away from some other disease process. Only 1/3rd of dogs with chronic valvular degeneration will develop complications from the heart disease.

How do I know when the end is near for my senior dog with heart disease?

Dr. Lee: This is definitely a difficult question. If a dog is still having cardiac complications even with medication escalation, then humane euthanasia can be considered. Additionally, if the cardiac medications are causing kidney failure, then evaluation of realistic outcomes should be evaluated.

How do I keep my elderly dog comfortable when we get to that point?

Dr. Lee: Heart disease is not a painful disease so pain medications are not needed for heart disease. However, many dogs with severe heart disease have limited exercise capacity but still enjoying being outside. Doggy strollers can be very helpful in giving your dog mental stimulation without pushing their physical boundaries.

SUMMER WALK REMINDER:

It’s already the time of year when I start reminding everyone about the dangers of foxtail for their dogs. If you’re new to the newsletter, or don’t remember the article, here’s a link to last year’s article about it. Read now and save yourself the expense, and your dog the pain of this awful weed.

TIP OF THE WEEK:

This tip comes to you from Sue and Darby. Darby is a 15 yr old dachshund who doesn’t love to drink water. Sue has a hard time getting her to drink enough during the day. To change that, Sue boils a small amount of lean ground turkey or chicken in a lot of water, and saves the water for Darby in her own little pitcher. Darby loves it, and the water drinking problem is solved! Pro tip: Sue says she freezes the water if there’s too much of it. She uses the lean chicken or turkey as a topper or treat for Darby.

🐶 Sniffing Out Senior Dog News 📰

💌 House with a Heart, senior pet sanctuary

 🏖️ Photos of top surfing dogs catching waves at Huntington Beach

📷️ Petlibro Launches Scout: The AI-powered Pet Camera That Knows the Difference Between Your Pets--And What They're Up To

Senior Dog Cartoon of the Week  

BONUS CALL OUT

I recently had the honor of doing an interview with the Soul Dog Podcast. This podcast offers pet parents the chance to celebrate the soul dog they’ve loved and lost. If you’re interested in sharing your beloved dog’s stories to an audience who cares, I highly recommend you reach out to Kate to be a guest. It’s a great way to memorialize your pet, and can help with the grieving process.

…Be a Guest on the Soul Dog Podcast

Welcome to the Soul Dog Podcast, where we celebrate the dogs we'll never forget! We invite guests to share memories and stories of their soul dogs in short, sweet 10-minute episodes.

Interviews focus on the funny stories, lessons learned, and the love we still carry. As a thank you, we donate $10 to a charity of your choice in the name of your soul dog.

Sign up to be a guest today! Guest Interest Form

How did we do with this week’s newsletter?

• High Paws

• Pooped in the House