Any breed of dog can suffer from heart disease but Labrador Retrievers can be prone to particular cardiovascular problems. An enlarged heart is an affliction which is common in labs, for example, and this can make it difficult for the heart muscle to work effectively.
Dogs can suffer from two types of heart disease; congenital and acquired. Whilst congenital heart disease is usually present from birth, acquired heart disease develops over a dog’s lifetime. If you’re concerned that your lab puppies may have a genetic condition, it’s important to get them to the vet straight away so that the appropriate tests can be carried out.
Alternatively, if you’re concerned that your lab dog is showing signs of heart problems, you’ll want to make a note of their symptoms and ask your vet to investigate further. Recognizing signs of heart disease in Labrador retrievers early could help save their life. Common symptoms of heart disease in dogs include:
- Getting tired more easily
- Struggling to exercise
- Difficulty breathing
- Pacing around before bedtime
- Coughing more than is usual
- Finding it hard to relax
- Weight loss
- Extra fluid in the belly causing swelling
- Fainting
- Lips or tongue taking on a blue-ish color
How to Prevent Heart Disease in Your Lab
Your lab’s diet and exercise can play a significant role in the development of acquired heart disease. By feeding your lab a healthy diet and providing them with an appropriate amount of exercise, you can help to minimize their risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.
Labs at risk of developing heart disease or dogs who have already been diagnosed with the condition may need to eat a specially adapted diet. Your vet may advise that they be put on a low-salt or no-salt diet straight away, for example.
Exercise is important for dogs but heart failure can reduce your dog’s capacity for high energy activities. If your best friend has been diagnosed with heart failure, you may have already noticed some changes in their behavior. A black lab may not be as quick to sprint across the field to retrieve its favorite toy, for example, whilst a yellow lab may need a bit of extra encouragement to engage in play.
However, too much exercise can damage the heart muscle further so it’s important not to push your dog too hard. If they become tired or disinterested, it’s time to stop and let them have a rest. If you’re concerned about how much exercise your dog should undertake, seek advice from your vet.
Managing the Symptoms of Heart Disease in your Dog
Once you’ve got a firm diagnosis, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a treatment plan. There are different types of heart disease and a mix of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and even surgery can be used to give your lab the best quality of life possible.
Following diagnostic tests, your vet will tell you which symptoms to look out for and which side-effects can be managed at home. Excess tiredness may be remedied with extra sleep time, for example, and could be managed in a home environment. A sudden change, such as a faint or a discolored tongue, however, may mean that the dog’s heart isn’t circulating enough oxygen and urgent treatment may be needed.
Although it may seem overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly become accustomed to your lab’s own symptoms and be able to differentiate between symptoms which can be dealt with at home and those which require an emergency trip to the vet.
What is the Life Expectancy For Labs with Heart Disease?
Generally, a Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of approximately 10-14 years, although it is suspected that chocolate labs may have a slightly shorter life expectancy than yellow labs and black labs. When your lab has heart disease, however, their life expectancy may be reduced.
Most owners want to know what a dog heart disease life expectancy is but there are no clear-cut answers. Life expectancy after a heart disease diagnosis typically depends on a number of factors, such as your dog’s health prior to the condition, the dog’s age, the treatment options available and their response to them.
Whilst there’s no cure for heart disease in dogs, the condition can often be well-managed. With the right treatment, a lab can live a comfortable life with heart disease but the condition is progressive. Over time, their treatments may need to become more aggressive in order to combat their symptoms and their quality of life may start to deteriorate.
Dog Heart Failure – When To Euthanize
Making the decision to euthanize your lab can be extremely distressing, but giving them a peaceful send-off can be comforting in the long-run. No-one wants to see their best friend suffer and knowing when it’s the right time to euthanize is crucial to a successful heart disease management plan.
As heart disease progresses, your dog’s symptoms may worsen. Usually, heart disease develops into congestive heart failure in dogs but this can happen over weeks, months or years. When the symptoms start to prevent your dog from carrying out daily activities, such as taking a stroll around the garden, playing with their favorite toy or eating their favorite food, it may be time to let them go.
All dogs deserve a happy and pain-free life, and heart disease won’t necessarily prevent that. With the right treatment and care, your dog can live with heart disease for a considerable amount of time. When their symptoms worsen and their enjoyment of life declines, however, it may be time to talk to your vet about euthanasia.
Until then, rest assured your lab can enjoy their time with you and live every minute to the full. With a modified diet and limited exercise program, you can help to minimize the symptoms of heart disease in labs and slow down the progression of the disease too. As with any health problem, early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment is key to a successful outcome. If you suspect your dog may be developing heart disease or if you’ve noticed them displaying any unexplained symptoms, seek help from your vet so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible.
