Having a large dog is pure joy — in every sense of the word! They’re loyal companions, protective, full of life, and love to be part of the family.
But with all that size comes a special responsibility: taking care of their heart.
Many people don’t realize that heart problems are fairly common in large breed dogs, especially in breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards.
The tricky part is that the symptoms aren’t always obvious.
A friend of mine, Renato, went through this with Simba, his calm and gentle Great Dane. He never imagined that such a mellow dog could be sick.
But then Simba started getting tired during short walks, coughing at night, and even fainted once.
Only then did they discover he had dilated cardiomyopathy, one of the most common heart diseases in large dogs.
Since then, I’ve been much more aware of this issue. And if you have a big dog at home, it’s really worth learning the signs and knowing how to stay on top of their heart health.
Why are large dogs more prone to heart problems?
Large breed dogs have hearts that work harder to pump blood through their bigger bodies.
Over time, this natural strain can cause wear and tear — especially if the dog is genetically predisposed or has other risk factors like obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.
Certain breeds are also genetically predisposed to heart conditions, making regular check-ups even more important.
Key signs of heart problems in dogs
A lot of symptoms can be mistaken for laziness, aging, or just general tiredness.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to patterns and talk to your vet if anything feels off:
- Excessive fatigue: if your dog gets tired quickly during short walks or light play, that’s a red flag.
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or while resting.
- Heavy or rapid breathing, even at rest.
- Bluish or pale gums and tongue.
- Fainting or losing balance.
- Swollen belly (which may indicate fluid buildup).
- Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss.
- Exercise intolerance.
If you notice more than one of these signs, don’t hesitate to call your vet right away.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing a heart problem typically involves imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and EKG.
Blood tests may also be done to check overall health.
If a heart issue is confirmed, treatment might include:
- Specific medications to regulate blood pressure and heart rhythm
- Diuretics to help remove excess fluid
- Supplements like taurine, L-carnitine, or CoQ10 (always with professional guidance)
- Diet adjustments and a routine of gentle, low-impact activity
Simba, Renato’s dog, is still doing well today with proper treatment.
He takes daily meds, goes for light walks, and eats a heart-friendly diet.
Thanks to this care, his condition is under control — and his quality of life has improved a lot.
Prevention and long-term care
Even if your dog is healthy, it’s a good idea to:
- Start regular heart check-ups around age 6 or 7, especially for at-risk breeds
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay active, but within your dog’s limits
- Feed a high-quality diet that supports cardiovascular health
Large dogs have big hearts — in every sense.
Caring for that vital organ is part of making sure they stay by our side, healthy and happy, for as long as possible.
Recognizing the signs and acting early can make all the difference.
Because true love means caring with your whole heart — and for theirs too. 🐶❤️