Arrhythmia in dogs is an abnormality in the rhythm of the heart, which can include the speed, strength, or regularity of heart beats. It’s caused by unusual electrical activity in dogs’ heart muscles, which can come from congenital issues present at birth, injuries, infections, stress, and many other possible factors.
This condition is fairly common in dogs and isn’t always something to worry about. Many dogs live completely normal lives without showing any related symptoms or health issues; however, irregular heart beats are sometimes a sign of serious health concerns.
If your dog shows signs of having an unusual heart beat, then you must consult a veterinarian to diagnose any health conditions your dog might have and begin treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for arrhythmia in dogs.
The main symptom of arrhythmia in dogs is irregularities in the heart beat, which you may notice when you check your dog’s pulse, or a vet might find it during a routine exam.
The heart may be beating too fast or too slow, the beats may not be strong enough, the beats may have an irregular rhythm or skip beats from time to time, or the arrhythmia may include multiple abnormalities.
Outward symptoms in dogs are relatively uncommon and usually result from an underlying condition if they appear at all. Some uncommon symptoms include weakness, especially if the heart is beating too slow, or loss of consciousness.
Arrhythmia in dogs may be caused by a number of conditions, though sometimes these are fairly harmless and just require monitoring, diet management, and staying in shape. Irregular heart beats can, however, be a sign of serious conditions, too.
Arrhythmia can affect any dog, though brachycephalic dogs–dogs with shorter snouts–seem to have a predisposition to it. These breeds include Boxers, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Pugs, Shar-Peis, and Shih Tzus.
Treatment for arrhythmia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes. Some dogs don’t require treatment at all if the condition doesn’t pose any health risk.
Other cases can be life threatening or indicate the presence of heart disease. A vet can perform an exam and run tests to find out whether the abnormal heart beat is a problem that requires treatment or not.
There are some medications that vets may use to treat heart beat abnormalities in dogs. These include digoxin and atropine, among others.
In some cases, there are surgical options, like catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys the tissue that causes the arrhythmia. Another procedure involves placing a pacemaker to regulate a severe arrhythmia.
If your dog has an arrhythmia, then your veterinarian will be able to tell you which treatment options are available for you to consider.
Has your dog ever had an arrhythmia? What was the cause? Let us know in the comments below!
You have done an excellent job of recording your dog’s heart rhythm. Your description of the thumping almost perfectly describes a sinus arrhythmia, a normal heart rhythm which can sound alarming at first. During sinus arrhythmia, the heart rate increases when your dog breathes in, and then slows down while he is breathing out. As long as this variation is regular, it is completely normal. You may want to listen a little longer to make sure this is true.
Did you know that an EKG (heart rhythm test) will change if there is another heart within 10 inches of the one being measured? The energy put out by one heart will affect the energy of the other heart. This is the reason you should hug your loved ones often, human or dog. Let them feel your love.
My 1-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier has an odd heart rhythm. It goes thump… thump, thump, thump… thump. I am so very worried. What should I do?
Arrhythmia in dogs may be caused by a number of conditions, though sometimes these are fairly harmless and just require monitoring, diet management, and staying in shape. Irregular heart beats can, however, be a sign of serious conditions, too.
Outward symptoms in dogs are relatively uncommon and usually result from an underlying condition if they appear at all. Some uncommon symptoms include weakness, especially if the heart is beating too slow, or loss of consciousness.
The main symptom of arrhythmia in dogs is irregularities in the heart beat, which you may notice when you check your dog’s pulse, or a vet might find it during a routine exam.
In some cases, there are surgical options, like catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys the tissue that causes the arrhythmia. Another procedure involves placing a pacemaker to regulate a severe arrhythmia.
The heart may be beating too fast or too slow, the beats may not be strong enough, the beats may have an irregular rhythm or skip beats from time to time, or the arrhythmia may include multiple abnormalities.
However, while you are waiting for the appointment, please monitor your dog for fainting, coughing, lack of appetite, or decreased ability to run, play, or exercise. These are symptoms of more serious heart conditions, and if you see them you should see your vet immediately.
I noticed that my eight-month-old Bichon has an irregular heartbeat. I don’t hear a murmur, but she could have one. She is scheduled to see her vet next month for her next round of shots. Should I be concerned?
In addition to sinus arrhythmia, there are several other causes of irregular heart rates. Although these are rare, they can be serious. To be safe, you should definitely keep that appointment with your vet next month. She will be able to determine whether the arrhythmia is anything to worry about. A test known as ECG (electrocardiogram) may be necessary. As well, she can confirm the absence of a heart murmur. Most likely, your dog will turn out to be healthy.
If your dog is healthy and active, probably nothing is wrong. Most irregular heart rhythms (also known as arrhythmias) in dogs, especially young dogs, are benign.
The most common type of arrhythmia in dogs is called sinus arrhythmia. The heart of a dog with a sinus arrhythmia will beat at different rates when she is in different stages of breathing. Although sinus arrhythmias aren’t exactly normal, they almost never cause any problems.
FAQ
Why does my dog’s heart beat in threes?
Is it normal for a dog’s heart to skip a beat?
Why Does My heart beat 3 times and pause?
What does a sinus arrhythmia indicate in a dog?