Your dog has a heart condition.
You are not alone.
Trusted guides on screening, medications, diet, and daily care — written for the dog parents who need it most.
DCM
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
The heart muscle weakens and chambers enlarge, reducing its ability to pump blood. Common in large and giant breeds.
Doberman, Boxer, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland
Read the DCM Guide →
Heart Murmur / MMVD
Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (leaky valve)
The mitral valve degenerates over time, causing it to leak. The most common heart disease in dogs.
Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Poodle, Yorkie
Read the MMVD Guide →Not sure what your dog has? Start with “What did my vet just tell me?”
“I just got a diagnosis” — start here
If you're reading this in the days after hearing your dog has a heart condition, these four steps will help you get oriented.
Breathe
A heart disease diagnosis is not a death sentence. Many dogs live comfortably for years with the right treatment.
Understand the diagnosis
Learn what your dog's specific condition is, the stages, and what the results mean.
Browse guides→Find your team
A board-certified veterinary cardiologist makes all the difference. They specialize in exactly what your dog needs.
Find one nearby→Learn the medications
Understand what each medication does, why it's prescribed, and what side effects to watch for.
Medication guide→How we can help
Screening & Diagnosis
Holter monitors, echocardiograms, when to start, and what the results mean.
Medications
Vetmedin, Sotalol, Furosemide, ACE inhibitors — what they do and why.
Find a Cardiologist
Directory of board-certified veterinary cardiologists across the US.
Breeds at Risk
Which breeds are predisposed to heart disease and what screening they need.
Diet & Supplements
The grain-free debate, taurine, L-carnitine, CoQ10, and feeding a cardiac dog.
Costs & Financial Help
What treatment costs, financial assistance programs, and managing expenses.
Latest articles
MMVD
Heart Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: An Owner's Guide
Why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are uniquely predisposed to MMVD, what to expect, screening recommendations, the MVD breeding protocol, and how to give your Cavalier the best possible outcome.
15 min read
Diagnosis
The Complete Guide to Doberman DCM
Everything you need to know about Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers — genetics, screening, diagnosis, treatment, diet, supplements, and living with a heart dog.
18 min read
MMVD
The Complete Guide to MMVD (Mitral Valve Disease) in Dogs
Everything you need to know about Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in dogs — the most common acquired heart disease in canines. Staging, treatment, the EPIC study, prognosis, and what to expect.
19 min read
Diagnosis
DCM Prognosis in Dogs: What to Realistically Expect
An honest, research-based look at DCM prognosis and life expectancy in dogs — what factors affect survival, what the studies show, and what you can do to give your dog the best outcome.
12 min read
Free printable guides
DCM
Your Dog Was Just Diagnosed with DCM: A 7-Day Action Plan
Step-by-step guide for the first week after a DCM diagnosis. Includes printable cardiologist questions, medication log, and respiratory rate tracker.
View & print free guide →MMVD
Your Dog Has a Heart Murmur: What to Know
Understanding MMVD stages, when treatment starts, and what to monitor at home. Includes printable staging guide and daily tracker.
Coming soonMedical disclaimer: Heart Dog Club provides educational information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or board-certified veterinary cardiologist (DACVIM-Cardiology) regarding your dog's health.