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
Diagnosis
ARVC (Boxer Cardiomyopathy): The Complete Owner's Guide
ARVC, or Boxer cardiomyopathy, is an electrical heart disease that a normal echo can miss. Learn why Holter monitoring is the key test, plus genetics, treatment, and screening.
13 min read
Living with Heart Disease
Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs: The Complete Guide
Congestive heart failure in dogs explained in plain language - what it actually means, the stages, treatment, life expectancy, and how to care for your dog at home.
20 min read
Diagnosis
Enlarged Heart in Dogs: What It Means and What Happens Next
Your vet said your dog's heart looks enlarged on an X-ray. Learn what that actually means, the possible causes, why an echo comes next, and what treatment looks like.
12 min read
Diet & Supplements
Low Sodium Dog Food: A Complete Guide for Heart Dogs
How to find genuinely low-sodium dog food - reading labels, prescription cardiac diets vs OTC options, what counts as low, and when restriction actually helps.
12 min read
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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.
View & print free guide →Medical 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.