Heart Problems

Can anyone help me out by telling me what would be some symptoms of a pug with heart problems? Would panting when it is not hot be a possible symptom? This would be when the pug is not stressed or excited about something.

My pug is over eleven not sure of age as he is a rescue from a puppy mill. I am so afraid that my hubby is giving him way to much table food treats and Ty will gain to much weight and thus have some heart problems.

Elaine

Usually a deep cough and lethargic is a sign that their might be something going on. Sounds like a vet visit might be in order.

Panting CAN be an indication of a heart issue, but Sarina is right--coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath are the most usual symptoms of heart problems as well as lethargy. It can be hard to gauge lethargy in an older dog since most of them aren't all that busy to begin with. I have a cardiac dog in foster care right now and it is obvious from listening in the stethoscope that he has a heart condition.
A vet visit is definitely in order.

Symptoms of cardiac problems in a dog:

* General weakness and fatigue, particularly noticeable after exercise. Some dogs may faint if forced to exercise.
* Shortness of breath and a cough. Most evident if left-sided heart failure, these are symptoms of an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
* Swelling of the abdomen and limbs. Most evident in right-sided heart failure. This edema is due to an accumulation of fluid throughout the body. Pressure on the swollen feet will leave a deep indentation or depression that is slow to disappear. This condition is called pitting edema.
* A bluish appearance to the tongue and gums as a result of the poor blood circulation.
* A poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These may occur from insufficient blood circulation to the liver and digestive organs.
* Excessive drinking and urination.
* An incrased heart rate and weak pulse.

Panting can also be a sign of Cushing's so you might want to get him checked out. Hope everything is ok!

With the senior dogs I've had, I've found that random panting is usually a sign of pain or discomfort. I agree with everyone else, a check up is a good idea.

You said you are worried about his weight, how is it now?

I know what you mean and I feel like weight is the one thing I really can control and will keep our pug healthy, so I am a stickler for food. Yes table food can be dangerous depending on what it is, but assuming it's table food that is safe for Ty to eat, how about reducing his kibble some to allow for the extra calories? I know I only feed Co-Pilot 1/4 cup twice a day of kibble, because that rotten girl gets cheese still every time she goes potty, her joint supplement treats and sometimes things from the cutting board, like avocado.

Thanks everyone. I will hopefully be scheduling a wellness check for Ty. First must convince the hubby that it is necessary.

Panting can also be a sign of Laryngeal Paralysis. This was the only symptom that my boy Taz had. It can only be diagnosed by having the animal placed under local anesthesia.

Not to make light of it, but panting can also happen when the pug needs to burp. Farnsworth is an OCD licker and takes in a lot of air so can burp up his toenails. He often pants before he gets relief.