How The Canine Heart Works

The heart is simply a muscular pump divided into four chambers; two on the left and two on the right.

 

 

 

 

The common heart diseases suffered by dogs often lead to heart failure. That's not to be confused with heart attacks experienced by people. Dogs will generally suffer what is called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), a relatively slow worsening of symptoms - also suffered by people - as the heart struggles to compensate for whatever defect or disease is present. As the condition develops, it will affect all other organs in the body that rely on the efficient supply of nutrient-rich blood.